My Opinion: ACLU And Others Decry Killing Of American Militant Without Due Process
Anwar al-Awlaki, an Al Qaeda leader, and Samir Kahn who edited an internet magazine for Al Qaeda were killed early Friday by US forces. The ACLU and others including Ron Paul have raised "due process" concerns. Paul told Fox News " No one likes these kind of people, but I also like the rule of law and I like our Constitution, that you don't just target people, assassinate them, someone who has not been charged and you have no proof of anything." In my opinion Ron Paul, the ACLU and others should be more concerned about the safety of our country.
Vince Warren, executive director of The Center for Constitutional Rights said "If we allow such gross overreaches of power to continue, we are setting the stage for increasing erosions of civil liberties and the rule of law". Similar views were expressed by the ACLU and other groups.
In my opinion Anwar al-Awlaki, Samir Kahn and other American born radicalized Muslims who leave American soil and preach hatred and violence have given up their American citizenship and by their actions have joined the list of "enemy combatants". As soldiers fighting against our country they deserve to be treated humanely if captured but if killed in the line of duty they should be counted as war casualties and nothing more.
As for "due process" I think when a person makes worldwide television appearances, denounces his homeland, admits to planning attacks that have killed Americans and urges others to kill Americans he or she has confessed and "due process" has been concluded. "Due process" was never afforded to those who died because of al-Awlaki and Kahn and their actions.
It's my opinion that the "rights" of radicals should be overshadowed by our right to life.