In recent years, the United States has been engaging in extrajudicial executions abroad under the guise of national security and counterterrorism efforts. The administration’s rhetoric and justification for these actions have come under intense scrutiny, with many questioning the legality and morality of such practices. In a recent panel discussion, journalists Akela Lacy, Radley Balko, and Nick Turse delved into this controversial topic and shed light on the dangerous implications of giving the president a “license to kill.”
The panel, hosted by The Intercept, brought together three prominent journalists who have extensively covered issues of war, national security, and civil liberties. Akela Lacy, a national security reporter for The Intercept, opened the discussion by highlighting the alarming increase in extrajudicial killings under the Trump administration. She pointed out that while drone strikes were common under the Obama administration, Trump has taken it to a new level by loosening the rules of engagement and even targeting American citizens without due process.
Radley Balko, a journalist and author of “Rise of the Warrior Cop,” expressed concerns about the administration’s rhetoric surrounding these killings. He noted that the term “extrajudicial execution” is often used to describe these actions, but in reality, they are nothing short of assassination. He also highlighted the dangerous precedent being set by the administration, where the president has the power to unilaterally decide who lives and who dies, without any oversight or accountability.
Nick Turse, an investigative journalist and author of “Kill Anything That Moves,” added to the discussion by shedding light on the civilian casualties caused by these extrajudicial killings. He pointed out that while the administration claims to be targeting terrorists, the reality is that innocent civilians, including women and children, often become collateral damage. Turse also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in these operations, which makes it difficult to determine the true extent of the harm caused.
The panelists also discussed the possibility of these extrajudicial killings being carried out within the United States. While this may seem far-fetched, Balko warned that giving the president the power to kill without due process could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to similar actions being taken against American citizens on US soil.
The discussion also touched upon the role of the media in covering these issues. Lacy pointed out that there is often a lack of critical reporting when it comes to national security and counterterrorism operations, with many media outlets simply parroting the government’s narrative. This lack of scrutiny and accountability only serves to perpetuate the dangerous rhetoric and actions of the administration.
In conclusion, the panelists emphasized the urgent need for the American public to be more aware and critical of the administration’s actions. They urged for a re-examination of the laws and policies that allow for these extrajudicial killings to take place and called for increased transparency and accountability in these operations. They also stressed the importance of a free and independent media in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the truth is revealed.
The Trump administration’s “license to kill” has far-reaching implications, not just for those targeted abroad but also for the principles of justice, accountability, and human rights. It is up to the American people to demand that their government upholds these values and to hold their leaders accountable for their actions. As the panelists highlighted, the time to speak out against these extrajudicial executions is now, before it becomes the new norm.
