To the editor: On Sept. 2, President Trump ordered the army to hold out a ship strike that killed 11 folks on the excessive seas, doubtlessly violating worldwide regulation (“U.S. carries out third deadly strike on alleged drug boat,” Sept. 19). This reckless conduct — repeated twice extra in current weeks — endangers U.S. credibility and the lives of service members, together with my family. “Simply following orders” has by no means excused illegal acts.
But Congress stays largely silent. Some name it an “overreach of govt energy,” however let’s be clear: Killings on worldwide waters exterior of armed conflicts are illegal. Even Division of Protection attorneys have reportedly raised issues in regards to the legality of the strikes.
Congress has a constitutional responsibility to examine abuse of govt energy. By refusing, they threat normalizing lawlessness and placing our troops at better threat. As a 20-year Air Drive veteran and 33-year Division of Protection assist contractor, I do know the true value of warfare. Accountability can’t be non-compulsory.
Jeff Merrick, Lengthy Seaside
..
To the editor: Colombian President Gustavo Petro desires an investigation into Trump and different officers concerning the lethal assaults on a number of boats within the Caribbean believed to be transporting medicine (“Colombia’s president requires felony investigation towards Trump over Caribbean strikes,” Sept. 24). I’m all for attempting to get rid of drug circulate into the U.S., however attacking three small boats needs to be one of the crucial inefficient methods to attain that purpose. Tons of medicine go by our borders each month undetected. Blowing up vessels which are the scale of some small leisure boats within the U.S. is about as efficient at stemming the circulate of medicine as busting somebody for possessing a joint at a Phish live performance.
Daniel V. Shannon, Camarillo
