To the editor: On Sept. 2, President Trump ordered the navy to hold out a ship strike that killed 11 individuals on the excessive seas, doubtlessly violating worldwide legislation (“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 circle of relatives. “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 considerations concerning the legality of the strikes.
Congress has a constitutional responsibility to examine abuse of govt energy. By refusing, they danger normalizing lawlessness and placing our troops at higher danger. As a 20-year Air Pressure veteran and 33-year Division of Protection assist contractor, I do know the true price of struggle. Accountability can’t be optionally available.
Jeff Merrick, Lengthy Seaside
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To the editor: Colombian President Gustavo Petro needs an investigation into Trump and different officers relating to the lethal assaults on a number of boats within the Caribbean believed to be transporting medicine (“Colombia’s president requires legal investigation in opposition to Trump over Caribbean strikes,” Sept. 24). I’m all for attempting to eradicate drug circulation into the U.S., however attacking three small boats must be one of the crucial inefficient methods to realize that objective. Tons of medicine go by way of our borders each month undetected. Blowing up vessels which might be the scale of some small leisure boats within the U.S. is about as efficient at stemming the circulation of medicine as busting somebody for possessing a joint at a Phish live performance.
Daniel V. Shannon, Camarillo
