Ethics of Drone Strikes

Ethics of Drone Strikes Judah Wiesner Joan Fisher Above the law: Murder without consequence As stated in the 10 commandments, Thou shalt not kill. A clear statement, yet if necessary we kill without thought, but mostly for self-defense; but if, for example, you killed an innocent civilian, you would spend 15 years to life in prison. If thousands of people are getting locked up every day for murder, why shouldnt the government? Our government has been using drones to indirectly bomb foreign locals since 2001, resulting in staggering amounts of casualties over the years. The United States of America should stop drone strikes abroad because it kills a drastic number of foreign citizens and traumatizes local populations; it is secretive, lacks adequate legal oversight, and it targets men and women who may not even be enemy combatants or terrorists. Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, are remotely-controlled aircrafts which are loaded with bombs and missiles for various missions involving the CIA. Beginning with the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001, along with the succeeding War on Terror, the U.S. has been using drones to take out suspected terrorists in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, and some other countries. A campaign of drone strikes calculated to take out certain high-value enemies, a project called Operation Haymaker, had, throughout a five-month time period that ended the February of 2013, resulted in no more than 35 jackpots, a term used to signal the neutralization of a specific targeted individual, while more than 200 people were declared EKIA enemy killed in action' (Zenko). The Pakistan government has even released estimates of deaths in specific drone strikes. From January 13, 2006, to October 24, 2009, it is stated that out of 746 deaths from drone strikes, 147 a re clearly casualties, with 94 being children (Woods). That means that the U.S. government would have to serve up to 220 years in prison for manslaughter under normal circumstances; but, I suppose when you are the law, you choose your own consequences. Per Clive Stafford Smith, attorney at law and founder of the organization Reprieve, an entire region is being terrorized by the constant threat of death from the skies. Their way of life is collapsing: kids are too terrified to go to school, adults are afraid to attend weddings, funerals, business meetings, or anything that involves gathering in groups. If you are wondering how this is legal, dont ask the government. The U.S. has been bombing innocent civilians for far too long with far too few punishments, and we can no longer justify it. The use of pilotless aircrafts for surveillance and targeted killings by the United States has quickly become a very controversial human rights issue; especially since the CIA has kept all the information as private as possible. The fact that the government is getting away with these irresponsible and reckless actions every year is astonishing. But casualties arent the only thing keeping these bombings from being successful. Another large problem is that these strikes are secretive and lack legal oversight, which leads to us not being able to hold our leaders liable. The CIA has yet to officially acknowledge its drone programs anywhere in the world, let alone describe the rules and procedures for compliance with US and international law (Amnesty International). Drones are used in places where war is not openly stated or permitted by Congress, which lets our nations leaders have virtually limitless power over undisclosed wars all around the world. Sadly, with the government controlling nearly everything, theres not a lot that has been done to stop drone strikes, or even slow them down. Although there have been some small things here and there, the largest and most common defense is petitions. Unfortunately, these petitions havent done a lot. Although it may sound farfetched, congress should think about taking away the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). The Obama administrations domestic legal justification for most drone strikes relies on the AUMF, which it interprets to authorize the use of force not only against those individuals and organizations with some real connection to the 9/11 attacks, but also against all associates of al Qaeda. (Brooks). This vastly pliable elucidation of the AUMF has lowered the point for the U.S. to start using force. Taking away the AUMF would not deny our president the capability of using force when necessary, to prevent or respond to a serious attack on our country, the presi dent would retain his existing power as commander in chief and chief executive, to protect our nation when needed; Nonetheless, taking away the 2001 AUMF would certainly minimize the frequency in which our president needs to resort to targeted killings. Saying to stop drone strikes completely would be rather farfetched, as there are benefits from them. Drone strikes help to create a much safer experience for our soldiers by taking them from the battlefield; Instead of boots on the ground combat, we can keep certain soldiers on U.S. soil, piloting drones out of allied territory. The Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and their partners often work in unforgiving, distant locations where sending out teams of special forces to locate and apprehend terrorists would be exceptionally dangerous, and drones keep us from doing so. Although this operation is a life saver, it is also a life taker. Indeed, the United States does warrant the use for drone strikes; but if you look at the facts or even talk to the locals in the countries receiving these strikes, it is apparent that the U.S. is being negligent, irresponsible and paying no attention to the thousands of casualties in the process. The United States of America should stop drone strikes abroad because it kills a drastic amount of pedestrians and traumatizes local populations; it is secretive, lacks adequate legal oversight, and it targets men and women who may not even be enemy combatants or terrorists. Work cited Zenko, Micah. The Intercepts Drone Papers Revelations Mandate a Congressional Investigation. Foreign Policy. October 15, 2015. February 25, 2017, web. Woods, Chris. Get the data. The Pakistan governments secret document. The Bureau ofInvestigative Journalism. July 22, 2013. February 27, 2017, web. Will I be Next?' Amnesty International. October 22, 2013. March 5, 2017, web. Brooks, Rosa. 10 Ways to Fix the Drone War. Foreign Policy. April 11, 2013. March 9, 2017,  web.

The Three Tier Essay

The five-paragraph essay is a form of written argument. It is a common requisite in assignments in American schools. The format requires an essay to have five paragraphs: one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs with support and development, and one concluding paragraph. Because of this structure, it is also known as a hamburger essay, one three one or a three tier essay. The introduction serves to inform the reader of the basic premises, and then to state your thesis, or central idea. When a thesis essay is applied to this format, the first paragraph typically consists of a narrative hook, followed by a sentence that introduces the general theme, then another sentence narrowing the focus of the one previous. (If the author is using this format for a text-based thesis, then a sentence quoting the text, supporting the essay-writer's claim, would typically go here, along with the name of the text and the name of the author. Example: â€Å"In the book Night, Elie Wiesel says†¦ â€Å"). After this, the author narrows the discussion of the topic by stating or identifying a problem. Often, an organizational sentence is used here to describe the layout of the paper. Finally, the last sentence of the first paragraph of such an essay would state the thesis the author is trying to prove. The thesis is often linked to a â€Å"road map† for the essay, which is basically an embedded outline stating precisely what the three body paragraphs will address and giving the items in the order of the presentation. Not to be confused with an organizational sentence, a thesis merely states â€Å"The book Night follows Elie Wiesel's journey from innocence to experience,† while an organizational sentence directly states the structure and order of the essay.

Answer Key for Lewis and Clark Reloaded - 3735 Words

ANSWER KEY for â€Å"Lewis and Clark Reloaded: The 3,041-Mile Bike Trail† by Mary Rose Grant School for Professional Studies Saint Louis University Part I—The Adventure Begins †¦ and Comes to a Screaming Halt 1. What body systems are primarily affected and what physiological changes would you expect Joe and Frank to experience during such rigorous exercise? You may list, as students report out, the physiological changes to the respiratory, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and urinary systems expected during strenuous exercise and as noted in the case of the cyclist, Joe. Students will respond with answers suggesting increases in heart rate, respiration, sweating and muscle fatigue, as well as muscle soreness as normal. However, in†¦show more content†¦3. What additional information or tests would you request? Considering a diagnosis of dehydration, along with the fact that Joe seems to be consuming a lot of caffeine, a diuretic that causes fluid loss, the student may suggest testing Na, Ca, and other electrolyte levels in the blood, as well as levels of caffeine or other metabolites in the blood and urine. This latter information may help the student determine or at least estimate Joe’s caffeine intake. The student can begin to research and accumulate knowledge about dehydration as well as the effects of caffeine in the body. New knowledge about caffeine’s role in possibly interfering with iron absorption and decreasing insulin levels may lead the student to consider additional tests for iron and blood insulin levels. The student may also come to the conclusion that such tests may not be needed, necessary or specific to caffeine intake. To further explain Joe’s rapid heart rate, the student may request an electrocardiogram to investigate any presenting heart arrhythmias. Part III—A Dangerous Detour 1. Weeding out misinformation and piecing together the many facts presented, what is your diagnosis of Joe’s condition? Joe is suffering from caffeine intoxication and is also dehydrated. 2. What signs, symptoms, risk factors, and conditions lead to thisShow MoreRelatedSolution Manual, Test Bank and Instructor Manuals34836 Words   |  140 PagesIntroduction to Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Edition _ Jonathan Wickert, Kemper Lewis (SM) An Introduction to Physical Science, 13th Edition _James T. Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Jr (IM+TB+IM for Lab Manual) An Introduction to Programming With C++, 6th Edition_Diane Zak (Solution files+Answer to Review Questions+IM) An Invitation to Social Research How Its Done, 4th Edition _ Emily Stier Adler, Roger Clark (IM) An Object-Oriented Approach to Programming Logic and Design, 3rd Edition_JoyceRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagesof prosperity and profitability, has been widely emphasized as a continuing key to this economic strength. It has been discussed quite properly in terms of the rapid growth of technology, particularly information technology. However, in these times when the fast devour the slow, productivity also particularly relates to the significance of the ways in which a company can maintain its fundamental business innovation as a key to its competitive 6 Feigenbaum−Feigenbaum: The Power of Management

Interesting Quotes From Novel Alas, Babylon

Pat Franks classic novel Alas, Babylon  is filled with provocative quotes. Published in  1959, the book  takes place in Florida and is  centered around the Braggs. One of the first novels of the nuclear age, Alas, Babylon has a distinctly  post-apocalyptic bent. With this roundup of quotes, categorized by chapter, familiarize yourself with the prose that made this novel so unique.   Chapters 1-2 Urgent you meet me at Base Ops McCoy noon today. Helen and children flying to Orlando tonight. Alas Babylon. (Ch. 1)Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. (Ch. 2)Sure. Time-on-target. You dont fire everything at the same instant. You shoot it so it all arrives on target at the same instant.  (Ch. 2) Chapters 4-5 Peewee may be a mouse aboard ship, but hes a tiger in a Tiger. If I sent him up with orders to shoot down the moon, hed try. (Ch. 4)So here comes our local Paul Revere, he greeted Randy. What are you trying to do, frighten my wife and daughter to death?  (Ch. 4)Ben Franklin, staring to the south, said, I dont see any mushroom cloud. Dont they always have a mushroom cloud?  (Ch. 5)Edgar hesitated. To refuse to cash government savings bonds was fiduciary sacrilege so awful that the possibility never before had entered his head. Yet here he was, faced with it. No, he decided, we dont cash any bonds. Tell those individuals that we wont cash any bonds until we find out where the government stands, or if.  (Ch. 5) Chapters 6-9 As Chief Executive of the United States, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I hereby declare a state of unlimited national emergency until such time as new elections are held, and Congress reconvenes. (Ch. 6)Whos winning? Nobodys winning. Cities are dying and ships are sinking and aircraft is going in, but nobodys winning.  (Ch. 6)In four months, Randy said, weve regressed four thousand years. More, maybe. Four thousand years ago the Egyptians and Chinese were more civilized than Pistolville is right now. Not only Pistolville. Think what must be going on in those parts of the country where they dont even have fruit and pecans and catfish.  (Ch. 8)I think most of us sensed this truth, but we could not accept it. You see, no matter how well we understood the truth it was necessary that the Kremlin understand it too. It takes two to make a peace but only one to make a war. So all we could do, while vowing not to strike first, was line up our lead soldiers. (Ch. 9)It was a w olf, Randy said. It wasnt a dog any longer. In times like these dogs can turn into wolves. You did just right, Ben. Here, take back your gun. (Ch. 9) Chapters 10-13 No. A company under martial law. So far as I know Im the only active Army Reserve officer in town so I guess its up to me.  (Ch. 10)The end of the corn and exhaustion of the citrus crop had been inevitable. Armadillos in the yams was bad luck, but bearable. But without fish and salt their survival was in doubt. (Ch. 12)Ben Franklin was credited with discovering a new source of food, and was a hero. Peyton was only a girl, fit for sewing, pot washing, and making beds.  (Ch. 12)It was proof that the government of the United States still functioned. It was also useful as toilet paper. Next day, ten leaflets would buy an egg, and fifty a chicken. It was paper, and it was money. (Ch. 13)We won it. We really clobbered em! Harts eyes lowered and his arms drooped. He said, Not that it matters. (Ch. 13)