Article 2, section 1 of the US Constitution reads:
Before he enter on the
Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or
Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of
my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United
States."
Presidents have often, by custom, added "so help me
God," though it is not part of the oath.
It's
more than a little disconcerting that our current president believes, as he was
told by his Attorney General, that he has the authority to kill our citizens,
in this country, by means of a drone strike. That seems to be in total
disagreement with our sixth amendment which says:
“No person shall be held
to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment
or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval
forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public
danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in
jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a
witness against himself, nor be deprived
of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall
private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” (italics
mine)
It a appears clear to me that to use a drone to kill a citizen in
this country would be a clear violation of this amendment, in more than one
way. The death penalty requires that a capital offence be committed, an
accusation must come by way of a Grand Jury and then due process must be used
before the penalty is exacted from the guilty party. To summarily strike
someone without regard for the guaranteed rights is to declare war on our
constitution. So, how can our president
be protecting our constitution when he even asks if he has the authority to do such a thing?
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