DAVE ROSS

This might be bigger than skeet shooting

Feb 6, 2013, 5:52 AM | Updated: 6:08 am

The memo asserts that the United States – as part of its right to defend itself – can t...

The memo asserts that the United States - as part of its right to defend itself - can target al Qaeda operatives wherever they may be if they pose an imminent threat. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

In 2011, a U.S. drone flying over Yemen, fired a missile and blew up alleged terrorist Anwar Al Awlaki.

“I could not reconcile between living in the U.S. and being a Muslim,” Al Awlaki had said.

He was a radical Muslim – accused of inspiring the Times Square bomber, and the underwear bomber who tried to bring down a plane over Detroit.

But he was also an American citizen.

His demise is back in the news because of a Justice Department memo just disclosed by NBC.

The memo asserts that the United States – as part of its right to defend itself – can target al Qaeda operatives wherever they may be if they pose an imminent threat.

But it also states that defining someone as an imminent threat “does not require the United States to have clear evidence that a specific attack on US persons and interests will take place in the immediate future.”

Which would seem rather broad.

The White House doesn’t think so but look who does – on the left, MSNBC host Ed Schultz, “This document gives the president the ability act as judge, jury and executioner. I’m troubled by it.”

And on the right, Fox’s Sean Hannity, “Killing them without allowing any legal recourse, no safe guards in place?”

Hannity, I think it’s fair to say is no fan of legal rights for terrorists.

It’s one of those strange moments when voices on the right and on the left seem to be in agreement.

They seem to have noticed that in time of war, the law is not so much etched in stone as sketched in the clay of justice department memos – and interpreted in a way that justifies whatever action you’ve already decided to take.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

3 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

11 days ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

1 month ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

1 month ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

1 month ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

2 months ago

This might be bigger than skeet shooting