DOJ: U.S. Military Above the Law, Unless You're a Civilian
The Hill reports the DOJ believes U.S. military members cannot be prosecuted for accidental deaths when attacking drug smuggling vessels in international waters. This legal opinion emerged after a 2012 incident where a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, operating with a Navy detachment, fired on a fishing boat they mistook for a drug runner, killing three innocent civilians. One might wonder if this
'mistake' would receive such a robust defense if the vessel wasn't American, or if the victims weren't non-Western. This isn't merely about drug boats; it's a blank check for operations that often result in 'collateral damage.' The U.S. has a long, documented history of disproportionate force in conflict zones, from drone strikes killing wedding parties to night raids that wipe out entire
families. The message is clear: our military's 'mistakes' are legally protected, while others' actions receive rapid condemnations and calls for international tribunals. How many 'operational errors' does it take before accountability becomes more than a footnote?