US Military Strikes 'Alleged' Drug Boat, Dodges Congress
The US military, according to The Independent , has once again flexed its muscles in the Eastern Pacific, striking an "alleged" drug boat and killing four. This occurred precisely the same day the House rejected efforts to limit presidential power to use military force against cartels. One might think a coincidence of such magnitude deserves more than a passing mention, especially when the
executive branch appears to be demonstrating precisely why legislators sought those limits. So, the US military can launch lethal strikes against unspecified vessels, based on unspecified intelligence, resulting in deaths of unspecified individuals, all under the banner of the 'drug war,' which itself has a rather spotty human rights record globally. Yet, when Congress attempts to exert its
constitutional authority over declarations of war and military action, these efforts are dismissed. It seems some 'alleged' threats provide perpetual carte blanche, while democratic oversight is just a quaint suggestion.