Analyst's note: Absolutely must read and carefully consider the entire original article. It is now reported that American citizens like Anwar al-Awlaki are placed on a kill list by a secret panel of senior federal officials, which then informs the president prior to the killing. What we are seeing described here, as it pertains to killing rogue American citizens, is nothing short of murder by one who claims to be eligible to be President of the United States. Secret assertions by the "good old boys" club of American power (regardless of political party) is NOT suitable for our government to target American citizens. This is a watershed event with incalculably grave consequences for the future liberty and security of all Americans as we observe the beginning of tyranny. One can only conclude that our nation is in deep trouble. We must also remember that our federal government works for "We the People" - which means we have a responsibility to use national discourse and the law to stop this.
"[....] There is no public record of the operations or decisions of the panel, which is a subset of the White House's National Security Council, several current and former officials said. Neither is there any law establishing its existence or setting out the rules by which it is supposed to operate.
[....] The White House is portraying the killing of Awlaki as a demonstration of President Barack Obama's toughness toward militants who threaten the United States. But the process that led to Awlaki's killing has drawn fierce criticism from both the political left and right. [....]"
Our nation's baseline document known as the U.S. Constitution, both by design and content, provides for taking care of an enemy Islamist like al-Awlaki ... why are we not using it? By what authority did we depart from being a country of Laws? Where is the demand for extradition, the Grand Jury indictment even if Awlaki didn't show up for trial, the trial by an impartial Jury of his peers, the discovery, the confrontation of hostile witnesses, etc., etc. Where was the courageous refusal ... in writing ... to carry out the out the unlawful order, coupled with a promise to hold those who issued the order to some future accountability before the Law?
Section 9 - Limits on Congress
The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. [....]
Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. Ratified 12/15/1791.
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.
Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
