by Ron Paul
Last week I joined several of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama requesting clarification of his criteria for the lethal use of drones overseas. Administration officials assure us that a “high degree of confidence” is required that the person targeted by a drone is a terrorist. However, press reports have suggested that mere “patterns of behavior” and other vague criteria are actually being used to decide who to target in a drone strike. I am concerned that an already troublingly low threshold for execution on foreign soil may be even lower than we imagined.
The use of drones overseas may have become so convenient, operated as they are from a great distance, that far more “collateral damage” has become acceptable. Collateral damage is a polite way of saying killing innocent civilians. Is the ease of drone use a slippery slope to disregard for justice, and if so what might that mean for us as they become more widely used on American soil against American citizens?
This dramatic increase in the use of drones and the lowered threshold for their use to kill foreigners has tremendous implications for our national security. At home, some claim the use of drones reduces risk to American service members. But this can be true only in the most shortsighted sense. Internationally the expanded use of drones is wildly unpopular and in fact creates more enemies than it eliminates.
Earlier this month a former top terrorism official at the CIA warned that President Barack Obama’s expanded use of drones may actually be creating terrorist “safe havens.” Robert Grenier, who headed the CIA’s counter-terrorism center from 2004 to 2006, told a British newspaper that, “[the drone program] needs to be targeted much more finely. We have been seduced by them and the unintended consequences of our actions are going to outweigh the intended consequences.”
After a drone strike in Yemen last month once again killed more civilians than suspected al-Qaeda members, a Yemeni lawyer sent a message to President Obama stating “Dear Obama, when a U.S. drone missile kills a child in Yemen, the father will go to war with you, guaranteed. Nothing to do with Al Qaeda.” These are the unseen victims of the president’s expanded use of drones, but we should pay attention and we should ask ourselves how we would feel if the tables were turned and a foreign power was killing innocent American children from thousands of miles away. Would we not feel the same?
The expanded use of drones overseas has been matched with the expanded use of drones in the United States, which should alarm every American who values the Constitution and its protections against government interference in our private lives. Recently, the governor of Virginia welcomed the expanded use of drones in his state because they “make law enforcement more productive.” I find that attitude chilling and am sure I am not alone.
Do we want to live in a country where our government constantly flies aircraft overhead to make sure we are not doing anything it disapproves of? Already the Environmental Protection Agency uses drone surveillance to spy on farmers and ranchers to see if they are in compliance with regulations. Local law enforcement agencies are eyeing drone use with great anticipation. Do we really want to live under the watchful eye of “Big Brother”? It is terrifying enough to see how drones are being misused abroad. We must curtail the government’s ability use drones right away lest the massacres in Yemen and Pakistan turn out to be crude training exercises for what the administration has in mind on our own soil.
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“Mitt Romney Resigns!”
“Mitt Romney announced today (place date) he will no longer seek the Republican nomination. Instead, he pledged his full support to Dr. Ron Paul, who he trusts implicitly to be the only viable candidate to defeat Barrack Obama,” said a Romney spokesperson.
Mr. Romney’s spokesperson continued saying, ” Mr. Romney is making the ultimate sacrifice, for the good of the Nation, so wants to be remembered as the one that helped America be rid of Obama…as such Mr. Romney is a true patriot…”.
Questioned as to the real reasons Mitt Romney quit — the spokesperson said, “He only wants to be remembered as the Patriot that Saved America… that is his only reason”….and “…none of the below were a factor in his decision”…as claimed:
“That so many videos have been taped showing fraud on his behalf that TV mini-series could be made running for weeks,
Or, that he can’t get 100 people to attend his meetings, while Ron Paul gathers Real Americans in the several thousands,
Or, that he has broken rule #11 in collusion with the GOP, so he is about to be removed from many states ballots,
Or, that his shadowy party in Nevada, is further grounds for his removal as a GOP candidate,
Or, that he cannot garner enough delegates with all the cheating done on his behalf so far,
Or, that All National Delegates are NOT bound according to rule #38, and US election law, in Tampa,
Or, that his eventual loss to Ron Paul in Tampa will make him a national joke,
Or, that even if manages to CHEAT his way out of Tampa, his guaranteed loss to Obama will make him an even Bigger Joke…”.
No, none of these are factors, according to Mitt Romney’s spokesperson — “Mr. Romney quit the race today because he is a Patriot!”
And I agree, Mitt did the right thing — and we shall build monuments and name schools after him!
———————————————————————————
Pass it on! Hopefully someone with brains in Mitt’s camp will see this syllogism and force it upon this dullard (for his own good)!
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Srpopei stated in a comment that Ron Paul is against liberty and the constitution. How is that so? Because he is not willing to use weapons on those over seas because of the intented consequence that they kill more innocencent people than bad. And what justifies bad? He is a reasonable individual and yes he may be getting older but his age doesnt scare me, its the direction our country is and has been heading. No longer a democracy and a representation of the majority as seen with bush’selection
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Drones are a problem, indeed; however, we are already under total surveillance: in the form of CCTV/traffic cameras. Not just “red light cameras”, here in Orange County, CA, there are wireless cameras at nearly every intersection (not just the major ones) and at every freeway on and off ramp. It seems that these are not just passive record cams (though that would be bad enough), but are actually actively monitored by law enforcement around the clock. The drone scare has just distracted us from seeing what’s going on right here in our own neighborhoods!
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As a matter of conscience, I cannot vote in the general election this time around if Ron Paul is not on the ticket. In 2008, the anti-Bush vote gave us a worse president in Obama and I can see the same mistake repeating itself in 2012. The anti-Obama vote will give us someone worse in Romney. Romney is another puppet and the Conservatives are disgusted with the politics in Washington DC that enable the ruling class to run the country and select the next president. We will be stuck with: Obamacare, aka, NO Healthcare at a greater expense, continued invasion and loss of jobs to American workers, no new jobs created, advanced agenda of the NWO, loss of our sovereignty to a North American Union, tyranny at its best and a loss of our freedoms. Either I will sit this one out or I will write in Ron Paul if indeed the bribed GOP insists on Romney as the nominee….DISGUSTED!
»crosslinked«
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The majestic Ron Paul — I hope will change to good direction this country.
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Didn’t he say on MSNBC yesterday that he wasn’t getting a speech? At least at this point in time he has no plans on getting a speech out of all of this. They don’t want him to talk.
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10 million Strong Americans need to descent on Tampa and take the nomination for Ron Paul!
If there was a “Million Men March” on DC (to ask for what they thought was right) we can have a 10 Million Men, Women and Children March on Tampa — to demand what we KNOW is RIGHT!
No more playing nice with these criminals in power!
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The Obama thingy picks the John Kerry creature for debate sparring partner…see these puppets in preparation below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEzwaIYN2ZA
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The Real Delegate Count of delegates who prefer a
candidate, not those “bound” to a candidate:
Romney 419, Paul 263, Gingrich 106, Santorum 41
Federal Lawsuit has been filed claiming
NO DELEGATES ARE BOUND!
http://thereal2012delegatecount.com/
Spread this like wildfire!!!
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Also, I bet they make Romney go first. 1) For the hopes that after his speech people will tune out, and not watch Paul’s speech. Or 2) They know if Paul goes first, he will make Romney look like the flip-flopping, cheating, spineless fuck he is.
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I Tampa could very well be Dr. Paul’s last political speech. I hope he is saving the best for last. Even if he doesn’t win, I hope his speech is so powerful it becomes the modern day “shot heard around the world.” A speech that awakens the masses and then the R3volution can begin.
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Sure maybe Ron and Rand talked about it beforehand.. What does that mean to you? They are not carbon copies of each other and have different goals in mind. Anyway, actions speak much louder than words and Rand’s voting record is still solid for the most part. Ron will NEVER endorse Romney and that alone should give you comfort.
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I think you’re just being a drama queen. Ron Paul was the one speaking in front all of America in the debates just to get boo’d by the neocons. He’s the one who has been standing up for individual liberty since before you were most likely born. He has done more for this movement than any of us can even hope to achieve. He’s probably the reason you’re involved in this movement. You should be ashamed that you’re willing to write him off because of his SON’S endorsement.
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Revolution.
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Yes indeed. I hope they will achieve something.
Well, thanks for staying polite. As always, there are some angry young men around who are not yet capable of political debate and love to throw stones. I am glad you are not amongst them.
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Please join SDAA (Stop Drones Across America).
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/334686506601666/
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Dont REtire… we need to help paul.. please let me help paul subscribe love and xxxx Victoria Veritas
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Robin,
If only people would listen to the Alex jones Show, they would know all about this…. and they would know years before it happens. Alex was talking about drones years ago… in fact, everything that is happening regarding the Police State in America, Alex warned people 10 to 15 years ago.
But hey! Who wants to listen to this Austin Texas Hillbilly who goes in mad rands and cuts everyone off in interviews? Who wants to listen to this passionate patriot idiot who is always right?
People don’t want to listen to him. People are snobs, they don’t want to listen to ordinary folks, to real people who says it like it is. People only want to listen to men with a suit and tie… who talk with no passion… who lie and don’t scare them with reality.
ALEX IS AN ENCYCLOPEDIA… he knows so much about History, he has so many inside sources whistleblowers and incredible guests who come on his show and educate people.
Too bad for the Americans citizens who doesn’t listen to his show. One day, not too far from now, in fact, in a very near future, people will remember this quote, when all hell will break loose:
“People perish for lack of knowledge”
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As a mark of respect between two individuals Ron Paul will shake the hand of anyone, even if it be with Hitler himself. Doing so doesn’t endorse the other person’s actions but rather it is an affirmation ,that liberty is for everyone, not just for RP himself.
Endorsements are confusing in that selectivity is not on Ron Paul’s plate. He doesn’t discriminate, endorse or not endorse anyone, not even within his own staff. Instead he allows them to make their own decisions. This is liberty…plus.
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Scott,
I keep asking this question to my friends and family. Who is in charge of the government and they say, “we are”? Then I ask since we are suppose to be the boss here, are you making sure our employees are doing their job? The answer is, “I don’t have time, that’s our representatives job, I don’t care what they do, etc”. Get my drift. That is what I heard Ron Paul say in so many words in the video he put out recently. It appears many are afraid of freedom and prefer an authoritarian form of government, just like many conservatives say they don’t believe in big government, but if it benefits them, then they do. I’m sure I drive many people I know crazy because I talk about what is going on in the world, and our responsibility as citizens to be involved and demand accountability. The elite hope people are just struggling to get by that they don’t have time to pay attention to what is going on until they buy their groceries, have to go to the doctor or pay for gas, etc. Even then, people complain, but don’t take the next step. Again, until it affects people directly in profound ways, they will not do anything to try and change it. They’ll wait for someone else to do it for them, or feel like one person can’t make a difference so what’s the point of trying. Then there are those rare people that do whatever they can to make a positive impact in their communities and at the state and federal level.
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Can we show restraint on using deadly inventions..or are we destined to go all the way in an unstoppable fashion?
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Can we show restraint on using deadly inventions..or are we destined to go all the way in an unstoppable fashion?
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Will America eventually use all it’s deadly inventions on us?
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Will America eventually use all it’s deadly inventions on us?
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this old fart is certainly not a leader. he is a false flag. either willingly or not. what a waste.
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What’s next… thought police?
I do not see how Obama and Romney can possible have 91% of the vote based on this drone issue alone. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!
Unless you want to live in a society in which the government decides what is best for you for everything from health care, to what size beverages you drink, I would suggest refraining from voting for Romney or Obama.
IF you think the government knows best, you must trust that it is not influenced by the lobbyists including the military industrial complex and a secret group of bankers AKA the FED that get to control the entire economy with out any accountability.
I would rather spend my own money to prop up businesses that have the MOST value to MY everyday life. Not some fat cat on Wall Street. Wouldn’t that type of stimulous make sense?
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If a peaceful revolution is needed, then the laws must be used. But which one out of the many thousands?
What’s happening is a consequence of too much ‘partying’ and law talk every day, but it looks like people don’t know about it. Where are you specialist and experts?
I want a functional society and an economy that works. So, which is the way?
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Every time I have a discussion with someone, I ask do you know about the 30,000 spy drones that will be spying on us by 2020, and do you know how many are already doing this without our knowledge? How do you like living in a surveillance society where your every move will be monitored? Then my last question is, so what are you trying to do about it? If everyone would at least put the heat on their congressional leaders maybe that would be a start, but I can’t seem to get people to take action. It’s frustrating, but I will not give up. My sister=in-law told me about Congressmen Beard who wanted his colleagues to sponsor his legislation that would prevent inside trading and no one would endorse his bill until the story was on 60 minutes. Then lots of people jumped on the bandwagon. People have told me for sometime that they have often heard strange noises-like a buzzing sound. Many people don’t seem to pay attention to their environment. We’ve been pointing out chem trail clouds for a number of years, but I’ve only met a handful of people who know what they are who have noticed these cloud formations. Most people don’t seem to care. I’m afraid until the majority of Americans see them overhead spying on them and think about what it means to have the right to privacy, they won’t even care.
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Quetion to Adrianna on- “Elections is a fraud. The RNC is a fraud.
What happened with all the Millions spend on the Ron Paul campaign. Why is Ron Paul so silent?
If you spend money on a Presidential candidate- the race should be fought to the end.
Romney has NOTHING to offer against Obama; except a birth certificate. Obama was the selected winner – before the primaries even started.
Electronic voting is a fraud. The USA should use paper votes – which can be audited; but the criminal warmongers won’t allow it.
If a candidate can’t vote for Ron Paul, can he abstain from voting?”
Me: so then the questions are-
according to the law what kind of state is the country in, civil or military?
in either case, what role is civilian population to play, and how?
what is the hierarchy of laws to be followed in either case?
There are so many lawyers and specialist in this -that have no job or income- that could be going through the thousands of written laws to figure this out and provide an answer or guidance to the current government and population. Why can they do that?
It should be defined, or redefined, no?
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These drones are just one step closer towards a total police state…
If something isn’t done, and once society is conditioned enough, perhaps they may even be armed lethally.
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Sue Republican thugs for all they are worth- arrest and prosecute them. Teach Republican leaders a lesson in ethics and principles because they don’t have any.
Democrats are worse- they assassinate people- like Hillary Clinton’s deceased campaign leaders.
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Sue Republican thugs for all they are worth- arrest and prosecute them. Teach Republican leaders a lesson in ethics and principles because they don’t have any.
Democrats are worse- they assassinate people- like Hillary Clinton’s deceased campaign leaders.
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Sue Republican thugs for all they are worth- arrest and prosecute them. Teach Republican leaders a lesson in ethics and principles because they don’t have any.
Democrats are worse- they assassinate people- like Hillary Clinton’s deceased campaign leaders.
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Hey people! This post is about DRONES, not about RAND.
You better start worrying about these drones, because they will soon fly in your skies all over your country.
Only Ron Paul would stop this insanity.
So concentrate on getting him the nomination in Tampa.
If he loses, you will have two choices: Write his name on the ballot, or vote Gary Jonhson.
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AMEN!!!!
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REMEMBER-THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE ON HERE TRYING TO STIR UP ANTAGONISM AND DIVISION….I encourage every Ron Paul supporter to wait until TAMPA and see what happens before you jump ship. Remember that this is only a small test compared to what other people around the world have had to overcome to get liberty. No one knows all the facts, and until we do, refrain for making judgments on emotion and not on reason. Put your energy into doing whatever you can to get Ron Paul nominated and helping our delegates and people who have filed these lawsuits. Then you can say you did your best and then go from there what you will do in November. I have not given up, and I don’t think anyone else should either. The blame game doesn’t create any positive changes. We have to stay together for the people that are still fighting for our freedoms. There is a lot at stake here with all this internal turmoil. Remember what Ron Paul has said time and time again=IT’S UP TO US. I don’t know how many times he encouraged all of us to collect the evidence for election and voter fraud. I encourage everyone to get involved in November and act as observers and collect information. It was the best thing we did in our primary to make sure everything was above board in our county.
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