Next from Sen. Feinstein?
Next from Sen. Dianne Feinstein?
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to respectfully request that comments regarding holding individuals accountable for use of deadly force against Somali pirates be held in reserve until the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is able to complete its review of the conditions and circumstances leading to the recent rescue of an American cargo ship captain.
This study is now underway, and I estimate its completion within the next six to eight months. We believe it is imperative to determine with certainty whether Navy SEALS exceeded the explicit terms of their authority to use deadly force only if the life of the hostage was in "imminent danger." Their action amounted to the summary execution of three suspected pirate/hostage-takers without due process under ambiguous circumstances. As a fourth pirate was at that moment on board a U.S. Navy vessel negotiating for the release of the hostage, it is questionable at best whether the hostage was immediately threatened with death. Furthermore, there was a strong chance that less drastic measures would have resulted in a favorable end to the standoff without loss of life. The possibility therefore exists that U.S. Navy personnel acted in an unlawful manner and should be held accountable.
We recognize that extreme circumstances sometimes require extreme actions; however, our government must abide by high standards at all times in matters of international concern. Excessively violent tactics against suspected enemies can increase their determination and win sympathy for their cause, as well as lead to retaliatory actions against U.S. personnel.
As we proceed with our investigation, we will of course expect to receive copies of all operational orders, intelligence reports and other documents, including the precise definition of "imminent danger" and all circumstances when the administration believes use of deadly force is justified, all of which we believe should be made public anyway.
Sincerely Yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Comments (3)
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http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/21/senate-husbands-firm-cashes-in-on-crisis/
"On the day the new Congress convened this year, Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced legislation to route $25 billion in taxpayer money to a government agency that had just awarded her husband's real estate firm a lucrative contract to sell foreclosed properties at compensation rates higher than the industry norms. "
Posted on April 21, 2009 11:05 AM
Isn't that the point of having political power?
Posted on April 21, 2009 11:58 AM
Thank you Jaycee, you took the words right off my keyboard.
Wonder what would have been said if Ann Coulter husband had made 25 cent off a shady deal like this?
Posted on April 21, 2009 4:35 PM