During a recent appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) voiced his concerns regarding President Donald Trump's authorization of military strikes targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean.
The operation has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 20 individuals across six separate strikes. Host Kristen Welker questioned Senator Paul on the legality of these actions, prompting a critical response from the senator.
According to Breitbart, Senator Paul expressed his disapproval, stating, "No, they go against all of our tradition. When you kill someone if youre not in war, and not in a declared war you really need to know someones name, at least. You have to accuse them of something and you have to present evidence. All of these people have been blown up without us knowing their name and without evidence of a crime."
He emphasized the traditional protocol of boarding ships suspected of smuggling or drug trafficking, highlighting that the Coast Guard's statistics reveal that approximately 25% of boarded ships are found to be free of drugs. Senator Paul warned against a policy that could lead to the destruction of vessels based solely on suspicion, potentially implicating innocent individuals.
Senator Paul further elaborated on the geographical context of these operations, noting, "The other thing about these speed boats is theyre 2,000 miles away from us. If they have drugs theyre probably peddling drugs to one of the islands of Trinidad or Tobago off Venezuela. The idea of them coming here is a huge assumption and he should be able to present some proof."
He underscored the distinction between wartime and peacetime actions, arguing that the current approach lacks the necessary congressional oversight and declaration of war. "In war, though, you dont ask peoples name, but if they want all-out war where we kill anybody and everybody that is in the country of Venezuela that are coming out, that has to have a declaration of war," he stated, advocating for a congressional vote on such matters.
The senator's remarks highlight a broader debate over the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress, particularly in matters of military engagement. His critique underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and ensuring that military actions are justified and transparent.
As the discussion continues, the need for clear evidence and legal justification remains a central concern for those wary of unchecked executive authority.
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