Ron Paul: Al-Awlaki Killing is Unconstitutional
Former Congressman Ron Paul has taken issue with the killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki, an American citizen who was targeted and killed by a drone strike in Yemen in September 2011. Paul argues that the killing was unconstitutional and raises serious questions about the United States government’s authority to target and kill its own citizens without due process.
Violation of Due Process
Paul argues that the killing of Al-Awlaki violated the Constitution’s due process clause, which guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. A key component of due process is the right to a fair and impartial trial, which Al-Awlaki was never given.
Instead, the government relied on secret evidence and classified information to justify its decision to kill him. Paul argues that this sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law in the United States. He believes that any American citizen accused of a crime, no matter how serious, should be given the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law.
The War on Terror
Paul is also critical of the government’s justification for the killing of Al-Awlaki: that he was an enemy combatant in the war on terror. Paul argues that the war on terror has become a justification for unchecked executive power and has been used to justify a range of questionable activities, including the indefinite detention of American citizens without trial.
Paul believes that the use of targeted killing to eliminate perceived threats is a dangerous precedent that opens the door to abuse and undermines the principles of the Constitution. He argues that the government’s first duty is to protect the rights and liberties of its citizens and that the war on terror has effectively reversed this priority.
Conclusion
Ron Paul’s criticisms of the killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki raise important questions about the limits of executive power in the United States. Paul believes that the government’s decision to target and kill an American citizen without due process is a clear violation of the Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent for future abuses of power.
While the war on terror has undoubtedly changed the way the United States approaches national security, Paul believes that it is imperative to uphold the principles of the Constitution and protect the rights and liberties of all citizens, no matter how unpopular or controversial they may be. Armed with this conviction, Ron Paul continues to fight for the principles of liberty and individual rights that are essential to the American way of life.
Presidential candidate Ron Paul claims that the targeted killing of American-born al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki is unconstitutional and grounds for impeachment.
The Texas Congressman and contender for the GOP declared that because of President Obama’s “flouting” of the law, impeachment is definitely possible.
According to Paul, the assassination of any American citizen, regardless of the reason, is a drastic leap towards “tyranny.” Paul’s backlashing came after the Obama administration announced the killing of the prominent al Qaeda figure.
