Holder: U.S. can lawfully target American citizens

[Obama 2012 1,714]

If they can be judge, jury, and executioner to us, then by golly we can be that to them as well.

It really is that simple.

[luckytxn 2,264]

If they can be judge, jury, and executioner to us, then by golly we can be that to them as well.

It really is that simple.

Just in case I am not standing next to you.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Just in case I am not standing next to you.

N/S the black suburbans are pulling around the corner now.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

If they can be judge, jury, and executioner to us, then by golly we can be that to them as well.

It really is that simple.

It's been nice knowing you, Paul.

*runs like HELL down the street*

[Obama 2012 1,714]

What?

If a government starts committing atrocities against its own citizens, is it no the right of the people to fight back?

[luckytxn 2,264]

What?

If a government starts committing atrocities against its own citizens, is it no the right of the people to fight back?

Have no idea what you are talking about.

*Points as stepping away*

[SMOKE 1,426]

What?

If a government starts committing atrocities against its own citizens, is it no the right of the people to fight back?

If they can be judge, jury, and executioner to us, then by golly we can be that to them as well.

that sounds more like a preemptive measures thing.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

that sounds more like a preemptive measures thing.

Yes, much like Iran, you can be attacked just because of what you haven't done yet.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Yes, much like Iran, you can be attacked just because of what you haven't done yet.

If Israel says to do so then we must.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

that sounds more like a preemptive measures thing.

it's stating a fact. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. If the governemnt were to start systematicaly executing US Citizens without trial, do you really think that would be OK and they should get by with it?

I wouldn't personally bother with it, but I'm sure many of these militia groups who sit and wait would.

[luckytxn 2,264]

it's stating a fact. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. If the governemnt were to start systematicaly executing US Citizens without trial, do you really think that would be OK and they should get by with it?

I wouldn't personally bother with it, but I'm sure many of these militia groups who sit and wait would.

They did do so and hardly a peep from anyone.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

They did do so and hardly a peep from anyone.

Yep. In Waco, Oklahoma City, and NYC.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Yep. In Waco, Oklahoma City, and NYC.

Ruby Ridge ring a bell.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Ruby Ridge ring a bell.

Kent State.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnOoNM0U6oc&feature=related

Edited March 6, 2012 by ☼

[xebec 195]

Holder argued that a careful and thorough executive branch review of the facts in a case amounts to “due process” and that the Constitution’s Fifth Amendment protection against depriving a citizen of his or her life without due process of law does not mandate a “judicial process.”

Here is the most dangerous claim in this whole debate. Holder and his "constitutional scholar" boss seem to have slept through their history and government classes. One of the foundational principles of American government is the seperation of powers into the branches of government. The executive branch (Obama, Holder, CIA, NSA, the military) have no legal or constitutional claim to undertake "due process."

due process of law

n. a fundamental principle of fairness in all legal matters, both civil and criminal, especially in the courts. All legal procedures set by statute and court practice, including notice of rights, must be followed for each individual so that no prejudicial or unequal treatment will result.

http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=595

Statutory powers belong to the Legislative branch who have passed no law allowing Obama to target U.S. citizens for summary execution. Court practice is the Judicial branch. It should be extremely alarming to every American the the Justice Department has now claimed the authority to execute "due process" unilaterally. If we recognize this, then there are no limit to the circumstances under which the Executice branch....the police, military, Justice Department, etc.... could claim the authority to completely bypass the framework of law, and basic protections like jury trial.

Besides, Holder's claim that the 5th Amendment does not mandate "judicial process" is irrelevant. It is understood through common practice in this country that due process in this country primarily refers to adjudication. Even that doesn't matter, since the issue is spelled out clearly in Article III of the constitution itself:

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section. 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

Holder reads this as optional? What an idiot...

The whole red herring about police being able to use deadly force to stop a crime or force compliance with arrest is ridiculous. They are armed to defend themselves (Obviously). They cannot legally adjudicate and carry out sentence on citizens. They can, however, do what everyone else can do- defend themselves, during the commission of their duties, if someone uses sufficient force against them.

I can't believe there is even a debate on this topic amongst Americans. Incomprehensible. Eric Holder has just told you all that the Executive can kill an American citizen without trial, without a jury, without anything resembling what we have come to agree constitutes due process, and all that is needed is a meeting of individuals whose names we will never know, and who will never answer for their descisions. They will never be accountable for any mistakes they make. If one citizen can be treated in this way, so could any citizen. Unreal.