Opinion : Letter to the Editor: RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA . . . redux . . .

Dear Editor, 

It would seem the Democrats have chosen a successor to the RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA hoax.  It would seem that President Trump is issuing ILLEGAL ORDERS . . . ILLEGAL, ILLEGAL, ILLEGAL.  Not only that, the self-professed “experts in military law” seem to be demanding that serving military members should disobey these orders because they are, “of course”, ILLEGAL.  Can anyone say the word “sedition”???

So, let’s set the stage a bit – the Trump administration has labeled Maduro, the group “Cartel de los Soles” and the group “Tren de Aragua” as Foreign Terrorists Organizations (FTO).  Interestingly enough then Senator Biden lead the sponsors and architects of the “Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986” which called for expanded use of the military including expanding the authority to use lethal force to sink or destroy vessels that were believed to be carrying drugs.  The only difference with Trump is that when he says such things it is not simply political gamesmanship . . . but it’s a clear statement if intent.  No one should be surprised by these interdictions.  Such shipments represent a clear and present danger to the stability of the United States – especially in large metro areas like NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, Portland, LA to name just a few of our high crime cities.

Just for one simple comparison – on 9/11/2001 terrorists killed 2,762 Americans in their attack on the World Trade Center.  And we went on our own Jihad theatonly ended in 2020 (in a spectacularly disastrous manner I might add). Narco terrorists through their delivery, sale and distribution of illegal drugs kill over 80,000 Americans trough just raw violence followed by another 20,00 from drug overdoses.  100,000+ Americans die each year from these Narco Terrorists – the equivalent of 36 9/11s annually.   And contrary to Rosemary’s simplistic view that drug use in America is a victimless crime other than the individual using the drug.  That simply does not account for the 80,00 Americans who die through violence associated with the drug trade (read armed robbery, armed home invasions, disputes between gangs, or just raw attacks by drugged out people).  These folks are a clear and present danger – period.

I see our attacks on drug boats as a logical and direct response that is targeted and that causes minimal collateral damage.  I would hope that those utilizing this particular method of drug delivery would “take the hint” after data I find shows that 22 vessels have been destroyed and 83 personnel have been killed.  The most recent attack seemed to shock folks when the survivors regained the boat and proceeded to recover as many drugs as they could and - unsurprisingly – they were struck again with remaining crew being killed.  When an objective is identified and labeled for an attack – THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS – it is attacked and all the participants are killed.  This is not a game of tidily-winks - this is interdicting a clear and present danger to the United States – and people will die.

For those unfamiliar with military life – when an order is given by the commanding officer to attack a specific target – those receiving the order don’t hold up their hand and say – “Hang on a minute, let me see if that’s a legal order!!”  Such a person would summarily be arrested and tried and imprisoned.  In extreme cases he or she may well be executed for disobeying a direct order and cowardice.  Again, when such orders are given “tidily-winks” are not afoot.

As for the President’s duties regarding such interventions – they are clearly defined in Article 2 of the Constitution under his Duties and Responsibilities as Commander and Chief of the US military that include – ultimate command and control of the military including deploying troops, developing combat strategies and making decisions.  Given that his oath required him to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” .  Again, these folks present a clear and present danger to the United States and are major players is the death of 100,000 Americans annually – I see no problem with this particular action by the President and our Navy.

I would also be curious of Rosemary has actually looked at photos of these types of boats . . . sleek, up to 4 or more large outboard motors, packed to the gills with blue plastic barrels that are lashed down.  I would view that as an odd configuration for a “fishing” or “pleasure” boat.  Add to that our intel gathering capabilities I suspect we may well watch them get loaded.  The resolution of our cameras while they are on the water should easily allow us to count the rivets on every boat if we want.  I am willing to defer to the military’s ability accurately determine if illegal contraband is on board and to act accordingly.

As for guard troops being used to lend a hand to ICE and local police – again, in the preamble of the Constitution one of the goals of the People of the United States is to “insure domestic tranquility”.  When the local authorities actively act against this specific desire by preventing ICE from their assigned task of removing illegal immigrants – I have no problem with it at all.  I do have huge problems with Mayors of various cities rewriting immigration law at will and simply stating if you manage to sneak your way into the US – YOU WIN!!!  If fact Minnesota and Illinois seem to be offering free tuition to such folks.  SMH.  So yes, if ICE needs a hand, I have no problem with Guard assistance at all.  And I would fully support the arrest and trial of the mayors for their violation of federal law.

Rosemary finally gets to the new Democrat talking point “nub” . . .  when am I going to condemn Trump for his ILLEGAL ORDER to destroy narco-terrorist boats and kill their occupants?

Firstly, I do not believe it is illegal in any way, shape or form.

And Secondly . . 

. 

NEVER.

Perhaps they should consider an alternate profession . . . just a suggestion.

Respectfully,

Bill Keller