“There is no “field of battle” and Awlaki was not “actively trying to kill more Americans” at the time.”
“But Awlaki is only known through videos and information we are told by Obama. We don’t even know if he is actually tied to any terrorist acts.”
The man operated a website, released numerous videos, and is known to have been associated with those who committed the attacks of 9/11, the Christmas attack on a airliner, and the attacks at fort hood.
His statements advocating violent actions against this country and it’s citizens are well known and not just “told by Obaman”.
“I do not think we have to bring a US citizen back for trial, I think we can try them in abstentia.”
There are a very few and limited cases where in absentia can be applied. None involve capital cases.
“There needs to be a check and balance on the President’s ability to order the asassination of a US citizen.”
First, there are checks and balances available principally the power of the congress to impeach and the power of the people to vote for some one else.
“All we ask is for the Executive Branch to go to the judicial branch and the legislative branch, present their intelligence and let it be agreed upon that the US citizen is an enemy combatant.”
The federal courts specifically addressed this issue in the case brought by Al Awlaki’s father and found they could not reasonably address these issues, that they were purely in the powers of the executive.
“Awlaki did not just pop up yesterday. There has been plenty of time to make a case for his status change.”
Actually, I agree with that but probably not in the way you mean. The federal court noted that Awlaki had months to hire an attorney or appear in person to challenge the government. In fact, Awlaki specifically and numerous times denied any intention to invoke his rights to redress, even denying the authority of the courts over a muslim.
“That is not the type of power anyone wants in the hands of the POTUS.”
POTUS, as CiC, has always had the power to target our nations enemies. It is a power specifically confered by the Constitution.
BTW, your use of the term ‘assassination’ is incorrect. An assassination is a murder for political reasons by definition. This was not a murder nor was it done for political reasons.
So, after the Oklahoma City Bombing, Clinton had every right to go after owners of websites that questioned the gov't and supported the theory that McVeigh agreed with?
Also, the link to the Christmas bomber is falling apart as the Abdulmutallab accusation that he was trained by Awlaki is falling apart.
First, there are checks and balances available principally the power of the congress to impeach and the power of the people to vote for some one else.
So, until Congress takes action or until the next election, the President can order the death of any US citizen? When the President stalls the investigation with executive privilege, what will you do?
POTUS, as CiC, has always had the power to target our nations enemies. It is a power specifically confered by the Constitution.
Yup and this members of this CiC have called the Tea Party members "enemies" of this nation.