Obama administration authorizes killing US citizen

[dmg1969]

I would agree partially with both sides of this argument.

If the person is a U.S. citizen and is arrested in the U.S. (or can be arrested abroad and brought back), they should be tried in this country in the federal justice system. As much as I don't like trying (alleged) terrorists in our courts...if they are citizens, they should be afforded all rights. If they are convicted of treason, they should be executed as is spelled out by the law after all appeals are exhausted.

If the person is NOT a U.S. citizen and is caught IN the U.S., they should be turned over to the military or intelligence agency. They should then be tried in a military tribunal and, if found guilty, executed after any and all appeals are exhausted. However, they should NOT be afforded the same rights as would a citizen.

If the person is NOT a U.S. citizen and cannot be apprehended without great risk to others, they should be taken out by any means necessary. Whether it is a sniper shot to the head from 1000 yards, a missile from a Predator drone or a 1000 lb bomb. Before that point, however, all information against the potential dead guy should be presented to a special panel who must vote unanimously that the guy has to cease to exist for the sake of national security. Who sits on that panel would need to be worked on. Should it be members of the military? Senators? Intelligence Operatives? Citizens? I don't know.

Add: After thinking about my response...I don't think I hit on the MAIN conflict...the killing of someone who IS a U.S. citizen. I covered the situation wherein they are inside of the U.S. and can be apprehended. If the person is located outside of the U.S. and cannot be apprehended safely...see the solution provided for in the above paragraph.