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In reply to the discussion: Why I view drones overhead as totally awful as boots on the ground: [View all]Maedhros
(10,007 posts)18. Proponents of drone warfare usually make one of two fallacious arguments.
1. They construe opposition to drone warfare as simply an opposition to the fact that drones are operated remotely.
The problem with drones is not the technology, but the rules of engagement. The technology gives us a false sense of security in the supposed "surgical" nature of drone strikes, but we should look more closely at how targets are chosen. "Signature strikes" are targeted based upon behavior, as viewed through a video camera from kilometers away. Cell phone metadata is also used to select targets based upon what numbers a phone has contacted. Intel from on-the-ground informants must be difficult to translate and communicate to the drone operator. All of these methods have resulted in an unacceptable number of decidedly "non-surgical" strikes resulting in civilian casualties.
2. They focus on drones as an alternative to ground invasion, as if that were the only alternative.
The "terrorists" we are targeting are tribal fighters armed with assault rifles and RPGs. They have absolutely no ability to project military force beyond their own province. They present absolutely no imminent threat to the United States. We do not need to be killing them with drones or by any other means. The alternative to drone warfare is NO DRONE WARFARE.
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Why I view drones overhead as totally awful as boots on the ground: [View all]
truedelphi
Jun 2014
OP
"Engage the locals" worked so well for the 35,000 killed and wounded American soldiers
Michigander_Life
Jun 2014
#5
The "Homeland" ...it always struck me as Hitler/Germany/Nazi Speak....but, then... who cares anymore
KoKo
Jun 2014
#38
"a way to engage America's soldiers to wage war on their fellow citizens" Whoa....
NYC_SKP
Jun 2014
#19
Maybe because we have a Modern, "With It" President who knows about Gaming and Gaming Theory?
KoKo
Jun 2014
#37
Both your points are excellent. And of course, to anyone old enough to remember
truedelphi
Jun 2014
#21
and...memories of the Lessons of Vietnam live long in the hearts and souls of many of us
KoKo
Jun 2014
#41
Try to think of the drones as sowing seeds across the mid-east, seeds that will soon bear fruit ...
Scuba
Jun 2014
#26