10,000 Drones in the Sky?

Latest

Veterans for Peace in San Diego, CA protest the use of drones nationally and internationally.  Photo/David K. Patterson
Veterans for Peace in San Diego, CA protest the use of drones nationally and internationally. Photo/David K. Patterson

SAN DIEGO, CA—The letter below, written on April 3, 2013, is part of national Veterans for Peace (VFP) campaign to educate people about the danger of drone technology. “VFP is a global organization of military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices.” VFP informs the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. The San Diego VFP Position on Drones can be found at www.sdvfp.org.
Senator Dianne Feinstein:
As a Veteran, and a member of Veterans For Peace, I am appalled at the abuse of Drone technology by our government on many fronts.
First, the President of the United States cannot have the power to assassinate anyone he pleases, in places where Congress has not declared war. These actions are in violation of the U.S. Constitution, and violate the guarantee of due process for American citizens. This abuse of power has to stop, and I implore you to revoke powers given to the President since 9-11 that allow such abuse.
Second, the projected sales of Drone technology to domestic law enforcement in the next decade is expected to be more than $10 Billion.  Because we know this kind of money is not available in the coffers of our States, counties and municipalities, it is assumed that the transfer of Drone technology will be in the form of Homeland Security grants or direct technology transfer. I am frightened by the prospect of domestic law enforcement having access to thousands of Drones, with the potential for abuse and the formation of an Orwellian State. Therefore I ask that you and your colleagues move to block such transfers by passing a very simple bill that blocks the use of Federal Funds for the supply or transfer of Drone technology to Domestic Law Enforcement.
Third, because others will acquire this Drone technology, I ask that very stringent laws be passed restricting the surveillance of Americans property and personal movements without a warrant.  There must also be restrictions on how long such surveillance information can be kept and restrictions on transfer of said information.
I believe that these three simple steps will put us on the road to an America where citizens can be assured of their rights to privacy and unreasonable search, and the President isn’t allowed to kill anyone, anywhere without oversight and a declaration of war.
Cordially, David K. Patterson
San Diego Veterans For Peace, www.sdvfp.org

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

More from the People's Tribune