Top Democrat calls Navy admiral briefing about ‘double-tap’ strike on vessels ‘one of the most troubling things I’ve seen’– live
In a recent private briefing to lawmakers, Adm. Frank Bradley addressed concerns regarding suspected drug boats, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the military in tackling drug trafficking at sea. Lawmakers, including Rep. Jim Hines, expressed unease after the session, noting that while Bradley confirmed there was no directive to adopt a “kill them all” approach to dealing with these vessels, the implications of the situation remain troubling. The conversation highlighted the complexities of maritime drug enforcement and the potential for escalation in confrontations at sea, raising questions about the balance between aggressive tactics and adherence to the rule of law.
Parallel to these developments in maritime security, the broader implications of clemency actions taken by former President Donald Trump have come under scrutiny. During his first term, Trump granted 237 acts of clemency, including pardons to individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, such as a predatory lender and a drug smuggler. Since his return to office, he has issued over 1,600 clemency acts, primarily benefiting those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Legal experts and political scientists argue that these pardons often undermine the rule of law, particularly as some beneficiaries have been re-arrested for new alleged crimes, raising concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of the justice system. This situation illustrates the potential consequences of using clemency as a political tool, which can lead to further criminal behavior and a perception of leniency in the legal system.
The intersection of these two issues—maritime drug enforcement and the implications of presidential clemency—reflects a broader narrative about accountability and governance. As lawmakers grapple with the challenges posed by drug trafficking, they must also contend with the ramifications of past decisions that may have weakened the legal framework designed to uphold justice. The ongoing dialogue around these topics underscores the critical need for a balanced approach to law enforcement and the importance of maintaining the rule of law in all aspects of governance.
Adm Frank Bradley spoke to lawmakers in a private session on the suspected drug boats; Jim Hines tells CNN the briefing was troubling but Bradley confirmed there was not a ‘kill them all’ order
Among the beneficiaries of
Donald Trump
’s pardons and commutations, there is a group that legal experts and political scientists see as some of the clearest evidence of how such actions undermine the rule of law: those who were released from prison and again arrested for different alleged crimes
.
During his first term, Trump issued 237 acts of clemency – including to someone who was a predatory lender and drug smuggler and to another who ran a Ponzi scheme. Since taking office again, Trump has issued more than 1,600, most for people involved in the
January 6 attack
on Congress.
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