Democrats reveal whether they believe US citizens or drug boat traffickers are more important
As the Trump administration faces increasing scrutiny over its military operations targeting suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, a heated debate has emerged among lawmakers regarding the prioritization of U.S. citizen victims versus the rights of alleged drug dealers. Republican lawmakers, such as Senator Tim Sheehy from Montana, have expressed a clear stance, asserting that the safety and health of American citizens should take precedence. Sheehy emphasized his belief that “killing drug dealers” is a necessary measure to protect lives, reflecting a broader Republican sentiment that prioritizes aggressive action against drug trafficking.
In contrast, Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns about the legality and ethical implications of the administration’s military strikes. Representative Johnny Olszewski from Maryland highlighted the importance of adhering to the rule of law, arguing that any military action must be transparent and within legal boundaries. He warned that if reports of the strikes are accurate, they could potentially constitute war crimes. This sentiment was echoed by Representative Adam Smith of Washington, who questioned the effectiveness of such operations in curbing drug distribution, pointing out that the demand for drugs remains high despite aggressive tactics. Smith’s remarks underscored a significant concern among Democrats: the need for due process and accountability in military actions, particularly when they involve U.S. citizens.
The divide in opinions among lawmakers illustrates a broader national debate on how best to address the ongoing drug crisis, which has resulted in staggering overdose deaths across the country. Republican senators like Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia have expressed strong support for military interventions, citing their state’s struggles with fentanyl-related deaths. Meanwhile, Democrats like Senator Jack Reed from Rhode Island have called for a multifaceted approach that includes not only disruption of drug distribution but also investment in healthcare and education. As Congress grapples with these complex issues, the call for oversight and accountability in military actions remains a pivotal point of contention, highlighting the urgent need for a balanced strategy to combat drug trafficking while respecting legal and ethical standards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIEBX2xI_1Y
As scrutiny mounts on the Trump administration’s use of force in its
targeting of suspected cartel members
in the Caribbean, lawmakers on Capitol Hill were asked whether they believe U.S. citizen victims or drug traffickers are more important.
Republicans, such as Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., said the answer is easy.
“I can’t speak for anybody else, but my top concern is American citizens, their lives, their health. So, for me, it’s an easy choice. Kill drug dealers, save Americans,” said Sheehy.
Democrats
, however, had less black and white opinions on the strikes.
“Look, I fully support doing whatever we can within the legal means to make sure that we’re stopping drug trafficking,” said Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., adding, “We should absolutely be concerned about the victims of drug trafficking and people who have lost their lives to drug violence.”
SENATE REPUBLICANS BLOCK BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO HALT MILITARY ACTION, DRUG BOAT STRIKES IN THE CARIBBEAN
“We support all efforts to [interdict], arrest, hold people accountable who are trying to smuggle drugs into this country. However, we have a rule of law, and we have rules of engagement for a reason. And so, we need to make sure that we have full transparency in terms of how these strikes are happening,” Olszewski went on.
He added that “if the reporting is true, it’s very likely” that the administration’s drug boat strikes are “in violation of our laws and may in fact be a war crime.”
“So, it merits full investigation; it merits the details being released. And you know, again, I fully support doing all that we can to stop drug trafficking, but that means that we have to make sure that we’re doing it within the rule of law and the rules that we have in this country.”
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., pushed back on the question, saying, “Is this going to do anything to truly help them?”
“Cocaine’s still flowing, the demand is still there,” Smith said, adding, “You see a drug dealer on the street, that’s a bad person. That person is selling drugs. Let’s say they’re selling actual fentanyl, not the cocaine that we’re hitting here. Would you support allowing anyone to execute that person who wants to on the spot? … You want to be tough on drug dealers. Drug dealers are bad people. Why do we need due process? Why do you need probable cause?”
COMMANDER OF SEPTEMBER ATTACK BELIEVED SURVIVORS WERE CONTINUING DRUG RUN, REPORT SAYS
“Don’t give me this crap about how this proves you don’t care about [selling drugs],” he said. “I care about selling drugs. I don’t want a fascist regime that gets to decide who they can kill when they want to kill them without any check on that power. That simply doesn’t make sense in the United States of America, or at least not the United States of America that I want us to have.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., answered, “We have to do our best to disrupt drug distribution. Also, we have to invest in drug health care and drug education, et cetera. We have to do all the things. The real question is, how do you do it right?”
Pressed on whether the government should be prioritizing drug victims above the traffickers, Reed responded, “I’ve commented and thank you for asking,” before walking away.
SCHUMER ACCUSES TRUMP OF PUSHING US TOWARD ‘FOREIGN WAR’ WITH VENEZUELA
Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., simply answered, ”
Congress
has to do its job: oversight,” and walked away.
Republicans, meanwhile, were much more unilateral in their responses.
“If it disrupts the flow of one drug coming into
West Virginia
, I’m all for it,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
“I come from a state that has historically had enormous drug problems. A lot of deaths from fentanyl, from overdoses,” said Capito. “So, I’m supportive of whatever the president can do to end the flow of fentanyl. And [with] the narco-terrorism, the intelligence around these strikes, from my understanding, is pretty solid.”
“For too long, politicians have been satisfied to have a hundred thousand Americans die every year of drug overdoses. Finally, President Trump has stepped up to the plate and said, ‘No more,’” said Rep. Glenn Grothman.
“If you’re going to attack our country, and these people know full well Americans are dying because of what they’re doing. If you’re going to attack our country, we’re going to fight back, about time,” Grothman added.
