[Beetle01]

I agree with your first paragraph, I can't even believe we're discussing the use of armed drones on American soil either.

But drones have HUGE advantages over piloted aircraft in certain cases, especially in a country like Yemen. For one, they are quiet and alot of times our targets don't even know they're about to die until they're already dead. Two, it obviously takes the American life out of the aircraft.

And even if we had CIA assets that "could've" snatched up al-Awlaki, we would've almost certainly taken casualties. I'd rather hit him and whoever is with him than lose non-terrorist American lives. We didn't think he was involved in things, it was clear, not to mention he was a top guy in the most dangerous and most capable Al-Qaeda group on earth.

Don't disagree at all, but this is about having hundreds/thousands of drones patrolling American skies, and the use of those drones to kill American citizens on American soil, not only to kill them, but to do so by order of the President, without regard to their constitutional rights.

It is important to protect all Americans rights, even if they are suspected of plotting terrorist acts. Protecting other Americans rights, also protects our rights.

I don't think one person who backs the use of drones can come up with any scenario where a drone would be of better use than the already existing safeguards in place.