Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Questions

Dear Editor,

I have a few questions for our residence military veterans, specifically John and Bill, who regale us with military stories of the younger selves. The Trump administration has found themselves in a growing controversary from actions resulting from targeting suspected drug-trafficking boat and destroying the boats and killing the crew. These actions have raise several important questions about military law, ethics, and policy.

For the first time in modern history, our military is being used in a direct law enforcement role, destroying boats in international waters based on suspicions of drug trafficking. While the stated goal is to combat fentanyl, reports indicate that these boats are primarily used for transporting cocaine. Furthermore, both drugs are purchased willingly by Americans. The demand for these drugs fuels the market.

The use of military force in this context is troubling. Trump seems more than willing to escalate tensions with Venezuela careening towards an invasion leading to a war. The precedent of employing the armed forces for drug enforcement, rather than utilizing the Coast Guard who have traditionally supplied that role, deserves careful scrutiny.  

Questions:

1.    Is it a violation of military law to return and attack survivors after an initial engagement? What are the obligations of service members when encountering survivors, even if they are considered adversaries?  

2.    Would your perspective on these actions differ if they occurred under a Democratic administration?

3.    Are you comfortable with the military being used for drug enforcement objectives? Do you believe this sets a dangerous precedent for future use of military force?

4.   Are you concerned that such actions could lead to war with Venezuela, given the current administration’s stance toward their government?

5.   Do you support the use of military resources as law enforcement against our own citizens?

7.   Would you support other countries taking similar military action against American boats suspected—but not proven—to be involved in illegal drug transport?

8.   Since the September 2nd event, now when suspects are rarely captured, what is the rationale for repatriating them back to their respective countries rather than detaining them for further investigation and answering to our laws?

9.   Should Hegseth and Trump be scapegoating a Navy admiral for the order to make sure the two survivors from the Sept. destruction of their boat was sent back to finish the “kill” which is an illegal order?

10. When are you going to stop making excuses for Trump and his incompetent administration and demand accountability for this president as you would any other, especially a Democratic president?

Since John and Bill seem to have expertise and opinions on anything military, their responses should be enlightening.

Rosemary Schwartz