American civil rights only for Americans?

Question

I see in the news today talk about whether the US military should use a drone strike against an American citizen fighting with Al Qaeda.  That got me thinking:  We as Americans talk about American civil rights. The right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to due process and protection from unwarranted search and seizure, the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Now, my question is, can we as Americans claim these rights while denying those rights to non-Americans? Is there really a moral difference between using a drone strike against an American terrorist versus using one against a foreign terrorist?

While we shouldn't force other national governments to comply without our rights, can we morally, in our own actions, deny our rights to others who just happen to not be fellow American citizens?

Mark in Time · Accepted Answer

The Bill of Rights DO NOT create civil rights.  They are an enumeration of recognized human Rights and the protections afforded against government infringement on those Rights.

In the USA Rights are not "granted" by the government.  They come from the Creator (God, Nature, the Universe). Everyone is born with them.

A Right is NOT a Right if it infringes on someone else's Rights. (i.e.: health care)

Everyone is subject to the laws of the country they pledge allegiance to.  It's the system of laws you choose to live by.  If you don't like the laws of your country, find another you do like and become a legal citizen of that country.

Lone Cat · Answer

In our society we have to always be patriotic.  Hip Hip horay for our country, and anyone who isn't should be shot.  That's why I almost never talk about this.  Because if I gave my views in public, I probably would be shot.

It's the last form of prejudice.  That American lives are more important then non American lives.  I could give you many examples.  Drone strikes are an excellent example.  Basically, as long as drones aren't used against Americans, then the goverment is free to kill as many non Americans as they want.

In recent wars there have been many civilian casualties, and no one seems to care.  But if an American citizen is killed, then there's news reports and investigations.

The goverment justifies the torture of non Americans.  If it was an American citizen that was tortured, there would be a public out cry.

I've heard news reports that will say, "13 people died in the explosion, but no American citizens died".

As a nation we justify doing all kinds of horrible things against anyone who's not American.  And then we wonder why other countries hate us.

If you never hear from again, it will be because some pro American nut job got my IP address and hunted me down.

Trending News

American civil rights only for Americans?

2 Answers