I found an interesting post on the political blog at The Smirking Chimp. The article is titled, "The Dangerous Seduction of Drones," by, Madea Benjamin. It took me some considerable time to find an interesting or adequate post because I'm not cut from the political cloth. The title, "The Dangerous Seduction of Drones," alone caught my attention because I strongly oppose United States foreign policy. Specifically, the "world police" attitude our government, military leaders and general culture we have as a nation. A general review of recent world conflicts shed to light, many faults in our foreign policy. Many "black eyes" litter our history from treatment of Native Americans to the many failed excursions in the middle east. The post highlights the continuing flawed foreign policy. Madea Benjamin appeals to human rights, the use of military technology, peace, and effective justice. The website, first and foremost, is catered for liberals, left-wing, and socialist; otherwise, known as Democrats. Madea Benjamin has a long list of credentials. Benjamin is the co-founder of both the international human rights organization. and CODEPINK, a women-initiated grassroots social justice and grassroots peace movement looking to end United States funded invasions and conflicts/wars(1). Benjamin and her affiliated organizations fight to end military globalism(1). She was awarded the US Peace Memorial Foundation 2012 Peace Prize, an award that signifies the "Creative leadership on the front lines of the Anti-war movement."(2) She has an extensive list of protest acts that span across party lines. Her main argument is a plea for the government to find different or effective solutions the comply with international laws/ guidelines. She argues for the closing of United States programs that operate in Yemen, Pakistan, and Somali, where drone attacks take innocent lives. Since 2004, Pakistan has reported Drone related death totals between 2,500 to 3,500. Benjamin, then argues drones attacks are ineffective and in-turn "terrorize" communities. These attacks have fueled the resurgence of Al-Qaeda membership because victims often seek revenge and only feed the epicenter of the Anti-American sentiment. Benjamin's final point is the that our involvement in Drone warfare has spiked an arms race that will eventually arm the terrorist groups, our government want to eliminate. Benjamin wants solutions like, "peace talks, alliance-building, treating terrorists as criminals who arrested and tried, targeted development aid, and empowering women. The drone wars are making us less safe by simply creating new enemies abroad." (3) I agree with Benjamin's argument because I believe United States government often engages in acts in the interest of the United States. The military exploits inferior countries and acts above the law, citing for the benefit for the world. The military needs to be all but eliminated to self-defense and relief efforts. Resources wasted in these "wars" can be directed to schools, education, infrastructure and general well being of this nation.
The Article: (3)http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/medea-benjamin/54209/the-dangerous-seduction-of-drones
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