About Drones

Much has been made of President Obama and his gaffe on a metaphor he used last Friday, March 1. During his news conference, Obama said some people unfairly expected him to be able to force Republicans to accept his terms. “Even though most people agree... I’m presenting a fair deal, the fact that they don’t take it means that I should somehow do a Jedi mind-meld with these folks and convince them to do what’s right,” he said. He goofed when he confused "Star Wars" with " Star Trek" ( I must admit that it was lost on me). Regardless, this man more and more appears to be an aficionado of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" weaponry. His administration has gone for drones in a big way. Drones are the weapon of choice not only in Afghanistan and Pakistan but reportedly are hovering in the beautiful, spacious skies over amber waves of grain. between the purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain of America.

The era of the drone may very well herald Star Wars , Obama style. As with the atomic bomb, justification for this new weapon is that it will save the lives of our soldiers as we combat insurgents, terrorists and mass killers at home and throughout the world. The day is not far off, when conflict among nations will be like playing a video game. I daresay that in this type of conflict, civilians will bear the brunt of war like they never have before. As with nuclear weapons of mass destruction, the day will come when the United Nations will be debating the necessity for drone control - and with similar results. I wonder how long it will be before we have rogue drones?

I'm all for saving the lives of our military. I'm just not comfortable with the decision making process being used  to determine how and when drones will be deployed. I wish I could do Jedi mind-meld with the folks with their finger on the red button and convince them to do what's right.