Right now, a small cadre of senators, led by Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky, are occupying the senate floor in a filibuster protest against the nomination of John Brennan to head the CIA. Brennan’s nomination has been highly controversial due to his central role in the development and expansion of drone warfare under the Obama administration.
From the Times:
“A small group of Republicans, led by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, stalled the Senate on Wednesday by waging a nine-hours-and-counting, old-school, speak-until-you-can-speak-no-more filibuster over the government’s use of lethal drone strikes — forcing the Senate to delay the expected confirmation of John O. Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.”
More than a dozen other senators have joined Paul’s now 12-hour filibuster. The event has garnered a growing following of Twitter, where hundreds of anti-drone supporters have been tweeting under the hashtag #standwithrand.
Throughout his 12 hours (and counting) of speaking, Rand has spoken out against the increasingly militarized stance of President Obama.
“I think its also safe to say that Barack Obama of 2007 would be right down here with me arguing against this drone-strike program if he were in the Senate,” he said.
Later he directed his remarks to the entire American public.
“Are you so afraid that you are willing to trade your freedom for security?”
Of course, Paul also noted that he wasn’t opposed to drones being used to defend “American security” overseas. He said he is only against drones when they are used to target US non-combatants — which is cold comfort for the hundreds of civilian drone casualties in Pakistan and elsewhere. Illinois State Senator Obama might agree.
Gosh, that part was awful. His logic was, basically:
1. We’re pretty disturbed by the standards being used to select drone targets in other countries. Really bad stuff happens and nobody is accountable for it.
2. Which is fine, because it’s in other countries.
3. But here, such behavior is wrong, because these are Americans we’re talking about.
4. Some life is worth more than others.
5. We are not accountable, but I will hold you accountable, Mr. President.
But, whatever, he’s putting himself in the way of drones — that’s God’s work, consistency be damned.