In today’s modern world, technology seems to be not only taking over our lives, but also growing at a rate that the public and government is having a hard time keeping up with it, especially in regards to privacy and regulation issues. The largest of these concerns is the use of drones; and what is even more surprising is that it is does not seem to be a conservative’s legacy that will be the controversial usage of covert drones but instead a Democrat’s. Instead of leaving a legacy of job creation, increased green jobs, and the closing of Gitmo, President Obama’s legacy may very well be the disturbing issue of Drone use in the name of “national security”, and how, and if, their use have really increased America’s national security making its citizens safer.
Let us compare the use of drones during Conservative President George Bush’s presidency from 2001-2009 versus President Barack Obama’s presidency from 2009-present. When one thinks of conservatives and their national security policies, many would figure that under the Bush administration drone usage was at an all time high. The harsh reality is this is untrue, and the difference between the two administrations, in regards to drone usage, is shocking. From 2001-2009 the Bush administration conducted less than 250 drone attacks that killed about over 400 people. President Obama’s administration as of Jan 2014 conducted 390 covert drone attacks that resulted in over than 2400 deaths in less than 5 years. (The Bureau of Investigative Journalism January 23, 2014).
Many conservatives believe that the Obama Administrations stance on drone attacks has given them a way out of detaining terrorists. AS Jo Becker and Scott Shane of the NY Times said, “Mr. Obama has avoided the complications of detention by deciding to take no prisoners alive.” In essence the current administration, via covert drone operations, doesn’t have to worry about habeas corpus. Conservatives also have worries that as drone technology increases, there is the possibility of the use of them in America which, in their eyes, would be a huge infringement on American civil liberties and the 2nd amendment. For example, if a covert drone operation were to be used on a certain group or person of interest, what will happen to the info inadvertently collected on an innocent person during that operation?
Then there is the matter of public safety. Currently there are about 18,000 local law enforcement officers in the United States, and some believe that drone usage would not only cut down public safety costs when it comes to police enforcement, but also help save lives of police officers. For example a police helicopter costs around $20 million, while a drone could cost a city $20,000. Then there are also the benefits of the usage of drones to help journalists bring more accurate reporting to the mainstream like in cases of natural disasters and environmental issues. But on the other side, there is the issue of groups like the paparazzi using drones to further infringe on the privacy of celebrities; and as with the death of Princess of Diana back in August of 1997, everyone is well aware of how dangerous the paparazzi can be in their pursuit of the perfect celebrity story. Would drone usage make this danger worse?
Lastly, there is the argument of regulations. As drone technology becomes more advanced and more available to the public, how will the usage of them be regulated? There are even $100 “do it yourself” drone kits, and Wire Magazine estimates that by 2015 the drone industry can be a $30 billion dollar industry, even though currently the commercial usage of drones is illegal in America. The FAA is expected to take over regulation of national drone usage by 2015, but they will only be dealing with the air space management of their usage not the political, ethical or legal aspects of the matter. Unfortunately, I think our government; especially with the over usage by the Obama administration has created a “Trojan Horse” in regards to covert drone operations. I do not think we will not be able to stop the domestic use of them or fully protect our civil rights as Americans when this time comes. Once again, Americans have allowed fear to take over and allow the introduction of another instrument that will destroy our right to privacy and civil liberties; and no matter how much they try, the Obama Administration will not be able to spin their way out of the part they played in this.
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