How Many Christians Justify Assassination of Iranian General?

Last week the US assassinated an Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani.  My observation is that Americans of almost all political perspectives were not disturbed by the idea of the US Government assassinating (killing or "terminating") someone who is clearly a "bad guy."  In fact, after 9/11, US law permits the preemptive killing of  someone declared a "terrorist."

My question is this:  is it moral?  If, as some say, we are a Christian nation, and, as some say, the 10 Commandments are the basis of our laws, and furthermore, "Thou shall not kill" is one of those commandments and enshrined in law, how do we formulate this (and other) exceptions to that commandment?   We have some theologians who have formulated the "just war" theory.  Our laws allow killing in self-defense.  

But, here we neither have a declared war and we have not heard details of the "imminent threat" that government officials spoke of.

Yet, I suspect a majority of Christians probably are ok with this "termination" of a bad guy.  But shouldn't we explore how we could justify this act in light of "thou shall not kill?"

Racism, Hatred and Violence: The Antithesis of Freedom

The mass shootings of the last weeks cannot be separated from the sowing of hatred and demonization of peoples we hear from President Trump.  The manifesto for the mass murderer in El Paso, Texas includes lines taken from Trump’s speeches and Trump for President websites.  As I’ve said before:  What you reap, you shall sow!

We who love freedom and believe in the dignity of all people (“…endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” [Declaration of Independence]) abhor the talk of demonization of peoples (especially immigrants and the undocumented).  

I say:

•          “No to Demonization of Peoples”
•          “No to Hatred of Immigrants and the Undocumented” and
•          “No to the Violence that rises from Hatred.”

The hatred we saw in El Paso blurred the lines of American Citizenship, legal status in the US, and undocumented status in the US, as the evil murderer in El Paso killed any and all, illustrating a root hatred of Hispanic people and not just those who are undocumented.  This blurring of the lines has led to many incidents where anyone appearing to be Hispanic or speaking Spanish is assumed to be “illegal” and therefore subject to discrimination and hate.

A free people recognize the dignity of all people. 

A free people do not hate any group.

A free people can work to improve the situation on the southern border while respecting the dignity of all.

•          While respecting all people, we don’t have to have “open borders” but rather improve conditions for a more orderly passage of peoples across the southern border.
  
  
•          While respecting all people, we can work together to ensure humane conditions in detention facilities and not separate underage minors from parents or guardians.
  
  
•          While respecting all people, we can work to improve the conditions in Central America that drive the desire to migrate to the US.
•          While respecting all people, we can find a permanent solution for the millions of undocumented peoples living within the US.  We should expel the criminals, but we should also have a process whereby productive workers and the “dreamers” can have a path to a documented status, including a path to citizenship.

We must say no to this hatred and violence now!

No Cages; Families Belong Together

The Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy has resulted in the US Government treating human beings like animals, stored in cages, separating parents from young children.  Fortunately, the child separation policy has ended, but the damage to the children could be life-long. But the cages remain.

Though the number of persons crossing the southern border without documentation is reduced from year past, somehow this Administration thinks that treating human beings like animals is how to "discourage" people from crossing the border, all while the Administration has done nothing regarding its promised wall funded by Mexico after a year and a half in power.  The Trump development companies could erect luxury condo high-rises or a casino in a couple of years.  What's up with this wall?  Was it just a stunt for the campaign?

A rational policy would look at the areas of high crossing rates, and focus better security there both in terms of walls/fences, surveillance and, officials on the ground.  There should be foreign aid to improve conditions in the countries where people are leaving.  And an information campaign focused on these nations announcing that one needs documentation to enter the US.

Finally, there should be "sanctuary" zones in neutral locations outside the US where those seeking refugee status can remain in a safe place while their appeal is processed.

But treat all humans as humans!!

No cages!

Families kept together!