I have my own thoughts on this article but will let you guys digest it first:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=31870
I'm sure some of you Canuckistanis can shed some light on this 'Centre for Research on Globalization'
Why hasn't the author written any articles criticizing the use of road side bombs and IEDs? Surely, those have killed far more civilians than drone attacks, and certainly this cheap method of warfare is just as "cowardly" as using an unmanned drone to do your dirty work. The only difference is, roadside bombs do not discriminate. They will target whoever has the misfortune of passing by.
These pundits need to get their act together. It doesn't matter how we wage war...they will always find a way to point the finger at us. If we carpet bomb - they criticize. If we use precision guided munitions - they criticize. If we use boots on the ground - they criticize.
"Pundits" is highly over stating the "level" of these wingnuts.
A quick review of their About page and some of their other "articles" show them to be a bunch of tinfoil hatters that think the US military is trying to start WWIII.
I'd just ignore anything they have to say.
Also they are from Quebec and so are crazy to begin with... :P
As to the question posed by Gus: I don't think brave or cowardly comes into it. The drones are an effiecient tool in the war on terror.
War is not about being Brave. Its about killing the other guy before they kill you and if drones do this the best then we that's what we should use.
The days of jousting and combat mano a mano with honor went out with Baron von Richthofen
Based on this article soldiers shouldn't be wearing body armor, helmets or other gear that could cause them to survive conflict because that would not be brave!
Plus any article that highlights parts of sentences in bold are childish at best
Con
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on July 12, 2012, 08:00:34 AMThese pundits need to get their act together. It doesn't matter how we wage war...they will always find a way to point the finger at us. If we carpet bomb - they criticize. If we use precision guided munitions - they criticize. If we use boots on the ground - they criticize.
and when we don't go in at all (cough*Rwanda*cough) they criticize...
Pretty much what I expected. I new this 'organization' were most likely tin foil hatters from the chintzy, bar mitzvah videographer vibe I got from their site. How Google picks up stuff like this and labels it 'news' is suspect at best.
well imho drones pros are cheeper and you dont lose guys, you can lay off loads of fighter pilots and ground crew to save money and you can subcontract to law enforcement.
Cons they dont hold ground, no good for protecting civvy contractors mining tiberium. I could say civs get killed because there are not that accurate but that happens with ground forces too. And they crash and can be hacked.
Still its a step toward drone vs drone warfare where no-one dies which can only be a good thing, well unless its all A.I and it turns on us ;D
The article did mention that actual pilots are piloting the drones.
Quote from: Gusington on July 12, 2012, 07:37:48 AM
I'm sure some of you Canuckistanis can shed some light on this 'Centre for Research on Globalization'
Never heard of them. Apparently some kind of non-profit organization.
Quote
The Centre for Research on Globalisation (CRG) is an independent research and media organization based in Montreal. The CRG is a registered non profit organization in the province of Quebec, Canada.
In addition to the Global Research website, the Centre is involved in book publishing, support to humanitarian projects as well as educational outreach activities including the organization of public conferences and lectures. The Centre also acts as a think tank on crucial economic and geopolitical issues.
The Global Research website at www.globalresearch.ca publishes news articles, commentary, background research and analysis on a broad range of issues, focussing on social, economic, strategic and environmental processes.
The Global Research website was established on the 9th of September 2001, two days before the tragic events of September 11. Barely a few days later, Global Research had become a major news source on the New World Order and Washington's "war on terrorism".
Since September 2001, we have established an extensive archive of news articles, in-depth reports and analysis on issues which are barely covered by the mainstream media.
In an era of media disinformation, our focus has essentially been to center on the "unspoken truth".
Unspoken truth, eh? Meh.
"Independent"?? HAR
forget about that non-profit lots-of-bull organisation...
Glenn Greenwald is the author ....hmm, a 'Greenwald' from Queens/NYC should know better, shouldn't he?
my personal note: Its all fair in love and war ... and this is war!
If an Operation Center would be setup in my area, i would sign-up for the weapon / sensors seat
(i lack the pilot-qualification which is mandatory for the other seat)
need no medals ... sending some to those hairy stinkin 72 is reward enuf.
Kill 'em 'til they're tired of dying.
If they don't want "collateral damage" then tell them not to hold meetings at home. Simple as that.
Quote from: LongBlade on July 12, 2012, 01:39:21 PM
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If they don't want "collateral damage" then tell them not to hold meetings at home. Simple as that.
Now that's a quote!.
Quote from: LongBlade on July 12, 2012, 01:39:21 PM
Kill 'em 'til they're tired of dying.
If they don't want "collateral damage" then tell them not to hold meetings at home. Simple as that.
Personally, I'm ok with killing terrorists even after they are tired of dying. ;)
Drones work at low cost to our side. If they don't like that they can go there to wander the streets for ieds. Where is Darwin when you need him?
Drones are a useful weapon system that allows our troops to put eyes and ordinance on target with minimal risk to life and limb.
This debate about the honor of using a certain weapon has occurred many times. When the musket replaced the saber and lance. Motorized vehicles and tanks supplemented and later replaced the horse. When World War one aircraft were able to rain death from the skies with impunity.. Or a ballistic missile that allowed two men to vaporize a city on the other side of the planet with the turn of a key.
^Well put, 'biter.
Quote from: Mr. Bigglesworth on July 12, 2012, 11:41:14 PM
Drones work at low cost to our side. If they don't like that they can go there to wander the streets for ieds. Where is Darwin when you need him?
Well said, Kev. You took the words right out of my mouth!
Drones can be considered just very long range artillery with a highly evolved aiming system.
I would award medals to drone pilots on whatever basis they use for those serving in the artillery, when applicable.