On 2007-06-30 07:44:40 -0700, Aviv Hod
said:

Summary: US and Colombian agents shoot down a smuggling suspect:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=063_1182300981

This is shocking to me on so many levels - extrajudicial execution on
tape with Americans involved. Drug smuggling is a problem and all, but
this isn't like a police car chase where there is clear danger to
bystanders. Couldn't the authorities avoid deadly force?!? From the
tape it seems like the authorities were very concerned about the
proximity of the border but even if they would have had to let the
plane get away, that is no excuse for their trigger finger to do the
police work!

Does anyone have any more context on this incident? Anyone know how
common this is? There was a family of missionaries that was shot down
a few years back in a similar anti-drug operation. Makes me sick.

-Aviv

The United States is signatory to treaties prohibiting firing upon
civilian aircraft, but regularly violates these treaties. This is
behavior that we used to associate with the worst aspects of the Soviet
Union and other rogue states.

On the other hand, these drug dealers are conducting what is basically
a civil war against the government of Columbia, attempting to set up a
criminal government providing a safe haven for all manner of gangsters
and thugs.

So it is a hard question. Do you let the drug dealers take over a whole
country, or do you violate international standards of behavior to
prevent it? Personally, I have grave concerns about becoming what we
are trying to stop.

--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor