1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The recent actions taken by The Secretary of Defense in attacking a boat in international waters - specifically the order to fire on the survivors - is a war crime. It is, in fact, such a blatant violation that it was used as an EXAMPLE in the DoD Law of War Manual Section 18.3.2.1, page 1075. Not only were these orders given, but they were presumably accepted by subordinates in the chain of command, because the orders were carried out. Furthermore, the President and the Secretary of Defense’s response to the reminder given by your esteemed colleagues, who were simply reminding servicemen of their obligations to law - were nothing short of death threats from men who JUST demonstrated their intents. Colorado has many pressing concerns to be handled at the state and local levels; normal business would see you and your state-level counterparts tending to it. But these actions of late constitute an absolutely imminent threat to the rule of law in this country and a total disregard for human rights - and it warrants your immediate attention. Like any other great society in history, the United States has its share of black marks on our record. But in every instance thus far, it could be argued that we strived for improvement in our conduct and our basic principles. That is what makes us a nation of good men - and propels our ability to be great. I do not have any love whatsoever for drug dealers poisoning our people. I understand the gravity of the epidemic. But due process is what separates a barbarian from a gentleman, and a tyrannical monarchy from a republic, plain and simple. I urge you to not to discard 250 years of our moral progress in favor of allowing - and thereby condoning - this absolutely abhorrent human behavior. If we are to have any sort of recognizable future, you must hold these men accountable - by any legal avenue available. Articles of Impeachment would be a nice start. With Respect and Admiration for your Service,