I’m appalled by the recent killings of people off the coast of South America by the United States military. The United States government claims the victims were drug traffickers or “narco-terrorists,” but no evidence of that has been shared with the public.

Killing people without proof or trial violates American values and international law. No person should ever be executed without due process. That the United States is striking and killing people at sea without evidence or accountability is setting a dangerous precedent for other nations. 

No government should be blowing boats out of the water. Such actions could lead to war, which begs the question: is that our government’s intent?

Maggie Shannon
Hallowell