Drones

The Hidden Cost Of The Drone Program

Sun, 05 May 2013 21:44:00 +0000

A faint light has begun to shine in recent weeks on the secretive U.S. program of drone strikes and targeted killings.

Members of Congress are making speeches and statements, writing letters to the White House and holding hearings on Capitol Hill.

Navy Launches Its First Drone Squadron

Scott Neuman — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:43:00 +0000

The U.S. Navy is inaugurating its first squadron that mixes advanced unmanned drones with conventional aircraft.

The maritime strike squadron, nicknamed the "Magicians," will be officially launched at the Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado, near San Diego.

Along with eight manned helicopters, the squadron will include a number of unmanned helicopter drones, known as MQ-8B Fire Scouts, that can track targets at sea or on land.

Leading Senate Democrat Has Concerns With U.S. Drones

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:41:00 +0000

Transcript

RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Rachel Martin. After the September 11th attacks, the U.S. Congress passed something called the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, and it gave the American government the authority to retaliate against those responsible for the attack. It was broad and general and it was supposed to be that way. The U.S. was at war against al-Qaida. Twelve years later, that same law passed just three days after 9/11, is the legal justification for U.S. drone strikes.

Over Grand County Drones Are Bird Watching, Not People Watching

Grace Hood — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:41:04 +0000

The U.S. Geological Survey is turning the unblinking eye in the sky of drones to a more benign purpose. Instead of watching the battlefield, they’re bird watching.

Rand Paul Elaborates: Armed Drones Not OK For 'Normal Crime'

S.V. DÁTE — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Remember when Rand Paul held the Senate floor for 13 hours last month because of his concern that President Obama would use drones to target alleged terrorists on American soil?

That concern, apparently, does not always extend to alleged common criminals on American soil.

"If someone comes out of a liquor store with a weapon and $50 in cash, I don't care if a drone kills him or a policeman kills him,"