Editorials

Drones are a part of our lives, for better or worse

TBO.com
Published: February 13, 2013

American use of unmanned aerial drones is on a lot of people's minds these days. Heady discussions about attacks on Americans and innocent civilians are part of it, as well as the fear of Big Brother watching us right here at home. It's a legitimate conversation to have, but there's no denying the critical benefits this technology gives our country.

Most people know of the drone strikes that have taken out key al-Qaida and Taliban leaders over the last several years.

These drones attacking enemies in Pakistan are controlled by pilots here in the U.S. Targets are locked on and destroyed when they are approved.

Innocent civilians are sometimes killed and injured in these attacks, and no one denies that's a tragedy.

It's also true that our enemies hide behind innocent civilians and have no qualms killing as many Americans as they can.

We like what these drones provide our military. They save American lives and provide nearly constant surveillance that gives us an edge.

For domestic use, drones are more controversial with most folks. While most people accept that drones could help catch bad guys, they don't want their personal privacy invaded. The thought of government on any level "keeping an eye on them" just doesn't sit well.

That said, who wouldn't want a drone with thermal imaging to search for anyone lost and needing help? These drones can cover huge areas, collect lots of data and provide info that is almost impossible otherwise.

The Pentagon has said it will scale back its drone program because the military has about all it needs and it is an expensive program. They'll keep using them, but depending on where they are being sent, their effectiveness varies.

The CIA, however, will continue to use drones, even mini drones as small as insects, to provide intelligence. There's little doubt that other governments are doing the same.

Drones are here whether we like it or not. And we're being watched in many ways that we probably don't realize even when we go to the store. We should have guidelines on when the government can spy on us but there's only so much we can do.

Overall, the drone program is a good one. Where it goes from here, though, is a question we're all asking.