Ex-Navy aviator says U.S. killing civilians on high seas is murder

Re “Will military refuse to obey illegal orders?” (Nov. 22): I couldn’t agree more with the author, retired Navy Capt. Jon Duffy. As a former Navy aviator, I have been wrestling with the question myself — wondering how I would react if ordered to destroy a small speedboat in the middle of the ocean. I hope I would have the courage to make the right choice.

This is blatant murder. As a nation of laws, we don’t intentionally target and kill civilians, regardless of the reasons or purported “legal” justifications. The Constitution, as well as the Uniform Code of Military Justice, demands that we don’t.

Make no mistake about it: Refuse these orders and you can kiss your military career goodbye. But in my mind, the choice between a career and a human life should be a no-brainer.

I believe that the current administration has lost its way. Its moral compass is spinning like a roulette wheel. I’m terrified about where it will land next.

— Ken Zolkoski, Clairemont