President Obama clearly has had his feathers ruffled after the Senate overwhelmingly voted to strike down his veto of a bill which would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi Arabian government.
During a town hall event on CNN, the president took a moment to address his congressional opposition and warned that overriding his veto was a grave error.
“I think it was a mistake,” the president said in a room full of members of the armed forces.
The president then went on to blame the override of his veto on the fact that the Senators are seeking re-election and did not want to be perceived as anti-military or unpatriotic by striking down a bill which would allow these families to seek justice.
Obama then laid out his reason for opposition: it would strike a precedent which might open up the United States for suits from victims of our terrorism across the globe. Drone strikes, bombing of civilians, you name it.
What the president didn’t mention was that he is also worried about straining the U.S.’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Despite the wrongs they continue to commit, the president finds that a positive, amicable relationship with the nation is better, and will do everything in his power to continue that.
The idea that we shouldn’t start a precedent for something because it might mean that we, too, are held accountable across the globe is selfish and self-serving. Why shouldn’t those killed by Obama’s gigantic drone strike program be able to seek damages? Why should we be untouchable?
Watch.
