Letters from an American December 7, 2025
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Dec 9, 2025 The discussion kicks off with a call from Rep. Jim Himes for the release of controversial strike footage, sparking intense partisan reactions. Survivors' gestures before a strike raise questions about warning protocols, while debate brews over whether drug traffickers should be considered combatants. Admiral Bradley reveals intelligence regarding a boat's mission, but missed opportunities for intelligence gathering are critiqued. Defense Secretary Hegseth defends strikes amid concerns over operational security and lawmakers push for transparency, reflecting a shifting global landscape in U.S. strategy.
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Public Needs To See The Strike Video
- Representative Jim Himes said the public needs to see the September 2nd strike video to judge for itself.
- Heather Cox Richardson highlights the partisan split in interpreting the footage and Himes's deep unease.
Survivors' Gestures And The Boat's Destination
- Journalists reported survivors waved before the second strike and the boat wasn't heading to the U.S. according to commanders.
- Heather Cox Richardson explains the intelligence suggested the boat aimed to meet a larger vessel bound for Suriname, not the U.S.
Strikes Look Like A Shooting Gallery
- Critics argue the strikes function like a "shooting gallery" rather than a counterterrorism campaign.
- Heather Cox Richardson contrasts this approach with missed opportunities to question survivors which could have yielded intelligence.