Slate Daily Feed Political Gabfest | Kill Them All
Dec 4, 2025
This week, the conversation dives into the controversy surrounding a U.S. military strike that allegedly killed survivors from a drug boat, raising serious legal and moral questions about military conduct. The hosts analyze the outcomes of a special election in Tennessee and its implications for midterm dynamics. They also explore the role of self-driving cars as a public health initiative, discussing safety data and the public's willingness to accept longer travel times for increased security. A captivating discussion on free speech and academic freedom rounds out the topics.
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Rules Against Killing Shipwrecked Survivors
- Killing shipwrecked survivors violates long-established laws of war and undermines military safety norms.
- Emily Bazelon argues those rules exist to protect troops and prevent a cycle of no-quarter violence.
Chain-Of-Command Accountability Is Unclear
- Responsibility may run up the chain of command but facts are incomplete and transparency is lacking.
- Emily Bazelon says congressional investigation and obtaining video and communications are crucial to assign culpability.
Pardons Can Send Dangerous Signals
- Public pardons can create perverse incentives by signaling protection for unlawful acts.
- John Dickerson suggests high-profile pardons may encourage subordinates to take risks expecting later reprieve.
