Mr Paul Goes to Washington

"Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here. You just have to see them again."
--Jefferson Smith (Mr Smith Goes to Washington)

Last night Rand Paul ended a 13 hour filibuster in protest of the Obama administration's lack of answers about its authority to execute discretionary assassinations of US citizens. In 2011, the president dispatched agents to kill an American (which also took out the American's son and son's friend) while they were in Yemen.

Last month, the administration released legal papers seeking to justify the president's discretionary use of lethal force.

Paul's filibuster overshadowed a previous eyebrow raising exchange between Rep Ted Cruz and US Attorney General Eric Holder, where Holder refused to directly answer repeated questions about the constitutionality of killing citizens who do not pose an imminent threat to the United States.

As the Judge explains, doing so is clearly unconstitutional. The president may only lawfully kill after due process, in self-defense, or under a declaration of war (in which case the target must be a belligerent).

Rand Paul's filibuster resonates with many people because he made a stand for the Constitution and against expansive executive power. It reflects growing sentiment that has found few outlets in behavior on the Hill.

RP's actions reflect a symbolic gesture of sorts. He has set an example that hopefully others will learn from and follow.