I went to Pakistan this fall and spoke with Pakistani officials, legal experts, public health officials, and journalists to hear, document, and learn more on the drone policy that has now garnered national attention. Prior to the CIA Director Nomination Hearing where John Brennan discussed the use and analysis of drone use and the white paper memo surfacing, there was little coverage in the media on the Obama's administration use of drones.
Our job in the investigation for the documentary was to talk to the people being affected by these attacks and to discuss these attacks with policymakers in Pakistan. Mr. Brennan stated in his confirmation hearing that he has "been a strong proponent to be as open as possible with these programs as far as our explaining what we're doing. What we need to do is optimize transparency on these issues and at the same time optimize secrecy of these issues."
We're seeing a clearer picture of these policies and the negative impacts being inflicted on our country. When I asked about America's image abroad I learned that these drone attacks and the policies perpetrated by the current administration provoke extremists, undermine our values and our president's word on the international stage, and become fodder for recruitment for militias and terrorist from around the world.
I'm sorry, Mr. Brennan, we can't have it both ways. What we're seeking is transparency of these policies and to end the effects these policies have at home and abroad. Now is the time to demand that our elected officials hold hearings, investigate and refuse to confirm John Brennan until the necessary questions are answered and the public investigation initiated.