Earlier this week, NBC News leaked a confidential memo from the U.S. Justice Department which concluded that the White House can order the killing of American citizens if they are considered to be “senior operational leaders” of the terrorist organization Al Qaeda or an associated force — even if there is no information which links the supposed leader to an active plot against America.  News of the 16-page memo set off a heated national debate regarding governmental secrecy, the limits on executive power, and the merits of drone warfare. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney tried to calm the debate by stating:  “These strikes are legal, they are ethical and they are wise,” Carney said. The government takes “great care” when deciding where and whom to…