Morality Of US Drone Strikes

The USA continues to insist that the drone strikes that it carries out in Pakistan are necessary and effective in combatting militant operations.  Is this true and should we remain silent in the face of the on going use of the drones by the USA?

According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, the USA has launched a total of 346 drones strikes in Pakistan during the period June 2004 to September 2012. 

What is noteworthy is that 294 of these drone strikes were launched under the leadership of President Obama.  Effectively President Obama increased the number of drone strikes by 466% when he came into power, taking the average number of monthly drone strikes from 1 to 6.

The 346 drone strikes have in turn resulted in the death of approximately 3,337 people and the injury of about 1,336.  What is significant about the numbers of deaths inflicted by these drone strikes is that of the 3,337 people killed, 884 were civilians.  This includes a total of 176 children who were also killed.

So what are these numbers telling us in the context of the USAs claim that these drone strikes are effective and that they should continue?

It is acceptable to kill 1 civilian in order to kill 3 militants!

You decide!  Should we be remaining silent in the face of the death of so many innocent men, women and children because of the USAs persistent use of drones to launch strikes on potential militant targets?