Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator who has been accused of "sedition" by his Republican opponents, is at the center of a growing storm over the handling of recent US military strikes in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Kelly, a former navy captain and astronaut, was recently videoed alongside five other Democratic lawmakers urging soldiers to defy what they called "illegal orders". The lawmakers, who have all served in various capacities within the military and intelligence community, argued that the trust between American citizens and their military has been eroded by recent actions taken by the administration.
In a statement posted on social media, Kelly wrote that he had "sworn an oath to the Constitution" during his time in service, stating that it was not going to be intimidated by bullies who only cared about power over the constitution.
However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called the actions of the lawmakers "despicable, reckless and false", saying they undermined good order and discipline within the military.
The Pentagon has announced an investigation into Kelly's conduct over the video, which appears to be an unusual move against a retired military personnel.
Kelly, a former navy captain and astronaut, was recently videoed alongside five other Democratic lawmakers urging soldiers to defy what they called "illegal orders". The lawmakers, who have all served in various capacities within the military and intelligence community, argued that the trust between American citizens and their military has been eroded by recent actions taken by the administration.
In a statement posted on social media, Kelly wrote that he had "sworn an oath to the Constitution" during his time in service, stating that it was not going to be intimidated by bullies who only cared about power over the constitution.
However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called the actions of the lawmakers "despicable, reckless and false", saying they undermined good order and discipline within the military.
The Pentagon has announced an investigation into Kelly's conduct over the video, which appears to be an unusual move against a retired military personnel.
I think Mark Kelly is right on point 
but I can see why Defense Secretary Hegseth would say he's being reckless 
. We need more transparency from our gov about what's really going on in those military strikes 
. As a former navy captain, I think Mark Kelly knows what it takes to put his life on the line for our country 
. It's time for us to get behind him and demand answers 
. Can we trust that our gov is really looking out for us 
or are they just playing politics 
?
. I mean, Mark Kelly is just trying to do his job as a senator and bring attention to some serious concerns he has about the way our military is being used. He's not calling for chaos or treason - he's just saying that we need to have an honest conversation about what's going on over there.
. That word usually gets thrown around in pretty serious circumstances, like when someone is actually trying to overthrow the government. I don't see how urging soldiers to speak out against what they believe is wrong with their orders is any different from, say, whistleblowers or activists.
. I get it, someone's gotta stand up for what's right, but this isn't how you do it, mate. You can't just go around questioning orders like that without thinking about the consequences.
.
. But seriously, I don't think Mark Kelly was right to say his oath would protect him from bullies, that's just naive... like back when people used to trust their government more 
. And what's with this "sedition" thing, it sounds like something out of a Tom Clancy novel 
. Defense Secretary Hegseth is probably right that Kelly and the others were being reckless, but on the other hand, have they really been given no choice? I mean, think about all those soldiers who are stuck in some godforsaken desert or jungle with nothing to do but follow orders... 
I mean, I get it, he's upset about some US military strikes and all that jazz, but does he have to take it out on his fellow lawmakers like that? It's just so unprofessional. And now the Pentagon is launching an investigation into him? Really? It seems like they're more worried about damage control than making sure the military is actually doing its job.
. I mean, come on, guys, if you've got a problem with the administration's actions, fine, speak up! But do you really need to call it "sedition" and make yourself sound like you're from an A-Team rerun? 
And what's with the video - is this some kind of anti-war protest or just a bunch of old guys trying to be relevant again? 
, I can see why he'd feel strongly about defending the Constitution and the trust between citizens and their military 
I mean, those lawmakers are just trying to get some answers about what really went down in those military strikes... if they've got something to hide, that's a whole different story 
. But until then, it seems like Kelly's trying to stand up for what he believes in and that takes courage 
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. As someone who loves their country and respects the men and women serving in our military, I can see why Mark Kelly would be concerned about the trust between us and our troops.
i mean i get why ppl are upset, but this whole thing feels really fishy. everyone's talking about sedition and treason, but has anyone actually seen any proof? 
meanwhile, the pentagon is investigating kelly's conduct... sounds like an attempt to silence dissenting voices to me