Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon, claiming their efforts to censure and demote him are unconstitutional. The lawsuit alleges Hegseth’s actions violate Kelly’s First Amendment rights and the Speech and Debate Clause, arguing the Executive Branch cannot punish a Senator for political speech. The suit claims Hegseth’s actions are in response to Kelly and other retired service members’ video urging military members to refuse illegal orders. Kelly states the actions against him send a chilling message to retired veterans and erodes the separation of powers.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated an administrative case against Senator Mark Kelly, aiming to strip him of rank and reduce his military pension. The action is in response to Kelly reminding active-duty service members of their legal obligation to refuse unlawful orders. Hegseth claims the senator’s actions were “reckless and seditious,” though Kelly argues he was simply restating a fundamental principle of military law. If carried through, this would be a significant effort to use military disciplinary processes against an elected official, which has been met with strong opposition from Kelly and others.
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A recent analysis of court rulings by Vyorstka reveals that returning Russian soldiers have been responsible for over 1,000 deaths and injuries within Russia since the start of the Ukraine invasion. The review indicates at least 551 deaths and 465 serious injuries, with former prisoners who fought in Ukraine accounting for a significant portion of the casualties. Many of these incidents occurred during domestic disputes, frequently involving alcohol or drugs, and often targeted the veterans’ own relatives or acquaintances.
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The Pentagon announced an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly, a Democratic Senator from Arizona, following a video he recorded urging the military to disobey illegal orders. Kelly, a Navy veteran, responded that he would not be intimidated by the administration, while his colleague, Senator Ruben Gallego, condemned the investigation as “insane.” The video, along with similar ones from other Democrats, sparked outrage from the Trump administration, leading to incendiary statements from Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who referred to the lawmakers as the “Seditious Six”. Republican lawmakers have largely remained silent, despite increased threats of violence against the Democrats.
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Trump doubles down on Democrats’ sedition accusation over veterans’ video.
So, here’s the deal: Trump’s been accused of sedition, and he’s not backing down. It’s like a broken record, but this time it involves a video and some strong words aimed at those who might dare to question his orders. The core of it seems to be centered around a video aimed at veterans, and the implication is that Democrats are somehow undermining the military by reminding them of their duty to the Constitution. It’s a lot to unpack, but let’s try to make sense of it.
This whole thing kicks off with Trump essentially declaring that anyone who told the military to disobey his orders should be in jail.… Continue reading
Following a video from Democratic lawmakers urging soldiers to refuse “unlawful” orders, Donald Trump ignited controversy by accusing them of “sedition” and calling for their arrest, sparking outrage among military legal professionals. These experts criticize Trump’s broad and inappropriate use of legal terms while simultaneously expressing concern over the safety of lawmakers. Although many agree that some orders, such as the US’s actions against alleged drug trafficking boats, may be illegal, military attorneys warn of the immense burden placed on service members who refuse orders and stress the need for clarification and guidance. Furthermore, the politicization of the military is highlighted as a dangerous trend, putting junior service members in a precarious position and potentially leading to a breakdown in the core principle that every order is presumed lawful.
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A group of veterans and national security professionals, reaffirming their commitment to the Constitution, released a joint statement emphasizing their enduring oath to protect the United States. The statement highlighted that no threats would deter them from this obligation. They asserted that servicemembers should know they have support as they uphold their constitutional duties and follow lawful orders. The statement concluded with the historic phrase “Don’t Give Up the Ship!” and a personal response from Kelly, differentiating between defending the Constitution and an insurrection.
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George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, has publicly contested the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) account of his arrest during a federal enforcement operation. DHS claims Retes became violent and obstructed officers, leading to his arrest for assault. However, Retes alleges wrongful detention for three days without charges, an attorney, or contact with his family, stating he complied with officers’ instructions and was subjected to excessive force. He has filed claims against federal agencies, arguing DHS is attempting to demonize him for challenging government actions.
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Gunman in the Michigan LDS church shooting was a veteran of the Iraq War, and this fact immediately throws a spotlight on a complex intersection of issues. The veteran status, in itself, isn’t a cause, but it invites examination of the potential impact of combat experience, PTSD, and the challenges veterans face upon returning home. The military, and particularly the experience of war, can have profound effects on mental health, and the lack of adequate mental health support is a recurring theme when such tragedies occur.
The immediate response from some political factions often involves a familiar script. Some readily frame it as a “mental health issue,” while conveniently avoiding any deeper discussions about the underlying causes or the systemic problems that might contribute to such events.… Continue reading
President Vladimir Putin has declared that the next generation of Russia’s political leaders must be veterans of the Ukraine war. This announcement, made during a meeting with the State Duma, underscores the entrenchment of hard-line Russian nationalism and reflects the existing political landscape where dissent is limited. The move signals a continuation of the prevailing political culture, potentially extending beyond Putin’s tenure. The war has already led to significant Russian troop losses and is creating social issues as veterans reintegrate into society, yet peace remains elusive with key disagreements between Russia and Ukraine remaining unresolved.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood