1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I am writing to you to express my grave concerns regarding Hegseth’s continued comments and threats of retaliation toward Sen Mark Kelly. I have family who have spent their careers serving and sacrificing for this country. Kelly spoke nothing but the truth about how our veterans need to stay aware of their rights and responsibilities, and protect themselves by refusing to obey illegal orders. This is nothing new or subversive – or, it wouldn’t be seen as such to leaders acting with integrity. It is alarming that Hegseth is so intent on silencing it. Our soldiers should be very concerned on this issue, in light of recent weeks. Trump has bypassed Congress repeatedly to take military action outside of the constitutional channels of approval. He’s killed civilians without providing solid justification, even after the fact. If Congress were doing their jobs instead of standing by in impotent, immoral complicity, he would have faced swift consequences, and bold action to stop these violations. He hasn’t. He has also demonstrated consistently the willingness – nay, compulsivity - to avoid accountability, point blame at anyone but himself, and to actively make himself immune from any negative consequence for his actions. None of these are the actions of a trustworthy, law-abiding leadership. The president is committing possible war crimes, setting himself above the law at every opportunity, and demonstrating constantly that he values unquestioning loyalty over justice, honor, or conscience. His party is doing nothing to stand up to him with any moral courage or integrity. And his Secretary of Defense is openly furious when someone reminds our veterans of the severe consequences they face if they commit crimes, even under orders. In other words, we are in exactly the situation that Sen Kelly’s reminder, and the truth it is built on, is most needed for: A commander-in-chief that acts recklessly and illegally, an enabling Congress, and a defense secretary basically telling our soldiers to shut up, obey, and fall on their swords if necessary…Or else. Please do not pretend you care about veterans if you are silent in the face of this. You are selling them out if you do not take bold, decisive action to stand with Kelly and speak up for the rights and wellbeing of our soldiers.