The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Paul McCreary
The definition of sedition is inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority to destroy or overthrow it. It often includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of insurrection against established authority.
Given that, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly and five others associated with the military or other parts of government have been accused of seditious behavior, possibly punishable by death. The statement issued by Kelly and the five others simply declared that people do not have to follow illegal orders. That has been clarified to anyone involved in the military or government that protects and serves. Service members can report issues concerning illegal orders.
The video in question was shared by US Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. All six concerned served in the military or intelligence community. Besides Senators Kelly and Slotkin, the other four are U.S. Representatives. The six members concerned swore an oath to support and defend the US Constitution. Their joint commentary simply states that illegal orders should not be followed. Nothing was stated that can be construed as sedition. Some high-ranking politicians must believe that their directives should be followed, regardless of legality.
Their joint statement to refuse illegal orders comes with escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuelan governments, and opposition by cities to the deployment of the US National Guard to them. It may also include orders to bomb boats and kill all those aboard in the Caribbean based on suspicion of drug trafficking without due process. Two survivors of one such bombing were ordered to be killed by the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. That last action is in direct opposition to international and maritime laws and the rules of law and war.
The most glaring example of sedition was exhibited on January 6, 2021. People were encouraged to invade the US Capitol in an effort to overturn a valid 2020 Presidential election. Thousands marched upon the Capitol after being told to βFight like hell, or you wonβt have a country anymore.β That was inspired by the party that lost the election and was unable to accept defeat. Millions of dollars of destruction were done to the Capitolβs exterior and interior. More than 150 defenders of the Capitol, including Capitol police, were injured, and five others ultimately died, two by suicide. It was sedition at its most extreme. Many assaulting the Capitol were arrested, tried, found guilty and sentenced. What ultimately happened? All those jailed and found guilty or awaiting trial, numbering about 1,600, were pardoned. Yet six people merely stating what is in the Uniform Code of Military Justice are threatened with execution by the same authority that pardoned those engaged in true, extreme sedition. Pete Hegseth has threatened to prosecute the six under the same Uniform Code.
Compare Mark Kelly to those threatening extreme punishment. Kelly served as a 25-year Navy veteran, flying numerous missions, achieving the rank of captain, and was an astronaut. His contributions were positive to the highest degree. The Commander in Chief, who has threatened punishment, served no military time. Pete Hegseth served in the US Army National Guard and became a major. He was deployed three times, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. He was not a high-ranking military official, but later hosted a program on the Fox television network, which may have helped him acquire his present position.
This whole matter could end with death threats against Kelly and the other legislators. The President posted on social media that they should face trial for sedition, a crime punishable by death. Irrational followers of such claims could possibly act with violent intent. It has happened with less provocation. It is ironic that the most egregious act of sedition on January 6 was not regarded as seriously. Apparently, it all depends on the point of view of those concerned.
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