Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is censuring Mark Kelly because Mark reminded service members that they took an oath to support and defend the Constitution and that “you can refuse illegal orders.”. Pete first tried to have him returned to Active Duty so he could be court martialed. He failed in that so now he is censuring him. What authority does the Secretary of Defense have to censure a U.S. Senator for exercising his rights to free speech? Mark is a retired Naval Officer and not subject to the UCMJ. Pete is a former National Guard Officer and Hegseth is a civilian. How can a civilian censure a U.S. Senator? Pete should have been reminded of his marriage vows.
Jerry Lujan
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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