Military Leaders Speak Out: Politics and the Military Don't Mix

Lawmakers' Video

• Some lawmakers with military backgrounds made a video.
• They told soldiers to ignore orders they think are wrong.
• They claimed the government is turning soldiers against regular people.
• They did not specify which orders are wrong.

Former President's Reaction

• The former president saw the video and got very angry.
• He called the lawmakers traitors and said they should be punished.
• Some people found this scary, believing it could put the lawmakers in danger.

Military Lawyers' Response

• Some military lawyers were upset.
• They said the former president was wrong and misusing the term "treason."
• They argued that the real traitors were those who tried to overthrow the government on January 6, 2021.
• The former president had pardoned these individuals.

Allegations of Illegal Actions

• One lawyer claimed the government is doing illegal things, like blowing up boats in Venezuela.
• He stated this is not combat but murder and that the law is not being followed.

Criticism of the Former President and a Senator

• Another lawyer said the former president's words were very wrong.
• He also criticized a senator for not correcting the former president.
• The lawyer argued the senator knows the law and should have spoken up.

Professor's Perspective

• One professor said the lawmakers' video was not clear.
• She explained that orders can be wrong without being obviously wrong.
• She advised soldiers to seek advice before ignoring orders.
• She suggested more retired generals should speak out about the former president's use of the military.
• She described the video as a political message, not helpful for soldiers.

Former Air Force Attorney's Advice

• A former air force attorney advised soldiers not to ignore orders without thinking.
• She recommended seeking help from superiors, chaplains, or military lawyers.
• She noted that many military lawyers are leaving, which is a problem for the military.

Marine Captain's Warning

• A marine captain called the former president's words dangerous.
• He emphasized that soldiers should not follow orders based on politics.
• He stated that every order is legal unless it is obviously illegal.
• He expressed concern that the military should not be political and should represent all of America, not just one political party.