Arizona Congressman Eli Crane recently spoke with The Gateway Pundit regarding a troubling video featuring Senator Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers. This group, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, instructed active duty service members and intelligence officials to disobey what they characterized as “illegal” orders from President Trump. However, as Crane pointed out, Trump has not issued any unlawful directives.
Crane labeled the actions of Kelly and his colleagues as “seditious,” asserting that they sought to undermine the military’s chain of command. The former Navy SEAL emphasized, “It appears to me, when I look at the definition of sedition, that that’s absolutely what they were doing. They were trying to incite rebellion within the military.” This claim holds weight, especially given that Senator Elissa Slotkin admitted Trump had not issued a single illegal order. Instead of constructive dialogue, Slotkin and others resorted to alarming comparisons, evoking images of the Nuremberg Trials and likening Trump to Adolf Hitler, which served to intimidate military personnel.
Indeed, Crane noted that such threats fundamentally jeopardize the trust and morale within military ranks. His assertion that these lawmakers’ actions are dangerous is clear: they are advocating for a second-guessing of commands at a time when split-second decisions can be critical. “When you’re in a combat situation, some of the orders that you get are given so rapidly,” he said, highlighting the potential consequences of undermining the chain of command.
This notion takes a sharp turn when evaluating the context of previous military operations, particularly during Obama’s presidency. Crane questioned the outrage that would have ensued had Republican lawmakers called for disobedience regarding U.S. military operations at that time, particularly in light of drone strikes conducted in various countries. “You would have seen similar outrage from Democrats and Republicans who understand how important the chain of command is,” he remarked. This lends perspective to the current issue at hand, suggesting a glaring double standard in the political sphere.
Crane didn’t shy from direct criticism. He noted that while lawmakers like Kelly and his associates make claims about unlawful orders, they failed to demonstrate such a scenario during the controversies surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations for service members. His concern extends beyond politics; it acknowledges a larger issue regarding how directives from leadership can be perceived in diverse situations. “Where were they when individuals were being kicked out because they were forced to take an experimental vaccine?” he asked, implying that this selective vigilance raises questions about the integrity of their recent proclamations.
As the discussion progressed, Crane reiterated his desire to see accountability and discipline within the military framework, specifically regarding how service members are taught to adhere to commands. He expressed a hope that this situation might set a precedent that would discourage elected officials from undermining military orders in the future. “I would like to see a precedent be set,” he said, advocating for a system where even members of Congress are held to account for their potentially dangerous rhetoric.
The broader implications of these military engagements are significant. Crane remarked on the ongoing operations targeting drug trafficking vessels linked to narcotics and criminals. His belief that these operations are necessary and lawful aligns with the critical need to combat illegal drugs entering the United States. He emphasized that drug-related offenses pose serious threats to public safety, reiterating that these efforts deserve serious consideration from all political spectrums.
Ultimately, Crane’s remarks act as a reminder of the inherent tensions existing in the intersection of politics and military operations. His observations challenge lawmakers to reflect on their responsibility to those who serve and protect the nation. Now more than ever, maintaining unity and confidence within the ranks is vital—not just for military effectiveness, but also for national security.
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