The Threat Hanging Over America

Earlier this week, six lawmakers with military credentials released a video in which they reminded “their still-serving counterparts in a short online video that they are obligated to refuse illegal orders.” Trump responded to the video by going full all cap, describing the call to follow the law as seditious behavior, and arguing the lawmakers should be “ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL … An example MUST BE SET.” In another post, he wrote: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He also “reposted 16 Truth Social posts, including one that advocated for hanging the Democrats, like ‘GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD.'” (Guys, I always forget, are we supposed to take threats to hang political opponents literally or seriously?) While we’re on the topic of providing advice to our peers, I would suggest that journalists and editors are obligated to refuse the temptation to cover this insanity like it’s normal.

+ The call to refuse illegal orders mostly refers to the invasion of US cities by US military personnel, and the threats of many more such deployments. But it could also relate to the boat bombings. Top military lawyer raised legal concerns about boat strikes.