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'An unserious man': Retired general slams defense secretary for putting military people at risk
MSNBC· 2025-12-01 16:52
Alleged War Crime Investigation - The core issue revolves around the legality of using lethal force against individuals clinging to wreckage who pose no threat to US military forces [2][3] - The situation is being compared to Nazi submarines machine-gunning survivors, highlighting the gravity of the alleged actions [4] - Legal experts suggest that boat strikes themselves may not be a proper use of military force under international law [14] - A "double tap" strike, specifically targeting those out of combat, is considered a war crime [15] Accountability and Responsibility - Everyone involved, from the Secretary of Defense down to the individuals who pulled the trigger, could be held accountable under civilian law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice [14] - Military members have an obligation to disobey patently unlawful orders [17] - Obeying an unlawful order subjects everyone involved to legal accountability [18] Political and Military Implications - The Secretary of Defense's actions are described as unserious and potentially putting military personnel at risk of committing war crimes [9] - There are concerns about the role of Congress in overseeing military operations [5] - The incident is causing upset among Republicans, and the President is attempting to distance himself from it [7]
'Really dangerous rhetoric': John Heilemann on Hegseth calling lawmakers 'Seditious Six'
MSNBC· 2025-11-25 17:42
Political Rhetoric and Violence - The analysis suggests that escalating rhetoric, particularly accusations of treason, within the MAGA movement could incite political violence [2] - The report highlights concerns that the President's words have inspired violence in the past [8] Senator Mark Kelly's Profile - The report indicates that attacks on Senator Mark Kelly could inadvertently elevate his national profile, potentially aiding future presidential aspirations [3][4][9] - The analysis mentions that some perceive Kelly as a formidable political opponent [9] Military Conduct and Legality of Orders - The report raises concerns about a potential moment where active duty senior military officials may need to speak out against or disobey questionable or illegal orders [6][7] - The analysis emphasizes the importance of military personnel adhering to the Constitution and refusing to carry out illegal orders, a message amplified by the President [10][11] Trump Administration's Actions - The report suggests the Trump administration's actions are reminiscent of the chaos of the first term [10] - The analysis points out the possibility of Trump asserting the authority to deploy the military into any American city [5]