Urgent: Congress Members Urge Military to Disobey Unlawful Orders

UPDATE: Six congressional Democrats have released a powerful video urging military personnel to prioritize their oath to the U.S. Constitution over any unlawful orders. Released on November 18, 2023, the video features former military and intelligence officials who emphasize that the Uniform Code of Military Justice mandates service members to disobey orders that violate constitutional or international law.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns regarding military actions taken by the Trump administration, specifically targeting Venezuelan fishing boats without congressional authorization. These strikes, carried out in international waters, lack evidence of drug trafficking or hostile actions against the U.S., raising serious legal and ethical questions.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy captain, stated,

“Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders.”

This assertion highlights the critical obligation of military officers and enlisted personnel to question and potentially disobey any orders deemed illegal.

The implications of this video are significant. With tensions escalating in military and political circles, Congress must act to address the legality of these orders. The message is clear: blind obedience is not a requirement when it comes to unlawful commands.

In a historical context, the video draws parallels to the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War, where soldiers faced moral dilemmas regarding orders to harm civilians. The video reminds viewers of the Nuremberg Trials, which established that following orders is not a valid defense for committing war crimes.

Critics are quick to express concerns about the potential chaos that may ensue from such declarations. Commentators like Don Skaggs from Garland warn that encouraging military personnel to question orders could lead to dangerous consequences. Others, like Ken Duble from Dallas, question the president’s logic in reinstating military personnel who previously defied vaccine mandates, only to expect compliance with orders that seem unjustified.

As the debate continues, many are calling for clarity on what constitutes an unlawful order. The Uniform Code of Military Justice explicitly states that service members must refuse orders that direct them to commit crimes or violate laws. This includes actions that harm civilians or suppress peaceful protests.

The urgency of the situation cannot be understated. The video’s message has sparked widespread discussion and concern among military personnel and the public alike. With former military officials advocating for accountability and legality, the pressure mounts on Congress to take a stand.

As the fallout from this video unfolds, all eyes remain on Congress and military leaders to see how they will respond to these urgent calls for justice and adherence to constitutional principles. The stakes are high, and the implications of these discussions resonate deeply within the fabric of American democracy.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and understand the critical nature of these discussions surrounding military ethics and legality.