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Jrose

(1,511 posts)
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 02:52 PM Nov 24

"I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies"

'Senator Kelly responds to secretary Hegseth
Earlier, we brought you the news that the Department of Defense is investigating veteran and sitting Democratic senator Mark Kelly.

'This, after the Arizona lawmaker joined five other members of Congress in telling active duty military to “refuse illegal orders” in a social media video.

'For his part, Kelly has responded in a statement. “Secretary Hegseth’s tweet is the first I heard of this. I also saw the President’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death,” he wrote in a post on X. “If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”'

[Reported by Shrai Popat, The Guardian, Nov. 24, 2025]

Bravo to the brave and truly patriotic veterans who defend democracy and the Constitution, regardless of party.


57 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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"I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies" (Original Post) Jrose Nov 24 OP
This 35 year Veteran stands with Sen. Mark Kelly, my Senator. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #1
Mark Kelly is a true FalloutShelter Nov 24 #4
He is highly regarded here in AZ by Democrats and Republicans alike, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #7
Kegsbreath! EndlessMaze Nov 24 #23
It's a good one, isn't it! calimary Nov 24 #48
MCE what is your read of MAGA vet reaction? Irish_Dem Nov 24 #27
I haven't talked to any of my vet friends yet, but I'm pretty sure that they're just as outraged MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #29
Yes if you can get some intel on the Vet sentiment on this issue that would be very interesting. Irish_Dem Nov 24 #30
I second that motion. ananda Nov 24 #42
Third! calimary Nov 24 #49
Sounds like you are doing Truck TDY over the holiday? Irish_Dem Nov 24 #31
Yep, luckily I have a grand daughter who lives in Vegas and has MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #33
Oh that is so great! Irish_Dem Nov 24 #34
You also. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #35
Thank you! Irish_Dem Nov 24 #36
I sure hope so it backfires on those two! calimary Nov 25 #50
Mark Kelly has more courage and fortitude in his fingernail clippings.... AZ8theist Nov 24 #45
I am not a veteran, but MLWR Nov 24 #11
Thank you for your service, Senator Kelly democrank Nov 24 #14
Posters like YOU, make me proud to be an American, and a Democratic member of bluestarone Nov 24 #41
standing with you, and with capt kelly. rampartd Nov 25 #52
si. esp last paragraph. AllaN01Bear Nov 24 #2
Why is the worst of the worst needing to investigate the best of the best? marble falls Nov 24 #3
To cover for their CRIMINALITY. B.See Nov 24 #21
And in the end, like with the so-called Comey and James indictments, there's no there, there. They got to understand ... marble falls Nov 24 #47
Much laughable from Trump, simply because, He brags about standing Tall..while playing Golf with Bone-Spurs. chouchou Nov 24 #5
This Gulf War veteran wishes heartily that draft-dodger Trump, and all of his criminal, incompetent, Aristus Nov 24 #6
He's a hero. NT Happy Hoosier Nov 24 #8
That he is, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #9
Major Hegseth is out of his league. pfitz59 Nov 24 #10
Neither Hegseth nor Trump are fit to polish Senator Kelly's shoes democrank Nov 24 #12
Beat Smegseth needs to be removed from the DOD. debsy Nov 24 #17
Smegbreath works, too Ponietz Nov 24 #20
They tried to silence his wife with violence whopis01 Nov 24 #13
I've got 3 years on Putinfluffer, Bohunk68 Nov 24 #15
Mark Kelly should be thanked for his service. debsy Nov 24 #16
He should be hauled in front of the House for article of impeachment, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #18
And divest Petey-boy of that damn Makeup Table Seinan Sensei Nov 25 #56
Thank You Sen Mark Kelly Stay strong! I stand with "The " "Seditious Six" ". electric_blue68 Nov 24 #19
My take on this is that they really are trying to silence him with threats and intimidation, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #22
Yes this is Trump's goal. To threaten others into silence. Irish_Dem Nov 24 #28
I think too, that they would regret trying the court-martial route 70sEraVet Nov 24 #37
If not for a corrupt Supreme Court, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 24 #38
That is so great. Now then... ananda Nov 24 #43
Thank you Captain Kelly! BidenRocks Nov 24 #24
This former Army ground pounder stands with Senator Kelly Mr.WeRP Nov 24 #25
Every MOC needs to put out a similar statement reiterating the call to disobey illegal orders Arazi Nov 24 #26
Was my choice for Kamala's running mate Auggie Nov 24 #32
In a strange way, Codifer Nov 24 #39
Nothing talks like a money bomb! I started the ball rolling with $100 for Mark Kelly. NBachers Nov 24 #40
Kick. N/T Upthevibe Nov 24 #44
Hegseth should be removed from his position mdbl Nov 24 #46
KnR sarchasm Nov 25 #51
I am very grateful for Kelly's courage and service dlk Nov 25 #53
Thank you for speaking out Senator Kelly Clouds Passing Nov 25 #54
So keep going Mark Capperdan Nov 25 #55
Another Navy vet standing in solidarity with Senator Kelly. Permanut Nov 25 #57

MarineCombatEngineer

(17,304 posts)
7. He is highly regarded here in AZ by Democrats and Republicans alike,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 03:04 PM
Nov 24

Kegsbreath going after him is a HUGE miscalculation, but that's his usual self.

This is already badly backfiring on Kegsbreath and Pedonald.

calimary

(88,655 posts)
48. It's a good one, isn't it!
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 11:01 PM
Nov 24

There's a lot more where that came from. A LOT of great thinkers here!

And btw, Welcome to DU!

Irish_Dem

(78,508 posts)
27. MCE what is your read of MAGA vet reaction?
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:23 PM
Nov 24

Is this causing some of the vets to peel away from the MAGA cult?

MarineCombatEngineer

(17,304 posts)
29. I haven't talked to any of my vet friends yet, but I'm pretty sure that they're just as outraged
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:26 PM
Nov 24

as I, and those at DU, are.
I'm going to start reaching out to some of my contacts in the military to see which way the wind is blowing.

Right now I'm in N. Las Vegas because my truck is at the N. Las Vegas Peterbilt facility getting her B service and a deep cleaning until Friday when I pick her up.

Irish_Dem

(78,508 posts)
30. Yes if you can get some intel on the Vet sentiment on this issue that would be very interesting.
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:41 PM
Nov 24

I can tell you from my experience as military kid, anyone threatening rank and pensions as a means of control
and intimidation does not go over well.

And threatening to court martial a retired military officer and sitting US senator would not go over well at all.
No matter the party affiliation. This is hitting way too close to home.

If a high ranking military officer had committed a heinous crime, then hell yes.
Throw the damn book at him

But punishing him for telling the troops to follow the gd law?

Beyond the pale.

calimary

(88,655 posts)
49. Third!
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 11:05 PM
Nov 24

Indeed. I'd love to know what other vets think, and whether they feel as wronged and insulted as I do. And I've never served, but I would never make light of our men and women in uniform who've served honestly and with valor. The only thing worthy of them is a sincere and heartfelt "Thank You."

MarineCombatEngineer

(17,304 posts)
33. Yep, luckily I have a grand daughter who lives in Vegas and has
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:54 PM
Nov 24

taken me in for Thanksgiving, so I do get a home cooked Thanksgiving meal.

AZ8theist

(7,006 posts)
45. Mark Kelly has more courage and fortitude in his fingernail clippings....
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 08:02 PM
Nov 24

Than the drunk Hegscrap and draft dodging Private Bone Spurs have in their entire bloated bodies.

These two seem to be vying for the post war Mussolini legacy.

MLWR

(703 posts)
11. I am not a veteran, but
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 03:53 PM
Nov 24

I thank you for your service and join you standing with Sen. Mark Kelly.

bluestarone

(20,918 posts)
41. Posters like YOU, make me proud to be an American, and a Democratic member of
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 07:41 PM
Nov 24

Democratic Underground! We need each other so badly, while our country is being torn apart by Hitler types AGAIN! Never, Never thought our congress and judicial system would be broken as bad as it is today. to all DU'rs. Let's get these bastards in 26!!!

rampartd

(3,234 posts)
52. standing with you, and with capt kelly.
Tue Nov 25, 2025, 07:06 AM
Nov 25

this is the guy who can stand up to krasnov, and maybe lead the all hands effort to rebuild

marble falls

(69,965 posts)
47. And in the end, like with the so-called Comey and James indictments, there's no there, there. They got to understand ...
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 09:23 PM
Nov 24

... close scrutiny can be as easily put on them.

chouchou

(2,660 posts)
5. Much laughable from Trump, simply because, He brags about standing Tall..while playing Golf with Bone-Spurs.
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 03:03 PM
Nov 24

Trump ruins always

Aristus

(71,412 posts)
6. This Gulf War veteran wishes heartily that draft-dodger Trump, and all of his criminal, incompetent,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 03:03 PM
Nov 24

heartless, cruel, empty-headed, vile, and un-American cronies would go straight to Hell.

And stay there.

democrank

(12,014 posts)
12. Neither Hegseth nor Trump are fit to polish Senator Kelly's shoes
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:02 PM
Nov 24

Senator Kelly is an actual hero.

whopis01

(3,901 posts)
13. They tried to silence his wife with violence
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:06 PM
Nov 24

There is no way on Earth that this man is going to back down in the face bullies.

Bohunk68

(1,411 posts)
15. I've got 3 years on Putinfluffer,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:14 PM
Nov 24

and look forward to the day I can join the long lines to water his grave. Better check what's in Ivana's huge coffin that her cremains are in. Oh, I bet there is a lot of evidence.

debsy

(729 posts)
16. Mark Kelly should be thanked for his service.
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:27 PM
Nov 24

Beat Smegseth should be fired immediately for his disgusting, opprobrium. The guy is a disgrace to humanity, like the rest of the dumpster administration!

MarineCombatEngineer

(17,304 posts)
18. He should be hauled in front of the House for article of impeachment,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:31 PM
Nov 24

then on to the Senate for trial, conviction and removal from office and barred from ever holding Fed. position again.

He should be, but we all know that ain't gonna happen.

electric_blue68

(25,213 posts)
19. Thank You Sen Mark Kelly Stay strong! I stand with "The " "Seditious Six" ".
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:48 PM
Nov 24

I used double quote marks - on seditious six, bc Hegseth uses that term with the quote marks, then I use them to mock, be sarcastic about it.

Stay strong all of them.

Plus since I've followed the Space Program from a young age; the mid '60s, and some of the astronaughts - Astro Mark Kelly did a video from the ISS for U2's 360 tour played before Beautiful Day.

MarineCombatEngineer

(17,304 posts)
22. My take on this is that they really are trying to silence him with threats and intimidation,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 04:57 PM
Nov 24

what these incompetent fools fail to recognize is that Sen. Kelly doesn't intimidate and is throwing it right back at them, along with Sen. Ruben Gallego.

Pedonald and Kegsbreath are in for a very rough ride if they follow through with their threats.

Irish_Dem

(78,508 posts)
28. Yes this is Trump's goal. To threaten others into silence.
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:25 PM
Nov 24

Dictators want a docile and compliant population.

70sEraVet

(5,171 posts)
37. I think too, that they would regret trying the court-martial route
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 06:02 PM
Nov 24

That would only serve to advertise the unconstitutionality of sending troops into US cities to do law-enforcement against wishes of state governors, and committing murder against citizens of another country without warrant or just cause.

MarineCombatEngineer

(17,304 posts)
38. If not for a corrupt Supreme Court,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 06:04 PM
Nov 24

Pedonald would be sitting in prison now and this national nightmare would have never happened.

Mr.WeRP

(1,073 posts)
25. This former Army ground pounder stands with Senator Kelly
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:10 PM
Nov 24

Fuck Trump. Fuck Hegseth. They are buddy fuckers and traitors.

Arazi

(8,641 posts)
26. Every MOC needs to put out a similar statement reiterating the call to disobey illegal orders
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 05:21 PM
Nov 24

Dems need to jump on this issue. Asap.

It’s a no brainer.

Go big on this messaging

Codifer

(1,136 posts)
39. In a strange way,
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 06:08 PM
Nov 24

Senator Kelly would be the prime target to someone (tsf) who wanted to prove to the world that he could take down Anyone.... perhaps even cause their death. That someone (tsf) would have to be demented enough to believe that he and his propaganda could be strong enough to wag THAT dog.

Senator Kelly is a person of honor and courageous service. He is a hero of such proportion that it would require a sin of equal proportion to bring him down.

It would seem that being on the Epstein list has failed to bring anyone down (with the exception of a prince).

Heck, he would have had to shag a goat in the town square... on Saturday.... Christmas Eve.

I am absolutely certain that Senator Kelly never did that.

Edit to add:

Tsf is trying to rule this country like it was a TV show he is producing but he has proven himself to be really dumb at it.

dlk

(13,062 posts)
53. I am very grateful for Kelly's courage and service
Tue Nov 25, 2025, 09:45 AM
Nov 25

A true patriot in these unprecedented times

Capperdan

(529 posts)
55. So keep going Mark
Tue Nov 25, 2025, 12:09 PM
Nov 25

"This shitty excuse for a president needs to be removed from office now, including his whole cabinet" we in Congress demand he resign today. Pack your suitcase and give the peoples house back. Get the fuck out of the Capitol today!"

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