""As somebody who was secretary of Defense, you know, the one thing you learn is that people have the right to be critical of steps that you're taking. I mean, that's part of what this country's all about. And, you know, I've spent over 50 years in public life. The one thing you have to do is be able to have the ability to tolerate that kind of criticism, because it's constitutional," Panetta says."
""This week the Trump administration attacked six Democratic lawmakers who recently made a video telling U.S. military and intelligence personnel they can defy illegal orders, labeling the Democrats the "seditious six." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth went a step further, singling out Arizona senator and Navy veteran Mark Kelly for retribution. First, he announced a Pentagon investigation into Kelly for allegedly violating a federal law against actions that "interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.""
Leon Panetta, 87, feels nervous seeing current actions at the Pentagon. He served as Defense secretary (2011–2013), CIA director, budget director, White House chief of staff, and 16-year House member, with a bipartisan Senate confirmation of 100-0. He emphasizes that the Pentagon should not be used for "frivolous" purposes like settling scores with lawmakers and that officials must tolerate constitutional criticism. The Trump administration labeled six Democratic lawmakers the "seditious six" after a video urging servicemembers to disobey illegal orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth singled out Senator Mark Kelly, announced a Pentagon investigation, and mocked Kelly publicly.
Read at Intelligencer
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