to the editor: Last year was filled with as much political incompetence at the highest levels of government as I can remember in my lifetime. But perhaps the most obviously backwards example of thinking and behavior is the censure of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and his possible demotion (“Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly after warning about carrying out illegal orders”. January 5).
In 1972, Jim Croce sang on “You Don't Mess with Jim,” “You Don't Pull on Superman's Cape.” By itself, that line could tell you not to mess with the heroes. Kelly is a true hero and patriot, not the kind of “patriot” who storms the US Capitol. If the administration wants to flex its muscles and set an example, this is not the right man to do it.
Kelly is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He flew 39 combat missions in the Gulf War. If that wasn't enough, he then participated in four space shuttle flights, serving as commander in two of them.
Chasing Kelly is like putting on Superman's cape. Just don't mess with combat heroes who are also former astronauts.
It doesn't take my 50 years of experience as a clinical psychologist to know which direction the psychological winds are blowing in reverse. This measure will not have the effect that the administration intends. In fact, it's entirely possible that Kelly will garner the kind of overwhelming popular sympathy that will prompt him to run for president.
Steven Hendlin, Newport Beach
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to the editor: When anyone enlists in the U.S. military, they must take an oath to protect our Constitution. If that person is given an order that he considers illegal under our Constitution, that same oath requires him not to carry out that order.
That commitment to defend the Constitution serves as a fundamental check on military authority and guarantees compliance with legal and ethical standards. Kelly and the other five Democratic lawmakers were simply reminding service members of their sworn duty to our Constitution and should not be punished for pointing it out.
Fred Shaw, Carpentry
