As questions swirl about a U.S. military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in the Caribbean Sea back in September, retired Congressman Fred Upton sees a possible explanation for that video featuring six Democratic lawmakers reminding military personnel they don’t have to follow illegal orders.
The Democrats, including Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, have faced backlash from some circles. Slotkin has even received threats and now needs a security detail.
Upton says he thinks the September 2 “double tap” strike could very well have been the motive for the video, which also featured Senator Mark Kelly.
“You almost think that they knew something about September, that second strike when they gave a warning, you know, don’t violate your oath to the Constitution or the rule of law,” Upton said. “So I think it’s pretty unusual that they’re demanding maybe a court-martial, recalling [Senator Kelly] back to active duty — this is Senator Kelly — court-martial, and I mean, come on. It’s called free speech.”
Upton says the threats received by the six lawmakers are terrible. As for whether he would have taken part in the video, he says because he has no military background, it wouldn’t have been fitting.
“I’m not, I would not ever claim to be a veteran. I support our veterans. No, I wouldn’t. It would not have fit in with the purpose of their background of what they did.”
The six lawmakers are all either military veterans, or in Slotkin’s case, former CIA. Upton says that aspect of their background was a key part of the video’s message.
Meanwhile, Upton says Congress will get to the bottom of what happened September 2.
