By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
NATIONAL
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) was among six Democrats who posted a Facebook video that so enraged President Trump on Thursday that he posted messages calling for their execution.
Other members of Congress who appeared in the video telling active members of the military and intelligence communities they have a duty to “refuse illegal orders” were Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and House members Chris DeLuzio and Chrissy Houlahan, both of Pennsylvania, Jason Crow of Colorado and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. All six are veterans of the American military or intelligence services.
After self-introductions, the two senators and four members of the House of Representatives took turns reading, phrase by phrase, this message, with some phrases repeated for emphasis: “We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military. But that trust is at risk. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant but whether you’re serving in the CIA, the Army, our Navy, the Air Force, your vigilance is critical. And know that we have your back. Because now more than ever, the American people need you. We need you to stand up for our laws, our Constitution and who we are as Americans. Don’t give up the ship.”
In one reaction, Trump reposted on Truth Social an anonymous user’s capitalized message: “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD.” In another , Trump himself wrote, “It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand – We won’t have a country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET. President DJT.”
In another post, he wrote “Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York took to the Senate floor to denounce Trump’s rhetoric. He said: “The president of the United States is calling for the execution of elected officials. This is an outright threat and it’s deadly serious. We’ve already seen what happens when Donald Trump tells his followers that his political opponents are enemies of the state. Every time Donald Trump posts things like this, he makes political violence more likely. None of us should tolerate this kind of behavior.”
Schumer added: “When Donald Trump uses the language of execution and treason, some of his supporters may very well listen. He is lighting a match in a country soaked with political gasoline. Every senator, every representative, every American, regardless of party, should condemn this immediately and without qualification. Because if we don’t draw a line here, there is no line left to draw.”
The six members of Congress responded to Trump’s social media posts in a joint statement: “We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President did not actually want the six legislators to be executed, but added: “The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to people getting killed. It can lead to chaos, and that’s what these members of Congress who swore an oath to abide by the Constitution are essentially encouraging,”
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Jewish Insider reports Jewish groups are alarmed that a report in The Washington Post may be true despite denials by Acting Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday that the Coast Guard will no longer classify the Nazi swastika as a hate symbol.
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The Associated Press reports that the Department of Justice is investigating the actions of its own prosecutorial team who have been trying to develop a mortgage fraud case against Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) in connection with his real estate holdings in Maryland.
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The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports that in Alabama, popular Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl announced his resignation. He is considering running next year as a pro-Israel Republican for the seat Sen. Tommy Tuberville will vacate at the end of his term.
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The Political Action Committee of the Democratic Majority for Israel announced four endorsements in contested races for the U.S. Senate. DFMI PAC chair Brian Romick announced his organization will back Congressmembers Angie Craig in Minnesota, Chris Pappas in New Hampshire and Haley Stevens in Michigan along with former Gov. Roy Cooper in North Carolina. “Each is a champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship and a clear-eyed advocate for Israel’s security and the region’s long-term stability,” Romick said.
STATE AND LOCAL
San Diego City Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera, in his appointed capacity as chairman of the Taxi Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Transit System’s Board of Directors, noted that driverless Waymo vehicles threaten the livelihood of taxi, ride-hail, and delivery drivers. He recommended to the full board of directors that they urge state legislation to give cities local control over whether driverless vehicles may operate within their jurisdictions, and support a ban on driverless vehicles at the San Diego International Airport to assure the safety of ground transportation workers and the public at large.
INTERNATIONAL
Jewish Insider reports that former U.S. diplomats Aaron David Miller and Dan Shapiro, both Jewish, said that President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman put Israel into the background as it emphasized their countries’ bilateral relations.
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Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) reports that France has promoted Capt. Alfred Dreyfus posthumously to the rank of brigadier general.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World