The death penalty should never be a political threat

The U.S. military runs on hierarchy. Orders flow down the chain of command, and discipline keeps everything moving in sync. That structure is what allows the armed forces to act quickly and effectively, even in the toughest situations.

But the system also recognizes a hard truth: Not every order is automatically lawful. That’s why there are built‑in procedures for service members who think something might cross the line. They can raise concerns through their chain of command or seek advice from military lawyers. It’s a framework meant to protect both the mission and the rule of law.

That’s what made a recent video from six Democratic lawmakers troubling. In a social media clip titled “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” they told service members and intelligence officials that they have a duty to r