(to preface, this is not saying anything negative towards him, just personally curious)
I remember seeing his ads years ago on TV, never thought much of it. Guess I didn't even pay attention enough since I never knew he was a senator of ours until like a year ago. Haven't really heard much about him lately, but I've seen a few people call out that he would be an interesting Dem VP pick.
Again, haven't heard much about him for a minute, but I guess politically wise that's not necessarily a bad thing. Never even really heard him being discussed politically or even as a person locally. I've at least heard as a person he's a really nice guy and has led a pretty interesting life.
Anyone have any input?
(I did notice rule 3 so if this applies I will remove/mods can remove, all good, don't think i'm much of a 'regular' per se)
This is Senator Mark Kelly’s response to the censure. I’ll not add my thoughts as they don’t matter.
Videos
I am sure most people here are familiar with the unfolding controversy over Mark Kelly's recent video stating that soldiers can disobey illegal orders, with Hegseth having just ordered an investigation of the issue: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/nov/25/us-politics-pam-bondi-appeal-james-comey-letitia-james-cases-donald-trump-venezuela-latest-updates
What I want to understand is what reason anyone has why this kind of statement is wrong or unreasonable to make, when the Secretary of Defense, Hegseth himself, just recently stated his intent to not follow rules of engagement.
You can read his full speech here: https://www.war.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4318689/secretary-of-war-pete-hegseth-addresses-general-and-flag-officers-at-quantico-v/
But I am referring to this excerpt:
>War is something you do sparingly on our own terms and with clear aims. We fight to win. We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy.
We also don't fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill the enemies of our country.
The US Marine Corps describes the Rules of Engagement as "those directives that delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States (US) forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement." It is a subset of the law of war. See here: https://www.trngcmd.marines.mil/Portals/207/Docs/TBS/B130936%20Law%20of%20War%20and%20Rules%20Of%20Engagement.pdf
He does not say he's going to change the rules of engagement. He simply says they're not going to fight with them. So it seems this is an unambiguous announcement of intent to issue illegal orders. Why then would it be wrong, let alone illegal, for a representative to say that soldiers can and should disobey illegal orders?
So ive been getting popups in my various feeds for Mark Kelly for Senator. What do you folks think of him? He seems like an agreeable person. With a distinguished professional career. For those of you that wouldn't vote for him, why not. Just curious about his stances and how they affect the average Arizona citizen.
I will always support astronauts for political office. They have a rare perspective of the world due to having seen it from afar that tends to influence their thinking and values for the rest of their lives. They seem to be unanimously community-minded.
A great example of this is a quote from Ed Mitchell, the sixth man on the moon:
You develop an instant global consciousness, a people orientation, an intense dissatisfaction with the state of the world, and a compulsion to do something about it. From out there on the moon, international politics look so petty. You want to grab a politician by the scruff of the neck and drag him a quarter of a million miles out and say, "Look at that, you son of a bitch."
He came to my kids school and read from his children's book. He was super nice and gracious to a room of preschoolers without letting them get out of hand so I'm sure he'd serve Arizona well in DC.
Since this is where one goes to make wild predictions, what about Senator Mark Kelly getting the nod for the Democrats? Offhand, he would seem to be their best player to run for the office. His background would seem to make him immune to the sorts of attacks the GOP might launch, and would attract some of the very few undecideds.
When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired – which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents.
In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much.
Secretary Hegseth’s tweet is the first I heard of this. I also saw the President’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death.
If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.
I was repfluenced on a review of a beautiful Birkin from Mark. I decided to give him a try as I've gotten other bags from DD and HMS. He did not disappoint for high end H bags.
Mark did ask me to write a review. I did not receive a discount.
First inquiry and payment made with PPFF on 9/28th. He said it takes 15-20 days for PSPs. It took longer and were received 10/29th. Bag arrived 11/5th.
What can I say? It's a BEAUTIFUL bag. I customized the colors which was not an charge extra. I didn't need to upgrade hardware as it already comes with my favorite rose gold. The leather is supple; shape and structure are good. The hardware and engraving, down to the pearling is spot on. Measurements were precise. The handle is perfect. Stitching looks good. I disclose that I am not a stitching expert and it is not as big of a deal for me. I would have serious issues with anyone calling me out for thread when they should be at least 6 feet of personal space away.
I do not have an auth for comparison. I'm into reps!
I am very happy with my bag. I would recommend Mark for high end H bags and will be a returning customer.
And they are ruthless calling out Trump for siding with a dictator and war criminal