Last night, at 9:08 PM, after the only event on his public schedule for the entire week was canceled at the last minute, the United States Secretary of Defense, or as he now calls himself, the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, took to social media to humiliate a member of one of our closest allies’ militaries. Or at least that’s what he thought he was doing when he shared a photograph from a Canadian account with the caption “🇨🇦 (this is real),” apparently expecting millions of people to laugh along with him at the body of the person wearing the uniform. He thought he was being clever and exposing the weakness of Canada’s military. Instead, in one extraordinarily stupid post, Hegseth exposed something much more disturbing about himself: that the man entrusted with overseeing the most powerful military in the world is not only cruel enough to use his position to publicly humiliate someone because of their appearance, but apparently too ignorant or too lazy to read what was directly in front of him before doing it. Because the photograph wasn’t what Hegseth apparently thought it was.
Heather - once again a superb piece of writing , thank you.
Can I suggest, you start reinforcing the need to get out to the polling stations, offer help to anyone who needs to get out to vote and do their part to ensure that EVERY vote against this corrupt administration IS counted? We have stepped into the ‘embers and we need to light a fire within the electorate - It’s about to get serious!
"The distance between General Dwight David Eisenhower and Pete Hegseth is the distance between everything this country was and everything it has become under this administration."
Heather, I changed a few words to suit my personal take. When my father's peers watered the Normandy beaches with their blood, America was a great nation.
Ike was the last decent "Republican" to serve as president. Nixon, Reagan, and a couple Bushes, set the stage for trump, and what we have become. I'm deliberately omitting Ford since he was president only because Nixon resigned to save face.
Thank you, Heather, for yet another clear picture of the callousness, recklessness, and incompetence of the Trump administration. Every one of its members is a disgrace to our country and all our forefathers sacrificed. I pray that the tide turns come November. And I pray that Democrats have more than a half baked plan to shut this malevolent circus down.
Great article Heather! I completely agree with you about Pete Hegseth! He is the very worst along with Trump and all his dishonest cronies!! Thanks for another honest, thoughtful and very true story! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you Heather for this powerful, painful accounting of this awful man and incompetent , hateful administration. While it deals with the Secretary of War Crimes and Trump it’s the mention of Scott Bessent that shows how deeply the rot has infected Americas values and democracy. That the Treasury Secretary would use his authority to not just inflict civilian society wide pain but death that is so repugnant.
This is an out of control collection of pathetic and perverse people who are taking this nation to ruination morally and materially .
Heaven won’t help us. I’m thankful to you Heather for reminding us that there are more of us than them.
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of our country.
Great article as usual. It brings me to consider all the conflicts in the world at the moment. The common actor in nearly all of them is Trump and the USA.
The Gaza massacre, 74,000 mostly women and children, was in large part enabled by the USA. US planes dropping US bombs. Trump doesn't care and will do nothing to bring a lasting peace.
Ukraine has been abandoned by Trump, perhaps to please his best pal, Putin. The Ukrainians fight on valiantly but their job is much harder thanks to the USA under Trump.
Last but not least, the Iranian war which was started at Netenyahu's almost demand. There is no end in sight apart from the USA walking away having made the situation much much worse. There was a deal under Obama which Trump tore up and now the Iranians will definitely be trying to get a nuclear weapon as a deterrent to any other aggression by the USA.
The world is a much more dangerous place now. Thanks... I pray that the Democrats win both Houses and do what must be done to remove every single perpetrator of the madness.
"For your Christmas wish list ...Hegseth wrote in the caption.
An AI-generated image titled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists" showing the cartoon turtle on a military helicopter aiming a machine gun at a boat in September 2025.
At the time he faced growing scrutiny over the legality of a set of strikes on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean in early September of 2025.
The first attack, a single strike on a Venezuelan vessel that killed 11 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang. But the released grainy video showed something even more. People clinging to wreckage floating in the water, alive from the first strike. Hegseth gave a spoken directive to kill the surviving occupants of the boat with a second strike. Attacking “wounded, sick or shipwrecked" combatants which violates the law of war, according to a Pentagon manual.
Nothing was done by the Republican Congress. No investigation, nothing other than a quick interview.
A Toronto-based publishing house Kids Can Press released a statement defending Franklin as a "beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy and inclusivity." The release included, “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin's name or image, which directly contradicts these values," it concluded.
Franklin, who usually wears a red neckerchief and baseball cap (not a ballistic helmet), has delighted kids since the debut of his book series in 1986 - with dozens of titles including Franklin Goes to School and Franklin Wants a Pet - and an animated TV series a decade later.
When asked for comment, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told journalists over multiple emails: "We doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels… or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists."
A number of Democrats were quick to condemn the post, as well as the larger controversy behind it. Not one Republican in Congress condemned or spoke out. Not one.
If some have not viewed the commercials for recruitment to the military. Here’s one it was first shown in June 2026. Will recognize both voices and they make a cameo in this advertisement to join the US Military. Very interesting choice of music, so dystopian and Orwellian… Almost can experience the “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” Come join warfighters..
If you really want to feel even more nausea ought to check out the YouTube Department of War videos. Some veterans may feel these appropriate, have found many do not.
He doesn’t even “rise to incompetence”.. shouldn’t be anywhere near our military. As for the draft dodger whose bone spurs magically healed. Maybe Barron should be a warfighter and become a part of the “War Ethos”… Guess Don Jr., and Eric aged out to even get that government funded testosterone injection. They can afford it privately, and am sure they partake..
Had an uncle who served in Vietnam as a Marine, came back different, was exposed to Agent Orange. He suffered from PSTD and suffered for years until his death. His one son born only lived three days. Had two grandfather’s who served in WWII. One never came back, died on Omaha Beach. He is one of those marble crosses on the bluffs of Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The other liberated a subcamp of Buchenwald in Germany, Ohrdruf it was liberated by U.S. troops on April 4, 1945. Came back and as my great-grandmother and grandmother said, was never really the same.
Two to three weeks ago the word came down that there is another extension of service and sacrifice. Families learned approximately a week ago. Hopefully, maybe just maybe the families will see each other for Christmas..
All the while the fantasy land is created by what is suppose to be the leaders… lying continuously… or shaming our Canadian allies young cadets… or who shouldn’t be on the campaign trail because that role is heavily bound by law and deep-seated historical norms to operate in a nonpartisan manner to preserve the neutrality of the United States Armed Forces..
It is already a long time that von trump the antechrist rebaptised the secDEF as secWAR. Pete the nazi still in charge? What are doing the generals? Not ONE will keep his oath to the constitution? And do the right thing. Shoot first! Unless these fascists shoot them first. Shame on those corrupt inept incompetent without balls so called "soldiers".
Hegseth is David Duke with hair product. He will go down in history as the Sec of Defense (not “Sec of War” when they change it back) who got his ass kicked in Iran and tried to purge the military of patriotic leaders for a wannabe dictator. He will be associated with infamy not honor.
Hegseth is a POS. I'm glad my USAF Brigadier General father is no longer around to see what has become of the institution he served with honor and integrity...
Thanks again Heather. Laying out the facts for the congressional enquiry to subpoena as evidence that people actually gave a shit.
I remain optimistic, fucked if I know why. All indications point to an end to this that will please no-one. Not ever the ghoulish military hawks. Is my optimism just 'fakin' it 'til you make it'? Probably. Do I have much of a choice? Nope.
Heather - once again a superb piece of writing , thank you.
Can I suggest, you start reinforcing the need to get out to the polling stations, offer help to anyone who needs to get out to vote and do their part to ensure that EVERY vote against this corrupt administration IS counted? We have stepped into the ‘embers and we need to light a fire within the electorate - It’s about to get serious!
"The distance between General Dwight David Eisenhower and Pete Hegseth is the distance between everything this country was and everything it has become under this administration."
Heather, I changed a few words to suit my personal take. When my father's peers watered the Normandy beaches with their blood, America was a great nation.
Ike was the last decent "Republican" to serve as president. Nixon, Reagan, and a couple Bushes, set the stage for trump, and what we have become. I'm deliberately omitting Ford since he was president only because Nixon resigned to save face.
Thank you, Heather, for yet another clear picture of the callousness, recklessness, and incompetence of the Trump administration. Every one of its members is a disgrace to our country and all our forefathers sacrificed. I pray that the tide turns come November. And I pray that Democrats have more than a half baked plan to shut this malevolent circus down.
Thank you for the picture.💕
Heartbreaking the carrier leaving the Pacific and exposing our allies, and people that need our protection.😠
🗽🇺🇲🇨🇦🇺🇦
Great article Heather! I completely agree with you about Pete Hegseth! He is the very worst along with Trump and all his dishonest cronies!! Thanks for another honest, thoughtful and very true story! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you Heather for this powerful, painful accounting of this awful man and incompetent , hateful administration. While it deals with the Secretary of War Crimes and Trump it’s the mention of Scott Bessent that shows how deeply the rot has infected Americas values and democracy. That the Treasury Secretary would use his authority to not just inflict civilian society wide pain but death that is so repugnant.
This is an out of control collection of pathetic and perverse people who are taking this nation to ruination morally and materially .
Heaven won’t help us. I’m thankful to you Heather for reminding us that there are more of us than them.
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of our country.
Great article as usual. It brings me to consider all the conflicts in the world at the moment. The common actor in nearly all of them is Trump and the USA.
The Gaza massacre, 74,000 mostly women and children, was in large part enabled by the USA. US planes dropping US bombs. Trump doesn't care and will do nothing to bring a lasting peace.
Ukraine has been abandoned by Trump, perhaps to please his best pal, Putin. The Ukrainians fight on valiantly but their job is much harder thanks to the USA under Trump.
Last but not least, the Iranian war which was started at Netenyahu's almost demand. There is no end in sight apart from the USA walking away having made the situation much much worse. There was a deal under Obama which Trump tore up and now the Iranians will definitely be trying to get a nuclear weapon as a deterrent to any other aggression by the USA.
The world is a much more dangerous place now. Thanks... I pray that the Democrats win both Houses and do what must be done to remove every single perpetrator of the madness.
I very quickly reached the conclusion that Hegseth’s ignorance, together with his utter disregard for the truth, makes him a dangerous man.
Thank you Heather a beautiful piece.
"For your Christmas wish list ...Hegseth wrote in the caption.
An AI-generated image titled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists" showing the cartoon turtle on a military helicopter aiming a machine gun at a boat in September 2025.
At the time he faced growing scrutiny over the legality of a set of strikes on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean in early September of 2025.
The first attack, a single strike on a Venezuelan vessel that killed 11 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang. But the released grainy video showed something even more. People clinging to wreckage floating in the water, alive from the first strike. Hegseth gave a spoken directive to kill the surviving occupants of the boat with a second strike. Attacking “wounded, sick or shipwrecked" combatants which violates the law of war, according to a Pentagon manual.
Nothing was done by the Republican Congress. No investigation, nothing other than a quick interview.
A Toronto-based publishing house Kids Can Press released a statement defending Franklin as a "beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy and inclusivity." The release included, “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin's name or image, which directly contradicts these values," it concluded.
Franklin, who usually wears a red neckerchief and baseball cap (not a ballistic helmet), has delighted kids since the debut of his book series in 1986 - with dozens of titles including Franklin Goes to School and Franklin Wants a Pet - and an animated TV series a decade later.
When asked for comment, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told journalists over multiple emails: "We doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels… or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists."
A number of Democrats were quick to condemn the post, as well as the larger controversy behind it. Not one Republican in Congress condemned or spoke out. Not one.
If some have not viewed the commercials for recruitment to the military. Here’s one it was first shown in June 2026. Will recognize both voices and they make a cameo in this advertisement to join the US Military. Very interesting choice of music, so dystopian and Orwellian… Almost can experience the “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” Come join warfighters..
https://youtu.be/yryegKshdwI?is=TL8yPgS607lDrOhM
If you really want to feel even more nausea ought to check out the YouTube Department of War videos. Some veterans may feel these appropriate, have found many do not.
He doesn’t even “rise to incompetence”.. shouldn’t be anywhere near our military. As for the draft dodger whose bone spurs magically healed. Maybe Barron should be a warfighter and become a part of the “War Ethos”… Guess Don Jr., and Eric aged out to even get that government funded testosterone injection. They can afford it privately, and am sure they partake..
Had an uncle who served in Vietnam as a Marine, came back different, was exposed to Agent Orange. He suffered from PSTD and suffered for years until his death. His one son born only lived three days. Had two grandfather’s who served in WWII. One never came back, died on Omaha Beach. He is one of those marble crosses on the bluffs of Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The other liberated a subcamp of Buchenwald in Germany, Ohrdruf it was liberated by U.S. troops on April 4, 1945. Came back and as my great-grandmother and grandmother said, was never really the same.
Two to three weeks ago the word came down that there is another extension of service and sacrifice. Families learned approximately a week ago. Hopefully, maybe just maybe the families will see each other for Christmas..
All the while the fantasy land is created by what is suppose to be the leaders… lying continuously… or shaming our Canadian allies young cadets… or who shouldn’t be on the campaign trail because that role is heavily bound by law and deep-seated historical norms to operate in a nonpartisan manner to preserve the neutrality of the United States Armed Forces..
— VOTE
It is already a long time that von trump the antechrist rebaptised the secDEF as secWAR. Pete the nazi still in charge? What are doing the generals? Not ONE will keep his oath to the constitution? And do the right thing. Shoot first! Unless these fascists shoot them first. Shame on those corrupt inept incompetent without balls so called "soldiers".
Serenity is this photo 💟🐻💟
Hegseth is David Duke with hair product. He will go down in history as the Sec of Defense (not “Sec of War” when they change it back) who got his ass kicked in Iran and tried to purge the military of patriotic leaders for a wannabe dictator. He will be associated with infamy not honor.
Hegseth is a POS. I'm glad my USAF Brigadier General father is no longer around to see what has become of the institution he served with honor and integrity...
Hegseth is a horrible, low person and should not be in that job or any job where he is responsible for people.
Thanks again Heather. Laying out the facts for the congressional enquiry to subpoena as evidence that people actually gave a shit.
I remain optimistic, fucked if I know why. All indications point to an end to this that will please no-one. Not ever the ghoulish military hawks. Is my optimism just 'fakin' it 'til you make it'? Probably. Do I have much of a choice? Nope.
Excellent, Heather. Bravo!