Political theater — at times amusing, more often tedious — is typically harmless. Unless it’s taken seriously, in which case it can be reckless.

Case in point: Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and some fellow congressional Democrats who had served in uniform decided to taunt the Trump administration last week by publicly urging U.S. military and intelligence personnel to disobey orders they deemed “unlawful” and “unconstitutional.” Crow and cohorts very publicly posted their appeal in a video. 

The stunt lacked any discernible connection to current events. Crow and the others offered no clue as to what dramatic development might prompt members of the world’s mightiest military to second-guess their superiors. 

As The Gazette reported on Thursday, the politicians wouldn’t specify what “unlawful” or “unconstitutional” orders they were referring to. Crow’s office didn’t respond to key questions from our news affiliate Colorado Politics and said Crow wouldn’t be available for an interview. 

The one certainty, of course, was the response from the White House. 

“SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” President Trump, true to form, thundered on Truth Social. 

In an earlier post slamming what he appeared to regard as a congressional coup, he exclaimed, “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”

The tongue lashing from Trump surprised no one. It also may have been just what Crow and the others were hoping for.

While he dodged his hometown press, a wide-eyed Crow deadpanned to CNN, “We simply reminded folks of what the constitution and laws require.”

And the four-term, 6th Congressional District representative doubled down on social media. Crow posted, “What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our service members should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders…”

Yet, whatever had roused the congressman into a state of red alert in the first place — remained unclear.

It all got a lot clearer on Friday — in an email appeal for campaign contributions.

“I served this country as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan. I took an oath to defend the Constitution…” Crow states in the mailer. “Now, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, is calling for me and other veterans to be imprisoned and murdered.”

He continued, “I won’t be intimidated. I won’t stay silent. But right now, I need to know you’re with me. Can you help me fight back against these dangerous attacks and threats coming directly from President Trump by splitting a contribution between both (Colorado 7th Congressional District U.S. Rep.) Brittany Pettersen and my campaign? Your support directly helps me defend democracy and the truth.”

Oh, good grief.

Probably no one — least of all Crow himself — ever thought he was in danger. The president already had moved on by Friday afternoon, palling around the Oval Office with another presumed adversary, New York’s newly elected socialist mayor.

But even if the video was just a cynical play for campaign cash, it could do real damage.

Did it occur to Crow that some impressionable, new military recruits might read more into it than just a tutorial on the constitution? Maybe a call to action that could get them dishonorably discharged or court-martialed for insubordination? That some might construe Crow’s promise, “we have their backs,” as an assurance they’ll have legal backing?

Sure, posturing and melodrama are a ritual for politicians, especially in Washington. But you’d think Crow has been in the game long enough to know where to draw the line.