Air Force General who spoke of God should be court-martialed, group says. What are your thoughts?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:39:30 -0400

From Fox News.

An Air Force general who recently spoke about how God has guided his career should be court-martialed, a civil liberties group is saying.

In a speech at a National Day of Prayer Task Force event on May 7, Maj. Gen. Craig Olson credits God for his accomplishments in the military, and refers to himself as a “redeemed believer in Christ.”

The Air Force Times reports that the Military Religious Freedom Foundation has taken issue with Olson’s remarks, is calling for the two-star general to be court-martialed and "aggressively and very visibly brought to justice for his unforgivable crimes and transgressions."

Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Olson (US Air Force photo)

The group authored a letter to Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Walsh, arguing that Olson’s speech violates rules within the Air Force, which prohibits airmen from endorsing a particular faith or belief.

The letter, posted on the group’s website, begins, “This demand letter is sent to you on behalf of countless members of the United States Air Force who are utterly disgusted and shocked by the brazenly illicit and wholly unconstitutional, fundamentalist Christian proselytizing recently perpetrated, on international television (“GOD TV”), and streaming all over the Internet and in full military uniform, by USAF Major General Craig S. Olson on Thursday, May 7, 2015 during a VERY public speech for a private Christian organization (The “National Day of Prayer Task Force”: NDPTF) headed up by Focus on the Family founder, Dr. James Dobson’s, wife Shirley Dobson. “

". . . disgusted and shocked by the brazenly illicit and wholly unconstitutional, fundamentalist Christian proselytizing . . ."

- letter from Military Religious Freedom Foundation

The group, which believes that the American flag and the U.S. Constitution are the only religious symbol and scripture, respectively, for those who serve in the military, also wants other service members who helped Olson to be investigated and punished "to the full extent of military law."

During Olson’s 23-minute talk, the Air Force Times reports, Olson spoke of "flying complex aircraft; doing complex nuclear missions — I have no ability to do that. God enabled me to do that."

"He put me in charge of failing programs worth billions of dollars,” Olson said. “I have no ability to do that, no training to do that. God did that. He sent me to Iraq to negotiate foreign military sales deals through an Arabic interpreter. I have no ability to do that. I was not trained to do that. God did all of that."

At the end of his speech, Olson asked those in attendance to pray for Defense Department leaders and troops preparing to be deployed.

Olson is the program executive officer at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts, where he is responsible for more than 2,200 personnel, according to the U.S. Air Force website. He was commissioned in 1982 following graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and has extensive operational, flight test and acquisition experience.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 26 at 2015 4:47 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:47:26 -0400

Holy Crap ... seriously???

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 4:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:49:13 -0400

I think it's is a wee bit out of hand for no reason.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 26 at 2015 4:51 PM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:51:17 -0400

So a keynote speaker at a PRAYER BREAKFEST type of event spoke of GOD. WTF!?! It sure doesn't pass the smell test in my book. You don't have to be a believer to admit that that is probably THE place that it is still OK to do so. Over zealous BS if you ask me...

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made May 26 at 2015 4:49 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:49:42 -0400

Unfortunately the Air Force (other services are slowly following suite) has shown a propensity to kowtow to these groups and will probably take action against the General.

For those that believe and profess their faith, regardless of the context, it is only going to get worse.

The upcoming Supreme Court decision has implications for wide spread ramifications depending on what their decision is.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 26 at 2015 4:54 PM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:54:49 -0400

We are witnessing the equivalent of the fall of the Roman Empire. "Oh how the mighty have fallen "

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 26 at 2015 5:00 PM

SFC Joseph James — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:00:39 -0400

No issue with me. I wouldn't care if he credited his atheism. I would care if he required his command to do as he does. That is pushing the limits of his authority.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 26 at 2015 5:01 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:01:55 -0400

It was an event for National Day of Prayer, he was speaking of his OWN personal faith, and he was not trying to tell any non-Christians what they should believe.

I think they're just sniping him because he's got stars on his collar.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 5:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:02:51 -0400

Does that mean that every athlete who thanks God or Jesus for their "accomplishments" should no longer be able to play those sports? Same logic.

Lets dissolve the Chaplain Corp while we are at it.

And, here is the new prayer we should say (if we are allowed to pray at all)

Oh great, but not necessarily superior, being who dwells beyond this plane of existence and who is accessible only through prayer, meditation or crystals, we salute you without thereby acknowledging that you are entitled to greater respect than that accorded any other endangered species.

We hope to pass through your plane of existence at some point on our psychic journey to the same exalted status as marine mammals or even snail darters. Moreover, to the extent your design for the universe coincides with the U.S. Constitution and includes low-cost access to cable, we ask you to provide us our minimum daily requirements of essential vitamins and nutrients consistent with FDA guidelines, and when judging us be duly mindful of our status as victim, which provides full justification for what might appear on superficial examination to be felonious. In the same vein, we will endeavor to excuse and forgive those who have transgressed against us, with the possible exception of our parents, teachers, policemen and clergy about whom we have just resurrected disturbing memories. We ask all of this in the name of your prophet qqqq. [Here on alternating weeks substitute names drawn from the consensus of the class. Some suggestions for early in the year: L. Ron Hubbard, Ayatollah Khomeni, Patricia Ireland, Mike Wallace.]

This function disclaims any and all warranties of fitness for any particular purpose and will not be responsible for personal injury or death that may result from reliance on this prayer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 5:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:11:18 -0400

Isn't arrempting to mainstream a martial society interesting. It probably wont happen but it would be nice if the Air Force very publicly told the civil liberties group to pound sand

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 26 at 2015 5:41 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:41:04 -0400

I think rules should be change for all the armed forces, Belief and pray what you want. Is a freedom of speech not a threat.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 26 at 2015 5:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:45:47 -0400

If a Marine said he survived the horrible battle by the grace of God, should we Court Martial him?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 6:10 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 18:10:12 -0400

This discussion has already occurred on RP. Short version:

I think it's unprofessional of a SM to endorse a religion in uniform in front of a crowd for the same reason it's unprofessional to endorse a politician. It is unprofessional to give the appearance that the service itself has the views you're expressing.

Not to mention, it's pretty goofy he's admitting to be so unqualified. Perhaps his service record should be examined (/s). I suspect he's playing to the crowd more than actually thinking he's THAT incompetent.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 26 at 2015 6:13 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 26 May 2015 18:13:02 -0400

If he was preaching or trying to convert, that's one thing but he was simply speaking from his heart.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 26 at 2015 7:09 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Tue, 26 May 2015 19:09:18 -0400

I think that when the government try's to stop all religious expression they are in effect establishing a religion which by its very nature violates the 1st amendment

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 26 at 2015 7:18 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 26 May 2015 19:18:05 -0400

An absolutely ludicrous ordeal. What else would they expect from a prayer event? The people of this country need to stop being such easily offended pansies and realize that the Constitution that they speak about holds the rights to freedom of Speech. We all have the right to believe what we choose and express said beliefs. If this General had been a member of the Buddhist or Islamic faiths and given credit to their respective divinities, I still wouldn't care because it's their choice. I can only hope that General Welsh sees it as being as ridiculous as I and many others probably do and that he will take appropriate action which in this case would be no action at all.

So many people say that their rights to include freedom of speech are being oppressed and then turn on those that disagree with them and want to take away the oppositions freedom of speech. Calm down, sit down and deal with the fact that not me nor anyone else needs to agree with every single opinion of yours. It's a basic freedom this country was founded and strives itself on protecting and practicing.

Response by SSgt Marshall Franklin made May 26 at 2015 7:23 PM

SSgt Marshall Franklin — Tue, 26 May 2015 19:23:20 -0400

I died in 94 four times. I know there is a God and felt his love and pain. Should a president be removed from office because he carries the bible with him? should the dollar bill and in God We Trust removed. our nation was built under God. Are founding fathers use the word God many times as they were writing the Constitution as they were organizing our government. if the man feels God is the reason he became successful in his career by all means tell his story. if an atheist feels Lucifer Was the one that helped them succeeded their career he can talk about it. this is a free country Country, and I feel very strongly no one person or one organization has the legal right to tell anyone what God or what church you go to. He feels that God helped him a successful by all means I would love to hear that. I know for a fact God exist I die and I came back and no one can ever tell me otherwise. They can believe in whatever they want they can pray to whoever they want. but I will always speak my mind and my beliefs. the military is part of the United States and we have freedom of religion in the Constitution. and if in the military all its rules and regulation has to follow the Constitution. for that is the law of the land

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 7:40 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 19:40:23 -0400

If the pentagon cannot get a Major General to obey the law, then we're all screwed.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 7:41 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 19:41:34 -0400

My God.....is there really nothing of importance that leadership can deal with....a war, a budget, disabled vets maybe......no let's waste time on this crap.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 27 at 2015 12:16 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Wed, 27 May 2015 00:16:02 -0400

I find this group's name offensive, where is my attorney?

Response by TSgt Rafael Lebron made May 27 at 2015 2:48 AM

TSgt Rafael Lebron — Wed, 27 May 2015 02:48:27 -0400

So the General and every service member defends everyone's freedom to include free speech, and every service member doesn't have that right? Do the service members give up that right when they swear the oat of allegiance?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 3:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 03:34:42 -0400

This seems way over the top.

Americans are entitled to their freedom of religion BY service members. We enable them in that right. Yes, let's court martial one for defending the Pagans, Wiccans, and Buddhists of the U.S. for thanking the Christian God in his personal life. Makes military sense to me.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 11:58 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 11:58:40 -0400

If you don't believe that's fine, if you do that's fine too, heck even if you still pray to the racing, hunting, bowling gods more power to you. Maj Gen Olson was not using his rank or position to preach to those who didn't want to here it, he didn't force anyone to pray or believe and he ordered no one to participate.

There is a time and place for everything and for this situation the time and place was acceptable. Carry on and if you don't like prayers or breakfast why does it matter to you anyway?! That's my feelings all of these people that go after others on petty stuff like this.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 12:31 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 12:31:27 -0400

If this Officer didn't endorse God on behalf of the US Air Force...then whats the issue? I think people like to forget that service members are human too.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 12:45 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 12:45:08 -0400

The guy that runs that foundation and every member in it are not just anti-religion, they are taking their fight towards unconstitutional extremes. Frankly I hope I never meet Mikey in person, because I'd end up in handcuffs. These people are just picking battles to force people and organizations to bend to their will. They are insignificant, and probably should be ignored.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 27 at 2015 1:28 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 27 May 2015 13:28:58 -0400

I'm blaming God for not making O6. I see no reason to leave God out of a prayer breakfast. I do wonder however, whose God? Not all Americans worship the Christian God.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 4:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 16:21:47 -0400

It's gotten pretty bad in the world today, when people are not allowed to express their own individual choice in faith or just speak about faith in general, but instead be persecuted because someone else got their feelings hurt or were offended in some way! According to the Constitution, in which we as service members are supposed to protect and serve under, it clearly states that we are upholding the laws..."under GOD", the last I checked, so leave this man alone and allow him the same courtesy, we allow everyone else...to include non-believers!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 4:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 16:44:41 -0400

Only have one question on this. Was this event held on base, or off? If it was on base, no harm no foul, I see no problems with this whatsoever. If off base in a primarily civilian capacity, then I still see no issues with the speech, however do see a problem with him conducting it while in uniform.

Apparently creating equal religious freedom means that anyone of Christian faith is no longer allowed to speak of their own personal beliefs.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made May 27 at 2015 5:16 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Wed, 27 May 2015 17:16:45 -0400

Ah Religion, Nothing gets the blood going more on RP then it.

To me this is a non issue that is way overblown by zealots who either want their name in the paper or are jumping up and down yelling "look at me". In my opinion Gen Olson was just trying to inspire a prayer breakfast with his own tales. I have heard much more profane, boring, and un-inspirational talks from leaders. This just seems silly to make this an affair, but lets give a look at it and see what we see.

First, why has no one posted any regulation over this? If this is such a hot topic why no regulation smack down?

AFI 1-1 Standards of Conduct Section 2.12- "They [Leaders] must ensure their words and actions cannot reasonably be construed to be officially endorsing or disapproving of, or extending preferential treatment for any faith, belief, or absence of belief.” (2012)

This is all under AFI 1-1, Para 2.12. Balance of Free Exercise of Religion and Establishment Clause.

Now the section I want to focus on in this text is "Cannot REASONABLY be construed to be officially endorsing or disapproving of"

If you take that this was a prayer breakfast, and he was completely talking about himself (I have not seen the full video so please correct me if I am wrong) I honestly do not see how anyone can REASONABLY assume he is officially endorsing Christianity. He is endorsing it for himself, and while the argument could be made that "Because he is in Uniform" he was endorsing it for the USAF. I will comment when he talked he said the word "I". So in my opinion General Olsen did not do anything against AFI 1-1 Standards of Conduct.

As always if anyone has noticed something I missed please feel free to comment. And if there is a UCMJ or another regulation I may have missed please feel free to include it. thanks.

Response by SFC Bryan Reed made May 28 at 2015 3:38 AM

SFC Bryan Reed — Thu, 28 May 2015 03:38:31 -0400

This makes me sick.

I think this organization needs to rename itself to "Military Religious Restriction Foundation."

A man, a US citizen, expressed his personal beliefs at a prayer breakfast. Granted, I haven't listened to or read the entire speech, but thanking HIS God for the help he believes he received. Why is this news? I doubt very much he stated that the Air Force is a Christian military and other faiths are not welcome. Since when do we, a nation founded on freedom of religion and speech, seek to persecute those who not only practice those freedoms, but defend them???

Stuff like this makes me angry, and I firmly believe people need to grow up.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 28 at 2015 9:31 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:31:44 -0400

"flying complex aircraft; doing complex nuclear missions — I have no ability to do that."

This is how the Air Force selects mission pilots?

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 28 at 2015 9:50 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:50:57 -0400

This is the stuff that needs to have the people that are accusing the person mentioning God in a speech at a prayer breakfast INVESTIGATED! Are they F&%king stupid!

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made May 28 at 2015 2:59 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Thu, 28 May 2015 14:59:35 -0400

I'd say those people are complete whack jobs. I believe he made these comments at an apporpriate venue, like a prayer breakfast. While not religious myself, I completely support the rights of people that are. I'd say this two star has earned that right.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made May 28 at 2015 3:22 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Thu, 28 May 2015 15:22:55 -0400

The first amendment guarantees our right to religious expression and this is an example. He has two stars on his uniform so he obviously did his job well. Giving credit to God should not be a crime. Many of our best officers and presidents have God credit for their successes.

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made May 28 at 2015 3:52 PM

SGT Darryl Allen — Thu, 28 May 2015 15:52:42 -0400

I wonder how the reaction would differ if this man was Jewish or Muslim and espousing these same sentiments.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 29 at 2015 11:15 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:15:32 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member, the notion that Maj. Gen. Craig Olson should be court-martialed is preposterous.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 4:53 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 04:53:50 -0400

No. As long as Maj Gen Olsen hasn't and doesn't shown prejudice in official duties towards those who may believe differently than he believes, then no. Simple answer.

Response by SSG Thomas Brousseau made Jun 1 at 2015 5:17 PM

SSG Thomas Brousseau — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:17:05 -0400

As long as Americans keep voting for Godless politicians this sort of nonsense will continue.

Response by SSG Leevon Leggins II made Jun 3 at 2015 7:37 PM

SSG Leevon Leggins II — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:37:35 -0400

No this Officer should not be court-martialed for openly mentioning what he feels to be a major factor to his rise within the Air force ranks!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 10:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 22:12:16 -0400

If he said that he credits his belief in God for his personal success, it seems okay because that is his personal belief. It might be a good idea for him to point out that while it worked for him, others may have different philosophies- that would be a good "CYA" --and follow up by saying that "it always helps to have a belief in something higher than yourself-- a principle, a philosophy, a God, whatever works for you".

On the other hand, if he specifically told an audience of captive servicemembers that they, too, needed to convert to his beliefs, then that would indeed be a violation of his position of trust and authority.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Jun 8 at 2015 2:34 PM

TSgt James Carson — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 14:34:45 -0400

This is one General I truly like. At least he understands a higher power got us this far, and without that faith we will loose. History bares it out.

Response by SrA Thomas Sawyer made Jun 30 at 2015 4:48 PM

SrA Thomas Sawyer — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:48:51 -0400

It's another case of anything but the God of the Bible. The PC police have ruined a decent society by their constant whining about anything that they do not agree with. Society is more divided now than ever before. Hopefully this will end before we self destruct as a nation by destroying each other like ravenous dogs.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 11 at 2015 1:20 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 01:20:18 -0400

These liberal politically correct pussies need to get over themselves.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 11 at 2015 7:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:31:08 -0400

Some people are too see tolerance is a more appropriate approach.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 11:39 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 11:39:17 -0400

About as silly as wanting to fire a chaplain (or anyone else for that matter) for giving an invocation speech at someone's retirement ceremony (that was specifically requested by the retiring member).

Response by PO1 Tracy Rainey made Jul 16 at 2015 9:07 PM

PO1 Tracy Rainey — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 21:07:22 -0400

How things have changed for the worse sense Obama became president. I am glad I retired in 2004, things were going bad back then, but I feel for all of you now. No he should not face a court martial for expressing how god played a part in his career.

Response by TSgt Liza Kazee made Jul 16 at 2015 11:23 PM

TSgt Liza Kazee — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 23:23:49 -0400

I'm having a difficult time coming up with an appropriate response for this. He was asked to speak at a National Day of Prayer event and accepted, so I'm unsure why anyone, to include a civil liberties group, would be offended by his crediting God for his accomplishments. This was not an event where sharing his beliefs could even be seen as offensive and if there were individuals in attendance who were offended then maybe they shouldn't have been at a National Day of Prayer event to begin with. He was not pushing his beliefs onto others or for that matter even sharing his beliefs in a way that could be seen as his attempting to push his beliefs onto others. This is just absurd.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Mar 16 at 2018 7:44 AM

LTC John Griscom — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 07:44:15 -0400

The only thing I find offensive in this is Weinstein's letter and his interpretation of General Olsen's remarks. I understand General Olsen's remarks has a profession of his faith and where his moral compass leads him and not as an endorsement of a religion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 8:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:26:52 -0400

Nothing wrong with God if that's what he beliefs, but sounds like Air force needs to be looked at, their leadership needs some tweeking.

Response by Susan Foster made Mar 16 at 2018 9:51 AM

Susan Foster — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 09:51:03 -0400

This being Fox News, and them saying "civil liberties group" made me think this was just an off-the wall comment, because I can't believe people go to a prayer breakfast and complain the speaker talked about God--of course you would. Evidently there was more to it than that, and the AF times says the IG complaints "included Air Force officers, enlisted personnel, civilians, Air University students and permanent party." Seem it centered around him being the Commander so they didn't think it was voluntary. But he was speaking of a personal experience. Sounds perfectly appropriate to me.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Mar 16 at 2018 11:38 AM

MAJ James Woods — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 11:38:33 -0400

First I read his words were part of a National Day of Prayer speech at an event; so I immediately assumed it was a military sanctioned event like a Prayer breakfast and that is why he was in uniform and that is why it should be acceptable. Then story clarifies and says event was a private function hosted by a private Christian organization that was streamed on TV and internet; thus, forcing me to reconsider the context of this argument.
1) Because this was a private event streamed to public, should he have been in uniform?
2) Does being in uniform mean the words he was saying was representing the military or his personal views?
3) Was it a violation of UCMJ for giving the perception of representing the military at a private religious event?
Had he participated in the event in equivalent civilian attire and had said made the same speech, I'm willing to bet this would not have become an issue. Should he be court-martialed? No. Should he even be punished? No. Should there be clarification as why his actions can be perceived as misrepresentation and is possibly a violation of military protocol? Yes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 2:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:39:20 -0400

A very good leader, for taking the lead.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 16 at 2018 3:00 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:00:58 -0400

I didn't know that anything was suppose to curtail your beliefs, just that you couldn't force folks to believe like you. I wish these clowns would actually READ the 1st Amendment.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 16 at 2018 3:42 PM

SPC David Willis — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:42:14 -0400

Personally don't think its a big deal, but service members have got to be careful when it comes to attending events in uniform. To be frank general officers should know better than to put themselves in this position to begin with although I hope his career wasn't ruined or impeded by this.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 3:58 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:58:17 -0400

We see more of these posts (and I think it's a valid subject), and I don't need to repeat my position just to be heard. You all know what I think.

Here's the thing that worries me; I've got to "know" a few people on RP who don't "believe" what I do. In general, I'd say this in no way detracts from how I value their opinions as veterans, professionals, and people. I may not always agree...but agreement isn't always a prerequisite for respect; even friendship. I've seen un-related secular posts from fellow "Believers" that I've not always agreed with...and found the same from "non-Believers" that I whole-heartedly agreed with. Therefore, I couldn't imagine evaluating someone's professional performance adversely, assigning them "punitive" tasks, or denying them the same basic humanity as anyone else, merely on the basis of their lack of, or divergence in faith.

When it comes to how such beliefs influence the relative power senior officers hold, here again, I can't imagine believing that "God so loved the world", or "Love they enemies as thyself" would make me any more "trigger happy" on a nuke, or any less concerned with following orders in combat.

So here's a sincere, honest, and legitimate question; for those who might agree this officer should be prosecuted...what is it that you're really concerned about?

By the way, I'm not sure I'd have phrased some of his statements the way the article poses them...I might say God gave me the fortitude, patience or opportunities to accomplish things, rather than state, "God did that". However, being a Christian myself, I do get what he's probably saying; it's about attributing our strengths to the true source, rather than being vain.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 4:22 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:22:18 -0400

Just plain chicken s**t. No freakin way.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 16 at 2018 4:52 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:52:27 -0400

You want to know what is wrong with America, there is right there.

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Mar 16 at 2018 9:55 PM

PO1 Mary Vermont — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 21:55:37 -0400

Thise in that group are the ones who should be court-nartialed

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Mar 16 at 2018 11:32 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:32:39 -0400

Nonsense. There is no harm in sharing his opinion. Can't imagine the individuals at the National Day of Prayer Task Force were offended. Who did they think they were praying to? The article indicates nothing that would lead one to believe there was anything Christian in his God. Ergo there is no specific religion being advanced. The group needs to change their name to the Military Nonreligious Freedom Foundation.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 17 at 2018 7:33 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 07:33:05 -0400

IMHO, the civil liberties group can go soak their head in a septic tank.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2018 11:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:43:44 -0400

Who cares what a group says? Everyone has their opinion and theirs is no more important than anyone else's.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 17 at 2018 8:01 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 20:01:13 -0400

What ever happened to this gentleman? Did he make LtGen?

Response by LTC David Brown made Mar 17 at 2018 9:46 PM

LTC David Brown — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 21:46:05 -0400

Quick, remove George Washington from general status because he ordered a day of fasting and prayer and founded the Chaplain Corps. Relieve Patton of his rank because he asked for a prayer from a chaplain for favorable weather. Court martial every GI who prayed to God to live. Remove the Medal of Honor from the Seventhday Adventist who refused to carry a gun and would not start an attack until he finished praying. What a crock.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2018 9:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 21:49:59 -0400

My thoughts are: The group in question is a collection of anti-Christian bigots with neither knowledge nor interest in constitutional law or civil liberties except to oppose both law and liberty. I dismiss them as useless and irrelevant. Also, I'm not Christian.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 19 at 2018 3:51 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:51:03 -0400

It was a "Prayer Task Force" event. If you don't believe, why would you be there

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 20 at 2018 12:23 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:23:58 -0400

Take a hard look at the organization pushing this. This is their street corner they pick to fight at. They see Christian proselytizing behind anything vaguely spiritual.

General speaks about faith at prayer breakfast that he was invited to...it's a dog bites man story.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Sep 17 at 2018 4:28 AM

SSG Jess Peters — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 04:28:54 -0400

What group says that? Insanity.

Response by LCDR Richard Ridler made Nov 20 at 2020 11:13 AM

LCDR Richard Ridler — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 11:13:46 -0500

Excuse me but those wanting this or being in an “anti-American” group calling for this should be the ones having a court martial! These atheists should look at the founding on the Mikitary & America with big bold letters of “In God we Trust”, & then just go away! In my 32 year combat service, there is one saying that is true... “there are NO atheists in any foxhole”.
May God continue to bless this Admirable General!!!! God Bless America!

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Oct 5 at 2021 10:14 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 22:14:07 -0400

I have a great deal of respect for Gen. Olson. He is a man of integrity and courage. If he should retire I feel that he should run for political office. We need men of conviction like him in office instead of the God hating woke liberals that we have in the democratic, or should I say demonic party. Have these idiots looked at our money lately. It says "In God We Trust". These idiots sure know how to spend our money. God bless Gen Olson, I know he will.