Posted on Apr 17, 2018
COL Deputy G2
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I have seen where many veterans have been making degrading remarks about the President of the United States. However, I also have seen threads where actively serving members, verified by RP, are making disparaging remarks.
Is this thought of as a safe space where military justice does not matter?
Is this thought of as a place where military members think they can exercise their first amendment rights?
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 254
PO2 William Kennison
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I feel that as long as you're on active duty you're sworn to the CinC which means keep your politics to yourself. I started my service under Carter and couldn't stand him but he was my Commander in Chief and that was the line.
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Sgt Mike B
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RallyPoint is structured so that people, via their avatar, are putting out their comments in a "military capacity" of sorts. If the masses, or the media, for example, stumble upon a thread trash-talking the President, do you think they'd hesitate to point out all these active service members and veterans are think X Y Z to push their agenda? Same theory if RP members were trash-talking Obama during his Presidency and the networks took advantage of that.

If someone wants to advocate for positions out of uniform on their own time, go at it... but if they are currently serving, they need to be absolutely sure there is no conflating the two. RallyPoint, by design, conflates the two. They should save that for facebook or other political endeavors. Doubly so given the potential publicity.
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SFC Greg Bruorton
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Regardless of its legal or military ramifications, I believe the President of the United States should not be disparaged by an active duty military member. Threats to life or limb are never to be tolerated. Captain Jack's comments are fully on target.
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SSG Lee Kujawa
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In the civilian worker world, in most cases, if a worker decides to tip his/her boss, they risk bring fired. The same should hold true for the military, only much more strict. They rip the POTUS, their boss, they should be discharged.
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SGT Gary Stemen
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First amendment rights aside, insubordination penalties apply when lack of respect is noted.... that is like the definition of rape; penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the act.....
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SSG Dave Johnston
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Sorry, but he is still your "Commander in Chief" [Article 2 US Constitution]; and for us enlisted "... obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed ..."
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SFC Ncoic
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I served under 6 different Commander In Chiefs, I also served under many other Commanders and not ONCE did I say or wrote anything bad of any of them, I have bite my tongue many times because once it's out for all to hear or see it cant be taken back. Some things you just keep to yourself because when you wear the Uniform there is no safe place for what you say, so say nothing.
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SSG Robert Perrotto
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can we discuss political topics - absolutely - but - saying disparaging remarks online about the POTUS while on active duty is playing with fire - there is some fine print on your enlistment contract that states - you have suspended constitutional rights in order to promote good order and discipline - or some such disclaimer - bottom line - if you are AD - its probably best if you avoid any political discussion and learn to distinguish those that make a political post in order to get an emotional response from you.
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MSgt Randall Arnold
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My personal thoughts are that criticism of the Commander in Chief is a big no, that in today's social media environment can be career suicide. Perhaps one should reserve any such remarks until no longer on active duty.
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PO3 Grant Skiles
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I personally feel that Active members need to keep all opinions to themselves. The President is their ultimate leader and as such he needs to be given all respect for the position that they hold. Fortunately they are voted in every four years. If you do not like this individual you can vote for someone else or get out where they are not in your direct command. Veterans have put in the time. They are not a part of the chain of command any more. You will find that most Veterans will not openly disrespect the President even when they do not like what they are doing. What many of us do is join political parties and actively help that party. This is done through donating money, giving time for campaigns or even running far an office themselves. All of these help to make changes in our government. It also keeps our government fresh with new ideas. Respect the position of the President of the United States.
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