Posted on May 2, 2015
How can Servicemembers respectfully show disagreement with elected officials?
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As Servicemembers under Oath, serving the country, how can we respectfully show or tell of our disagreement with elected officials or policies ? What can we do? What would be innapropriate? What things would constitute inappropriate critique or comments about Commanders in Chief? Or are there simply things we cannot say publicly until we leave the military?
Politics
Loyalty
Respect
Office of the President (POTUS)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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Col (Join to see)
Unfortunately sometimes the problem with the availability of acceptable candidates to vote for is based partly on the funding of the lobbyist/special interest groups.
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
This is one of those "just shut-up and color topics." If you disagree with elected officials then keep a lid on it as best you can!
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GySgt Randall Stufflebeam
While I don't disagree with the stop voting aspect, the problem is that many times there aren't any good candidates that you can vote "FOR". This is one of the reasons why I got involved in politics and why I became the National Vice-Chairman of the Constitution Party.
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COL Ted Mc
Col (Join to see) - Major; If you don't like the people that are being put forward as candidates by the party you support, there is nothing stopping you from becoming active in that party and putting forward your own candidates.
True, you are going to have to do a lot of fund raising to match the big money boys who generally buy the nominations - but you can always use the "I am supported by small donations by a large number of people BUT "they" are supported by large donations by a small number of people. I owe my loyalty to my supporters just as much as "they" do and I will work for my supporters just as hard as "they" will. And, of course, that means that "they" are going to be working for a small bunch of rich people if they get elected while I'd have to work for all the people who aren't rich if I got elected." line.
True, you are going to have to do a lot of fund raising to match the big money boys who generally buy the nominations - but you can always use the "I am supported by small donations by a large number of people BUT "they" are supported by large donations by a small number of people. I owe my loyalty to my supporters just as much as "they" do and I will work for my supporters just as hard as "they" will. And, of course, that means that "they" are going to be working for a small bunch of rich people if they get elected while I'd have to work for all the people who aren't rich if I got elected." line.
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Sure can. I have done it. You can call the politician's office, or also email them to voice your concerns. Of course it has to be done tactfully and with respect, but it still can be done.
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"I am in the pay of the United States government. If I vote against the administration I am voting against my commander-in-chief. If I vote for the administration in office I am being bought."
- George Patton
- George Patton
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SPC Edward Drain
Respecting someone means telling them the truth of the situation. And it is not optional behavior. It is disloyal not to point out flaws in a plan or false information. Read the FM on leadership.
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SPC Edward Drain
Again, you miss the point. I am a fan. But that doesn't give me the option of checking my brain at the door.
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Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D.
Gen. MacArthur sought to run for President to replace the incumbent and thus replacing the current Commander-in-chief. Although it did not work out well for him.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
General MacArthur had been relived of command in 1951 for insubordination.
In '52 there was some talk about having him run for president but Ike won the nomination. I find nothing to indicate that he sought the nomination.
Anyway, this was after his “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away" speech effectively ending his military career so at no time did he attempt to replace his CiC.
In '52 there was some talk about having him run for president but Ike won the nomination. I find nothing to indicate that he sought the nomination.
Anyway, this was after his “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away" speech effectively ending his military career so at no time did he attempt to replace his CiC.
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What can not be done is to appear in uniform at gatherings that are purely political. Nor can you use your status as a member of the military to promote a political cause.
By far the most effective and probably the least used is direct contact as Maj Whitehorn said.
By far the most effective and probably the least used is direct contact as Maj Whitehorn said.
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You vote. And insist on your right to do so , unlike the 100,000 service men and women over sea' s who did not get a vote in the last election ,
I polled members of my son's company when they returned from Afghanistan ,
67 marines. The vote was
4 for Obama
58 for Rhomny
5 said who cares , does not matter who wins
As for the lack of trust in your leaders ? You have ways within the UCMJ to show your disapproval. But be carful there are people watching all of us now , even 61 year old Marines
I polled members of my son's company when they returned from Afghanistan ,
67 marines. The vote was
4 for Obama
58 for Rhomny
5 said who cares , does not matter who wins
As for the lack of trust in your leaders ? You have ways within the UCMJ to show your disapproval. But be carful there are people watching all of us now , even 61 year old Marines
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Sgt Tom Vaughn
The vote the marines did was just my personnel poll. They did not get to vote. And all were very pissed off. Especially because the ballots were printed to late to mail out ! In other words the standing government did not want them to vote
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We're citizens first.
Officers have the "Contempt" Article under the UCMJ, which is roughly equivalent to the Disrespect Article. Enlisted don't have the same article as it applies to Congress. However Tact is a leadership trait.
The old adage "It's not what he said, it's how he said it" holds true. You can get away with saying almost anything if you phrase it correctly. Unfortunately, I cannot recall which of our Colonel's said it, but the phrase was "Lieutenant sounds a lot like Douchebag when directed at you from above [sic]"
Officers have the "Contempt" Article under the UCMJ, which is roughly equivalent to the Disrespect Article. Enlisted don't have the same article as it applies to Congress. However Tact is a leadership trait.
The old adage "It's not what he said, it's how he said it" holds true. You can get away with saying almost anything if you phrase it correctly. Unfortunately, I cannot recall which of our Colonel's said it, but the phrase was "Lieutenant sounds a lot like Douchebag when directed at you from above [sic]"
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"When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen."
That quote came from General George Washington in response to a message that was sent to him from the New York Legislature:
" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[New York Legislature to Washington]
May it please Your Excellency --
At a time when the most loyal of his Majesties Subjects, from a Regard to the Laws and Constitution by which he sits on the Throne, feel themselves reduced to the unhappy Necessity of taking up Arms to defend their dearest Rights and Priviledges; While we deplore the Calamities of this divided Empire, We rejoice in the Appointment of a Gentlemen from whose Abilities and Virtue we are taught to expect both Security and Peace.
Confiding in you Sir, and in the worthy Generals immediately under your Command, We have the most flattering Hopes of Success in the glorious Struggle for American Liberty; and the fullest Assurances that whenever this important Contest shall be decided, by that fondest Wish of each American Soul; an Accommodation with our Mother Country; You will cheerfully resign the important Deposit committed unto Your Hands, and reassume the Character of our worthiest Citizen.
June 26, 1775
By Order -- C.V.B. Livingston, President
[Washington's Response]
June 26, 1775.
Gentlemen: At the same time that with you I deplore the unhappy necessity of such an Appointment, as that with which I am now honoured, I cannot but feel sentiments of the highest gratitude for this affecting Instance of distinction and Regard.
May your every wish be realized in the success of America, at this important and interesting Period; and be assured that the every exertion of my worthy Colleagues and myself will be equally extended to the re-establishment of Peace and Harmony between the Mother Country and the Colonies, as to the fatal, but necessary, operations of War. When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations, shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peaceful and happy Country. I am etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "
Some of you, here, may remember the time during the Bill Clinton administration that the "Don't ask; Don't tell" policy was implemented. There was such consternation amongst us Marines about it, that we began being threatened with charges of mutiny, if we didn't stop with the denigration of our "Commander-in-Chief" over the issue.
I often look back to my military service as a time that; "I had a vote, but I did not have a voice."
NONE OF US WERE COMMITTING MUTINY!! We were exercising our 1st Amendment rights; of which we did NOT abdicate when we volunteered and made an oath to protect our 1st Amendment rights.
This very issue in one of the major reasons why I became involved in politics.
Now don't get me wrong, I fully understand the need to maintain respect and the highest levels of morals and morale. However, there is an appropriate balance the MUST BE MAINTAINED, else the oath that we made to "Protect and Defend the Constitution" is of no value.
As mentioned above, when speaking, politically, we should NOT be in uniform, as it gives the insinuation that we are speaking on behalf of the military and that would NOT be an accurate or valid position to infer.
As I started with this quote by General George Washington, I will leave you with the same quote. Remember, when you put on the military uniform, you do so AS A CITIZEN of these United States of America.
"When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen."
That quote came from General George Washington in response to a message that was sent to him from the New York Legislature:
" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[New York Legislature to Washington]
May it please Your Excellency --
At a time when the most loyal of his Majesties Subjects, from a Regard to the Laws and Constitution by which he sits on the Throne, feel themselves reduced to the unhappy Necessity of taking up Arms to defend their dearest Rights and Priviledges; While we deplore the Calamities of this divided Empire, We rejoice in the Appointment of a Gentlemen from whose Abilities and Virtue we are taught to expect both Security and Peace.
Confiding in you Sir, and in the worthy Generals immediately under your Command, We have the most flattering Hopes of Success in the glorious Struggle for American Liberty; and the fullest Assurances that whenever this important Contest shall be decided, by that fondest Wish of each American Soul; an Accommodation with our Mother Country; You will cheerfully resign the important Deposit committed unto Your Hands, and reassume the Character of our worthiest Citizen.
June 26, 1775
By Order -- C.V.B. Livingston, President
[Washington's Response]
June 26, 1775.
Gentlemen: At the same time that with you I deplore the unhappy necessity of such an Appointment, as that with which I am now honoured, I cannot but feel sentiments of the highest gratitude for this affecting Instance of distinction and Regard.
May your every wish be realized in the success of America, at this important and interesting Period; and be assured that the every exertion of my worthy Colleagues and myself will be equally extended to the re-establishment of Peace and Harmony between the Mother Country and the Colonies, as to the fatal, but necessary, operations of War. When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations, shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peaceful and happy Country. I am etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "
Some of you, here, may remember the time during the Bill Clinton administration that the "Don't ask; Don't tell" policy was implemented. There was such consternation amongst us Marines about it, that we began being threatened with charges of mutiny, if we didn't stop with the denigration of our "Commander-in-Chief" over the issue.
I often look back to my military service as a time that; "I had a vote, but I did not have a voice."
NONE OF US WERE COMMITTING MUTINY!! We were exercising our 1st Amendment rights; of which we did NOT abdicate when we volunteered and made an oath to protect our 1st Amendment rights.
This very issue in one of the major reasons why I became involved in politics.
Now don't get me wrong, I fully understand the need to maintain respect and the highest levels of morals and morale. However, there is an appropriate balance the MUST BE MAINTAINED, else the oath that we made to "Protect and Defend the Constitution" is of no value.
As mentioned above, when speaking, politically, we should NOT be in uniform, as it gives the insinuation that we are speaking on behalf of the military and that would NOT be an accurate or valid position to infer.
As I started with this quote by General George Washington, I will leave you with the same quote. Remember, when you put on the military uniform, you do so AS A CITIZEN of these United States of America.
"When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen."
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Folks -
There are many ways to voice your opinion. (1) Vote. (2) Direct communication with elected officials. This has to be done properly, tactfully and within bounds, especially those on Active Duty. State your disagreement politely, simply and specifically, as in: "I do not believe your comment on September 23, 2014, regarding the Taliban being on the run is accurate." Do NOT make inflammatory comments such as: "I will not obey illegal blah, blah, blah".... it gets you no where except the penalty box.
Just as you would approach your Commanding Officer with a problem, provide at least one, but preferably two, well thought out alternative solution(s) that would be effective, at least in your opinion. And no, telling your elected officials to "get their head out of .... " is not a real good idea. Once the aide reads that particular statement (and many others like it) the aide then either sends the letter to the Pentagon's liaison staff (if your letter comes from an obvious military source) or possibly the security detail.
Another alternative would be to join a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, DAV, etc. Most service members deployed to combat areas are eligible for membership in the VFW for instance. The VSO's have active legislative organizations that are in constant direct, face-to-face communications with members of Congress and POTUS. When a subject matter comes up that affects active duty, veterans, retired personnel the VSO's are usually the one's that sit down with Congressmen/women and make the military's point of view well known. Joining a VSO is legal and allows you to voice your opinion, along with millions of others like yourself en masse, without worrying about getting yourself in trouble in areas you can't see the little red line.
There are many ways to voice your opinion. (1) Vote. (2) Direct communication with elected officials. This has to be done properly, tactfully and within bounds, especially those on Active Duty. State your disagreement politely, simply and specifically, as in: "I do not believe your comment on September 23, 2014, regarding the Taliban being on the run is accurate." Do NOT make inflammatory comments such as: "I will not obey illegal blah, blah, blah".... it gets you no where except the penalty box.
Just as you would approach your Commanding Officer with a problem, provide at least one, but preferably two, well thought out alternative solution(s) that would be effective, at least in your opinion. And no, telling your elected officials to "get their head out of .... " is not a real good idea. Once the aide reads that particular statement (and many others like it) the aide then either sends the letter to the Pentagon's liaison staff (if your letter comes from an obvious military source) or possibly the security detail.
Another alternative would be to join a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, DAV, etc. Most service members deployed to combat areas are eligible for membership in the VFW for instance. The VSO's have active legislative organizations that are in constant direct, face-to-face communications with members of Congress and POTUS. When a subject matter comes up that affects active duty, veterans, retired personnel the VSO's are usually the one's that sit down with Congressmen/women and make the military's point of view well known. Joining a VSO is legal and allows you to voice your opinion, along with millions of others like yourself en masse, without worrying about getting yourself in trouble in areas you can't see the little red line.
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Vote your mind...but educate yourself before you wander into a ballot box. I highly advocate voting for veterans, but so few of us actually go into politics.
When I voice my disagreements with our elected officials, I usually keep it within my inner circle of family. However, I use my ballot as the tool that it is.
When I voice my disagreements with our elected officials, I usually keep it within my inner circle of family. However, I use my ballot as the tool that it is.
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