How do you feel about veterans or Soldiers criticizing our President?

You can feel any way you want about how vets voice their opinion of the POTUS. The fact will ALWAYS be that veterans have an EARNED right to voice their dissent regardless of the party of the person occupying the Oval Office.

Active members have a right to voice their opinions, however, there is a thin and often obscured line between respectful disagreement and insubordination. One currently wearing the uniform might be better off waiting until they've fulfilled their service obligation and taken the uniform off.

I feel that everyone is entitled to their opinion. It is however, the manner in which it is displayed. You as an individual have every right to disagree, pay no attention to, or dislike the commander in chief. However, as an active duty service member, it is essential to maintain professionalism at all times. Keep your thoughts to yourself or within a realm so as to not compromise your career. As a veteran, we are still a part of the brotherhood and can have a louder voice on expressing our opinions without fear of persecution.

it's interesting to see history where every CIC (even George Washington) was criticized for something. Lincoln, both Roosevelts, etc were are considered great Presidents but always had their critics. I am not comparing any President with each other, but if you don't have some critics, in my opinion you are not doing the right thing. You can't please everyone, and anyone who tries will end up pleasing no one. Colin Powell once said "Being responsible means pissing people off." I totally agree with that.

Serving in the past as Chairman of a State Republican Party brought new light in how people think of President Obama. While I don't agree with President Obama on a lot of his policies, I respect the position and the fact that he is doing the best he can. To many I know they believe his best isn't good enough. I understand that but always believe that we need to do what we can to separate the person from the actions.

Now coming back to the conversation at hand, I believe when we swear allegiance to the Constitution and CIC, we have a certain obligation to maintain our professionalism. We give up some rights when we join. That is part of the privilege of being a SM. We work for him and at the end of the day need to follow his commands. I remember a scene in Band of Brothers where the 1SG told a PSG to lay off talking bad about the CO (even though he wasn't doing a good job) because it was contagious and would only hurt morale in the end.

If we disagree, I think we should do it in a way where we can do it more professionally and in a way we would want someone to express their disagreement with us. I travel a lot, and I am very proud of our country. When someone from another country criticizes us I am protective regardless of who is in office. I hope we all are our proud of our country!

As a veteran I'm no longer under contract. I have my rights again and that includes freedom of speech. I'd never disrespect the position or try anything crazy. But if I feel that the person sitting in office is disrespecting his position I'll say something

Soldiers shouldn't say anything about the President they wouldn't say to the President. That would take care of most of the issue right there. The rest would fall into place if we remain professional and attack actions and not ideas or character and use the system as it is intended. Vote out, impeach, write letters, solicit public consensus, etc.

SFC M. Parker ,

Your incorrect with your statement that the President decisions have been found constitutional. Here is an exact ruling from the Supreme Court contradicting your statement. "The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that President Obama exceeded his "constitutional authority" in making high-level government appointments in 2012 when he made appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) when he declared the Senate to be in recess and unable to act on the nominations ." I myself no longer being in the military can say that I don't care for the individual that is currently in office & can't wait for his dictatorship actions to come to an end.

When i was active duty i kept my opinion of the President to my self and to close friends. Because while on AD he was my Boss and to talk bad about him in front of junior troops is not right and breaks good order and discipline. Now that i am a Veteran i Can openly disagree and Make fun of the President if i like. I live in a country where i have that right. I dont not threaten his life or his family (that is wrong on so many levels). So yes when i hear a service memeber doing this it erks me but when it is a civilian or veteran it is there right to do so.

I feel for the SM's here on RP who are unable to speak out without reprisal. Fortunately, I'm a V. Respect is earned and he hasn't earned diddly squat. I just want him gone. Jan 2017 can't get here fast enough.

POTUS should be respected however the actions or the results of his actions should be open to fair debate.

Freedom of speech isn't necessarily in full effect until you finally hang up the uniform.