Posted on Jan 2, 2014
CPL Paul B.
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Recently I've been hearing countless remarks, and seeing posts from soldiers and veterans alike. Down talking our commander in chief. How do you feel about this? Should this be allowed within our ranks? Does freedom of speech really play a part?<br><br>
Posted in these groups: Images Barack ObamaRespect  logo Respect
Edited 12 y ago
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Responses: 929
SPC Jose Herrera
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When active President no. After I see no problem. I don't care for Trump, but when in office Trump was my Commander in Chief.
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CPT Larry Hudson
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When the military decided to become politicized the trust in such became a reason to criticize CRT; Open gay; lack of mission readiness; lack of discipline; obeying orders or not and in general dumbing down of the military to fit the agenda.
Military decided to make this bed now live in it. No one is above the law according to socialist democrats except a two layer of justice.
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CPT Larry Hudson
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In today's world, there is no normal and everything is on the table. Commander in Chief as well as fag officers lie in order to support the political agenda. Military has elected to become politicalized therefore, they are fair game for observation and criticism
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Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis
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We need to distinguish between people who are Active and people who are not (i.e. Vets and Retired).

Vets and Retired are, in these situations, Ordinary Citizens and enjoy all of the same rights. This includes criticism of any and all elected and appointed officials.

Members still in Active Status still enjoy the same rights as Ordinary Citizens, but a certain amount of discretion is needed. The POTUS is in the Chain of Command. As such, he deserves the same amount of respect that and Commander must have. It doesn't matter how you feel about the person (about half the population seems to like/hate, almost regardless of who it is).

Now, under normal circumstances, a rational, reasoned argument for or against any policy or decision is not only acceptable, but can be welcomed as intellectual discourse among the military.

Unfortunately, these are not normal circumstances. Bottom line: Active should keep your heads down.
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SSG Byron Hewett
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You signed the dotted line to uphold defend and protect the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. BUT there are certain courtesies and customs that you don't violate while serving rules are slightly different once you have left the service BUT you should still follow them just the same.
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SGT John Prolo
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Freedom of speech is our First Amendment. Using it in a common sense way is what’s at stake.
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PV2 Kristie Byington
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Once done with active service, or no longer volunteering as Weekend Warriors, one should always be allowed to speak their mind. After service.
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SGT Anti Armor Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
Weekend Warriors my ass! There are more so-called "weekend warriors" on active duty than there are active duty people on active duty deployed over seas. Especially after Desert Shield and Desert Storm. There were A LOT of National Guard units called to active duty, so pull your head out of your ass with that shit.
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PV2 Kristie Byington
PV2 Kristie Byington
>1 y
While in service, we do give up our rights. Also, not disparaging those in office, right or wrong, shows solidarity and strength. Those saying the "American Experiment" is over are salivating @ the comments against their "feeder". He is not a leader. He does not project strength this country needs at all times, but if I were active duty the 9nly comment I would have is "I will do my duty."
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SPC Michael Tierney
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Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not to their own facts.
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PO1 Kenneth Helmick
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Edited >1 y ago
Hmmmm... I'm a veteran. I took an oath to "support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same." Now suppose that the President is pushing to enact policies contrary to the Constitution such as, I dunno, undermining the right to bear arms, the right to free speech, or interfering in an election. Of course, this sort of thing could never happen! However, if it did, as a citizen I would feel it incumbent to speak out, especially given that the President took an oath containing about the same pledge to support and defend the Constitution. It doesn't matter if you are an E-1, have 4 stars, or are an elected official -- your position doesn't exempt you from criticism, if you are contravening your oath. I would claim that your oath to the Constitution actually DEMANDS that you speak up in such cases, "support and defend" describe actions and not mere acknowledgement or acquiescence. Doing the right thing usually isn't easy, or even popular. Of course, if you are on active duty, you also have to abide by the regulations -- which us veterans are in no way required to do. It may not be classy or tasteful, but the First Amendment guarantees the right of free speech -- ESPECIALLY political speech -- and no one is going to interfere if you feel compelled to get salty in violation of typical civility.
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SSgt Peter Phillips
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Service members have no place opining on politics or their supervisors in public, and sure as shit aren't to disparage ANY Commander in Chief

Active duty need to maintain bearing and an outward show respect for all command and superiors at all times. Zero exceptions. Violators should be reprimanded and be striped of supervisor duties at minimum. And, troop use of electronic communication and social media needs to be severely hemmed in.

That being said, any oath taker side with, making excuses for or justifying 01.06.23 disgust me. I'd like to see Gen Flynn and all other dishonorable veterans striped of benefits and reduced to E1. I suspect Flynn has a reconning coming.
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SSgt Peter Phillips
SSgt Peter Phillips
>1 y
Thanks for the input
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