Posted on Jan 2, 2014
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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: 
Barack Obama
Respect
Barack Obama Respect
Edited 12 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 929
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Active Soldiers don't have to like the man but should always respect the rank and when it comes to veterans who are no longer enlisted or commissioned can say whatever is on their mind without consequence from rules and regulations.
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SGT (Join to see)
Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, remember that little part? The current Resident is a traitor to this nation and it is our DUTY to step in and stop it.
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CPL Paul B., here are President Theodore Roosevelt's thoughts on the need for truth in regards to the presidency. He made this statement to the Kansas City Star newspaper in the last year of his life, so his comments, in my opinion, were directed to the general public, a civilian population. They are nonetheless, timeless in their application:
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else." SSgt (Join to see) PVT (Join to see) SFC Ian Lumgair
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else." SSgt (Join to see) PVT (Join to see) SFC Ian Lumgair
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LTC Stephen C.
TSgt Mario Guajardo, clearly your eyesight was not the object of my response, but if that's your takeaway, then so be it.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I agree with you that respect is not something expect but earned. The more the President quales about unfairness and respect, he is lost and misguided. To me, he is weak and not a leader. He routinely goes against the military and pushes an agenda that is neither tolerant or right.
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PVT (Join to see)
LTC Stephen C. TSgt Mario Guajardo That military members are subject to the UCMJ is undeniable, but we, as servicemen, do not check our individual rights at the door (or MEPS) when we join. Yes, the military is an all-volunteer force, and we agree to be subject to its regulations and military law. I've also heard (and repeated) that the military protects democracy, but doesn't practice it. However, the office of President is one of both civilian and military responsibilities. His decisions and policies impact each of us in many ways. We, as citizens (who happen to be soldiers) still have the right to praise, criticize, or remain neutral regarding our civilian leadership. We still have to carry out lawful orders and accomplish the mission. Of course, we, as leaders, should discourage outright criticism of our leadership as we strive to maintain good order and discipline in our units. I don't think that necessarily needs to extend to elected officials provided it can be done tactfully and without becoming personal in nature.
I would love to hear how many people who ardently decry criticizing the current president actually felt fine badmouthing previous presidents with whom they disagree or didn't happen to vote for.
I would love to hear how many people who ardently decry criticizing the current president actually felt fine badmouthing previous presidents with whom they disagree or didn't happen to vote for.
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SP5 Howard Moore
i feel free criticizing both past and present presidents regardless of party I criticized
Bill for violating the UCMJ when he had an affair as a service member you can get a court martial for that and lose your retirement if it good enough for the troops it should be good enough for the commander I also criticized reagan for his role in the hostage situation where he consorted with the enemy to win the election and exchanged arms for hostages can it be proven undoubtedly nope but his aids said it happened. Then there is Bush he started a war with the wrong country In the 911 attacks fifteen of the terrorist were citizens of Saudi Arabia, two were from the United Arab Emirates, one was from Lebanon, and one from Egypt. What do we do we sell the UAE and Saudi weapons and attack Iran go figure then there is don the Con you setted a fraud case for 25 million fied 2 mil for misusing a charitable organization violated the foreign and domestic emoluments clause on day one. not to mention not once but twice went on national television and asked a foreign goverment to interfere in our election and dig up dirt on his rival now do I like biden sorry to say he's not my first choice hell he's not even third or fourth I'd much rather find someone like Jose Mujica someone that's humble and progressive and someone that actually knows what an assault rifle or high capacity magazine is and is not
Bill for violating the UCMJ when he had an affair as a service member you can get a court martial for that and lose your retirement if it good enough for the troops it should be good enough for the commander I also criticized reagan for his role in the hostage situation where he consorted with the enemy to win the election and exchanged arms for hostages can it be proven undoubtedly nope but his aids said it happened. Then there is Bush he started a war with the wrong country In the 911 attacks fifteen of the terrorist were citizens of Saudi Arabia, two were from the United Arab Emirates, one was from Lebanon, and one from Egypt. What do we do we sell the UAE and Saudi weapons and attack Iran go figure then there is don the Con you setted a fraud case for 25 million fied 2 mil for misusing a charitable organization violated the foreign and domestic emoluments clause on day one. not to mention not once but twice went on national television and asked a foreign goverment to interfere in our election and dig up dirt on his rival now do I like biden sorry to say he's not my first choice hell he's not even third or fourth I'd much rather find someone like Jose Mujica someone that's humble and progressive and someone that actually knows what an assault rifle or high capacity magazine is and is not
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I am not sure if the current POTUS is liked less now than previous presidents but it is much easier for someone to express their opinion on him. I would say that is one of the major downfalls of social media.
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Lets rearrange the words so the truth comes out - President targeting our veterans and soldiers.
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SGT (Join to see)
Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, remember that little part? The current Resident is a traitor to this nation and it is our DUTY to step in and stop it.
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American's have a duty to America to not only vote, but to express their opinion of politicians and attempt to get changes instituted when mistakes are made. That is why the Constitution allows for corrections to elections. The current office holder is not popular with all members of the military. Throughout history American Military has never, unlike many countries, staged a coup and overthrown a president, even though our oath allows for the possibility.<div><br></div><div>As far as the current office holder goes, his policies are so controversial and at times seem to be anti-American, and anti-working class that all Americans, including military members wind up having to talk about his decisions. </div><div><br></div><div>We have a duty to Obey the orders of the C-I-C when issued, but as Americans all of us also have an obligation to fight city hall when city hall is wrong. I KNOW Chicago Politics and Politicians and this Occupant of the Nation's City Hall deserves to be fought at all times.</div>
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SGT (Join to see)
Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, remember that little part? The current Resident is a traitor to this nation and it is our DUTY to step in and stop it.
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Is it the Soldier or the Citizen that is making the comment? Are they using their position as a member of the armed forces advocate for or against a candidate or political party? For example is it, SSG Haddox US Army saying X or is Paul saying it. One is OK the other is not OK. Where is the line? Where indeed? I feel if you make a political speech or appear in a political add on TV in uniform, or in my official duties I am quoted by the media as saying X, that is a no go. If my buddies and I are having a discussion in the platoon office about current events and we disagree with the current policies that's fine.
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In my opinion, Veterans have earned the right to criticize and speak out. In fact, Veterans must speak up for change when their brothers and sisters in uniform cannot. Respect is earned and is a two-way street. Who better to speak out against the VA hospital injustices than veterans? If a Presidential Administration wants the votes of soldiers and their families then they must keep their own oath of office and show, by their fruits, the respect that is due our military. I do not see that from the Regime in office. I see deliberate steps being taken to weaken our military and our country.
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This president is a disgrace to the position.
He has used the military as a means to score political points.
I never did it while physically in uniform, and I would never do it while acting in a military capacity, but we still have the freedom to speak out against a president who is against virtually everything we stand for.
He has used the military as a means to score political points.
I never did it while physically in uniform, and I would never do it while acting in a military capacity, but we still have the freedom to speak out against a president who is against virtually everything we stand for.
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SGT (Join to see)
Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, remember that little part? The current Resident is a traitor to this nation and it is our DUTY to step in and stop it.
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Okay, I can't stand listening to this anymore. I am a vet. so I'm free to say anything I darn well please. So here let me say for those serving that feel that they can't say anything in public. This President has thrown the Military under the bus at every chance he has had. Benghazi, the VA Scandal, the trading of a deserter for 5 HVT's. I have always had respect for our Commanders in Chief, however, if he was a field officer or unit commander, the unit moral would be tanked and an up rising to oust him would begin.
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SGT (Join to see)
Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, remember that little part? The current Resident is a traitor to this nation and it is our DUTY to step in and stop it.
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I have been hearing this as well. Firstly, for us old salts rest assured that this is not an epidemic behavior in today's military. It is a small, extreme minority. Like most extreme views today. That minority is loud as they are verbal, but trust that they are the exception rather than the rule. Those who took an oath and think somehow that oath is put aside when they put on civvies...it's a flawed concept. The whole presumption that you can behave differently an obviate your alligience to your oath and as a result your country, when you change clothes is utterly ridiculous. Just quit. Resign...and cease from negating your oath and the uniform.
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SGT (Join to see)
Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, remember that little part? The current Resident is a traitor to this nation and it is our DUTY to step in and stop it.
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