Posted on Oct 24, 2017
CPT Company Commander
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As of late I have seen some make some very inflammatory political statements. RallyPoint is a unique platform that caters to service members. We all have our opinions but being a service member and making politically charged comments that reflect poorly on the service could lead to severe repercussions. Even worse is when someone posts questions with the intent of provoking servicemembers to make such statements.

As much as I enjoy using social media in various platforms but I often decide which platform may be appropriate. For example I use my IG for gym selfies and I use RallyPoint for military themed topics.

What is your take on this?
Posted in these groups: Social media logo Social Media
Edited 7 y ago
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Responses: 20
Signal Officer
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If all parties partaking in the discussion can maintain professionalism and respect the concept that everyone can have their own opinions then I would say, maybe. But that rarely happens.
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PO2 Hospital Corpsman
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I don't think that the suppression of political ideals and debate will solve the problem. I think that people also will as you said rarely maintain professionalism and respect, but for me if only SOMETIMES it actually DOES happen, in those rare instances, the debate is not debate to me, it is considered effectively as legislation in its truest form. Legislation by the people through dialogue, debate. Through compromise and respect.
These simple ideas are the only tiny things missing from our country right now and if we bring these concepts back, I think that we have a good shot at becoming one of the most advanced societies history.
If we continue on the current trajectory however, I don't see much hope you are right!
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CPT Company Commander
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To often some as just throwing bombs hoping to start a fight so they can try and win it.
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Signal Officer
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You make a great point.
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1SG Vet Technician
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In my opinion, the worst, or at least more vocal participants in these discussions are members who are no longer actively or part time members of the military. There are several times when I have needed to remember my status when crafting an opinion or reply on this forum.

To ne honest, I am more bothered by the religious posts that tend to flood the site.
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SSG Squad Leader
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There have been times that I did not post anything because of that.
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Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth
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As I have stated before on RP as long as the political posts relate to military service, veterans issues, or active military concerns then yes. However, a lot of posts have nothing to do with our military and are derogatory in nature looking for a fight. I admit I have been dragged into some of those unfortunately but int he end have decided to just not respond and move on. The problem with most of us in this generation is that we can't have an adult conversation. The way things are looked at is the kindergarten view. What I mean is that I want blue crayons because they look the best and you can't have any and if you take my crayons or think blue isn't the best crayon I have to pull your hair or bite you to get my point across. We can't have adult conversations and agree to disagree and then move on. There are people on RP that I disagree with most of their views...however, I really enjoy their posts because they make their point eloquently and with organized thought and when I respond in kind we vote each other up even though we disagree and move on...but we respect each other as veterans with different viewpoints. Then there are some that when you state your position they come at you with both barrels...it is at that time that I just leave the post and move on and usually don't read any more of their posts.

Long answer but to truly answer your question, I think RP is a good forum for political posts as long as they are related to military actions, military issues, or retiree and veterans programs. Anything outside of that I think they need to be on another Social Media site. Rally Point was started as a professional media site to connect military and veterans on common issues that we all face but I am afraid it is starting to get on a slippery slope to another regular Social Media site and we all have to be careful how we use it.
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