Political Bumper Stickers

2014-03-04T09:51:09-05:00

Yesterday while driving back to military housing here @ DLI, I saw a car of a student (we have tags in our cars for staff and for students for parking), so while at a red light, I noticed a sticker with Obama's picture and not my president next to it. So my question is, since we took an oath to defend the consitution and obey the orders of the president, for a SM, is it proper to put a statement like that for everyone to see? I know we have freedom of speech and all of that, but wouldn't be more proper if you don't like the incumbent, just exercise your right to vote and vote them out, but in the meanwhile obey his or her orders

Response by Col Joel Anderson made Mar 4 at 2014 10:11 AM

2014-03-04T10:11:18-05:00

Personal opinion. It is totally inappropriate. As you state, we take an oath. We may not like something but that is a fact of our everyday life and we are compelled to uphold that oath.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 4 at 2014 10:16 AM

2014-03-04T10:16:24-05:00

It's no more appropriate than a Soldier having a bumper sticker with his Brigade Commanders picture on it with a negative caption.... If you wouldn't do it to your Colonel, or Captain, why do we feel free to do it to our boss's boss's boss's boss? I swear people don't think long term...

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-03-04T11:18:49-05:00

Would it be permitted to display that about any other person in our CoC?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-03-04T11:25:22-05:00

SFC Dominguez,

No, I don't think it's proper at all for us to criticize the president in public, whether it's a bumper sticker or a social media post.

I also don't think it's proper for a service member to refer to our Commander in Chief as "Obama".

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 6:44 PM

2014-03-04T18:44:52-05:00

I've got one even better for you SFC. I saw an Anonymous (the hacker group) bumper sticker in the NSAG parking lot here at Ft. Gordon...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-03-05T10:32:15-05:00

SFC Dominguez,

I don't think it is appropriate to post a bumper sticker like that, even though it is legal to do so. Not everyone likes who is in the White House, or who was in the White House before him. But as a Soldier, we are supposed to support and defend the Constitution and we must follow the lawful orders of those appointed over us. That includes the President, and I feel like this bumper sticker would send the message that the Soldier may not be willing to follow the orders of the President.

On that note, I remember being in a chow tent in Afghanistan during the presidential elections. I overheard a couple Soldiers talking about how if Obama won, they were going to get out of the Military, go AWOL, flee to another country, etc. I didn't think it was appropriate then either, even though he wasn't yet the President. I wonder if those Soldiers followed through with their statements...

Anyway, I think the problem comes down to a lack of respect. You don't have to like the guy or agree with his politics, but the bottom line is he is our President. If someone doesn't like it, they should have enough respect to keep quiet until the next elections.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 11:14 AM

2014-03-05T11:14:48-05:00

THE RIGHT TO SAY AND WRITE WHAT YOU THINK

Members of the military have the right to say or to write what they think, up to a point. They can't say things that encourage violence (other than as part of authorized military operations) or urge others to violate military regulations. They can't communicate with "the enemy," for example, by writing letters to Iraqi officials or soldiers. Article 88 of the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) makes it a crime for a commissioned officer to use "contemptuous words" against the President, Vice-President, Secretary of Defense, and other specified high government officials. Enlisted members can be prosecuted under Article 134 for using similar words. The words have to be "to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, or conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces." Military members have gotten into trouble for calling officials "fascists," "thieves," murderers" "tyrants" "fools" and "gangsters." This law is selectively enforced. Some officers didn't get in trouble for saying bad things about President Clinton, for example. Article 117 of the UCMJ outlaws using "provoking or reproachful words or gestures" towards someone else in the military. The more real danger, however, if from saying things that could make other members desert, disobey lawful orders, or refuse to do their jobs. That kind of speech could violate Article 82 of the UCMJ, which makes it a crime for someone in the military to ask someone else to desert or mutiny (disobey orders as a group).

Response by Sgt John Henry made Mar 5 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-03-05T12:20:26-05:00

I think that's not in good taste and not conduct proper for a member of the armed forces. That person is insulting the chain of command.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 12:58 PM

2014-03-05T12:58:26-05:00

I don't obey unconstitutional orders from people who are not qualified to hold the position that they are in. The idiot in the white house was not born here in the US and his story of his life is as phony as a $3 bill. He is not a natural born citizen of this country, so he cannot be president of this country, which means that he also cannot be Commander in chief either.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 1:10 PM

2014-03-05T13:10:24-05:00

He is in direct violation and is wrong. Regardless of our opinions of our president the negative ones should most certainly not be put on public display ( as a sm)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 1:46 PM

2014-03-05T13:46:41-05:00

"Do I think it's appropriate, or respectul? No. But it appears that is allowed according to DoDD 1344.10. "A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may: (Para 4.1.1.8) Display a political bumper sticker on the member's private vehicle". There are further restrictions on "contemptous words", but those only apply to commissioned officers."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-03-05T13:48:58-05:00

It's freedom of speech, not freedoms of speech unless people feeling are hurt

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 6 at 2014 4:27 PM

2014-03-06T16:27:13-05:00

I like surprising people. I have hard core conservative friends that I like to surprise by having slightly left leaning libertarian views. I have left side friends that I go 'round and 'round about the second amendment with.

If I was still in, I would definitely not have any political designators on my POV. Slightly out of respect, but mostly because I just don't feel my personal political views are anyone elses business.

I am very conservative, but I still address the CoC as President Obama until such day as he leaves office or is impeached.

Ok...the dead horse is now skeletal.

Response by Cpl David Hall made Mar 6 at 2014 9:03 PM

2014-03-06T21:03:18-05:00

It is completely legitimate. you swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution first and foremost and orders afterwards. All military have a duty not to follow morale or illegal orders.

Response by SSG Jeffery Haynes made Mar 6 at 2014 9:54 PM

2014-03-06T21:54:07-05:00

DoD Directive 1344.10, "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces" February 19. 2008 states:

4.1.1. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may:

4.1.1.8. Display a political bumper sticker on the member’s private vehicle.

I have political bumper stickers on my truck that some would probably find disparaging to the Commander in Chief, but as long as they are not visible from a distance I don't see a problem with it. As long as they don't go overboard and call for physical harm or make overt threats to an individual they're protected speech IMHO.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 10:03 PM

2014-03-06T22:03:06-05:00

I would say that putting a political bumper sticker on your car is a great way to let other drivers know to cut you off in traffic.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:35 PM

2014-03-06T23:35:28-05:00

First of all common sense would remind us that it is wrong.  The president in CINC and so he is our president,  politics notwithstanding.   That said,  discretion might also save your career.    A seemingly benign statement may be construed as disrespectful. As I have said,  "some never gave President Bush that respect but two wrongs does not make it right.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:58 PM

2014-03-06T23:58:27-05:00

The first question I would pose to that SM would be, "did you vote"? It is incredible to me the amount of service members who do not vote, because of some misconstrued notion that their vote does not matter. Where else in the military do we have the opportunity to have a say in who becomes the next CIC? My personal opinion is that if you did not excersise your right to vote, you don't have a right to an opinion. BUT, If you did vote, you have every right to be critical of your superiors. We follow orders, but we are also critical of those orders and the efficacy of those orders. We have every right to stand up and say something if something is wrong. Placing it on a bumper sticker is neither the forum or the appropriate way to do so. What does it accomplish? Not a damn thing. Educate yourself, subordinates and your superiors if need be about the issues and the political process, and how to actually make a difference or become involved. It really is sickening to see Iraqis risking their lives for the ability to vote, and so many in this country do not even care to try to.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Mar 7 at 2014 12:08 AM

2014-03-07T00:08:48-05:00

Just because a person can do something, doesn't mean they should.

Response by SGT Robert Holt made Mar 7 at 2014 12:45 AM

2014-03-07T00:45:06-05:00

No less appropriate than those purporting their support. If you want to ban one, you ban the other, and make a regulation that states that service members can't have political bumper stickers on their cars. That's like saying, "It's okay to be a toady and a boot licker, but if you think for yourself and are critical of the man in charge, that's not okay." ...but oh, yeah. There's that whole private property thing covered by the
Fourth Amendment, and the freedom of expression covered by the First
getting in the way. Sort of hard to set one's self apart as a defender of freedom if you're busy trampling all over the freedom of your soldiers because you don't like what they have to say. We're not fascists, though some might think they want to be.
Loyalty, and loyal service do not mean being loyal to a President who blatantly flaunts Constitutional law, and enacts or renews policies that continue to violate the Rights of American citizens. Nor does it mean to be a spineless, "yes man", and simply follow orders. That means knowing when to disobey as well. The example of the German prison guards at the Nuremberg trials comes to mind. I think the men who drafted and finalized our Oath of Enlistment knew exactly what they were doing when they wrote it. Our Duty, as soldiers, and as citizens is clear in that regard, and in the specific order in which we swear to obey. Uphold and defend against all enemies foreign and domestic means exactly that, up to and including understanding when (God forbid) one might be required to relieve one's leadership of their command for violating their oath and/or the rights of the citizens of our country. NO President, Officer, NCO, Soldier, or citizen is ABOVE the law of the land, regardless of the office held. No regulation supersedes our Constitution. Too many in our country think of government as the Master. It is not. It is our servant, and that servant has forgotten its place. It is high past time that our government and its officials were reminded.

Response by PO1 Tracy Dreyer made Mar 7 at 2014 5:39 AM

2014-03-07T05:39:39-05:00

I have friends that are being pushed to get their commission, and they refuse to do so as long as he is in office as they do not want his signature on their Commission!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 12:45 PM

2014-03-07T12:45:42-05:00

Since you drive off post as well, remember that everyone, including police officers have different political and social opinions. Having yours displayed on your bumper might give that irate (for whatever reason) police officer a reason to find a reason to stop you.

Or it can give someone at the Wal-Mart parking lot a reason to key your car or smash your windows. Not everyone holds the same opinons on everything (or anything).

Consider it PERSEC. Don't give anyone any reason to make you a target for anything.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 7 at 2014 2:09 PM

2014-03-07T14:09:21-05:00

This is one of those situational awareness issues. While the sticker may be OK to some in certain areas in others it could be seen in a different light.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Mar 7 at 2014 2:57 PM

2014-03-07T14:57:10-05:00

Who is to say they wont obey the lawful orders of those appointed over them even if they do not like that person?

Response by SPC Dan Goforth made Mar 7 at 2014 11:40 PM

2014-03-07T23:40:03-05:00

SFC Dominguez, this case is wrong. Now, being that it was a student, he/she may have been an IET student, and someone needs to explain how that level of disrespect is unacceptable for military personnel to show. I also think that DLI personnel shouldn't have political stickers on their vehicles, as all of the Monterey peninsula knows what our parking stickers look like, and it makes the military look bad.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Mar 8 at 2014 3:39 PM

2014-03-08T15:39:13-05:00

Last week just chatting with the boss and our lawyer, this question came up. She (lawyer) actually found the governing guidance. You are allowed to put political bumper stickers on your car saying whatever you would like about the president. I was surprised by this because during the Clinton era, Fort Benning told me differently. The difference now is I have seen it in writing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 1:52 PM

2014-03-11T13:52:42-04:00

WOW! This one seems to have hit a nerve . . . and we even have one thread running down the 2nd ammendment rabbit hole! Sometimes I love Rally Point! LMAO

But, to the question at hand. In my opinion, this falls into the same category as the recent Social Media gaffs by Army personnel. Individuals need to THINK about what they are about to do (whether it's a Twitter post or a bumpersticker) and ask themselves, "Could this be embarrassing to me, my chain of command, or the military?" If the answer is YES, don't fricken do it!!

If the above question is too difficult for some of your simpler Soldiers/Airmen/Marines/Sailors, EVERYONE can use this one: "Could this get me in trouble?"

There are some great posts here arguing the application of the 1st Ammendment, DoD Regs, Army Regs, Supreme Court decisions, etc. but I find it much simpler than that. SHOULD A MEMBER OF THE MILITARY PUBLICLY DISPLAY SOMETHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED INSULTING TO THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF? The obvious and simple answer is NO!!

When friends and family ask me for my opinion on the current administration (this one and previous ones) I have a stock answer: Never talk about your boss, good or bad; you will always p*** someone off.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-03-13T14:33:55-04:00

This is simply poor form as a military professional. We are all entitled to our freedom of thoughts and feelings. But as active duty members, we voluntarily give up our right to free speech with regard to voicing our political contempt as we deem necessary. We are obligated to respect the position of our leaders.

Additionally, it is bad mentoring to demonstrate verbal contempt for our leadership, whether civilians, politicians, or fellow active duty members. Junior military members, and civilians, are always watching.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 5:33 PM

2014-03-17T17:33:24-04:00

DoDD 1344.10 (Political activities by members of the Armed Forces) para 4.1.1.8 states that you may display a political bumper sticker on your privately owned vehicle.

I understand that as Soldiers we must remain apolitical, but this is not a Soldier protesting in uniform. It is a bumper sticker displayed on a privately owned vehicle and not a government vehicle. While it may not be tasteful, it is allowed. I would recommend to all my leaders to lead by example and leave things like that out of the work environment where there is influence to junior Soldiers which could lead to order and discipline problems.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 6:42 PM

2014-03-20T18:42:14-04:00

Although personally I think this is probably not in good taste for a military member, it is probably well within their right. Where it would cross the line is if the bumper sticker indicated a threat, such as a picture of the President with a cross-hair over it or some other indication of violence. As service members we are allowed to express ourselves to a point. As long as the words are not contemptuous or inciting violence or rebellion, you are probably ok, but I would advise treading lightly. I've seen many military members post things on social media that definitely crossed the line. The more senior you are, the less you should probably say as well.

Response by SGT Christopher Hoffman made Jul 12 at 2014 4:51 PM

2014-07-12T16:51:36-04:00

SFC Dominguez

My feelings are nearly in sync with yours. As soldiers, we are compelled by oath to obey the orders of the President of the United States, no matter who or what party they are. And as such, we should not be posting stickers on our vehicles going one way or the other. After our time served, I don't see an objection, but as we are in service, we should show our loyalty by demonstrating neutrality.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 12 at 2014 12:07 AM

2014-09-12T00:07:28-04:00

If I were active, I would make no speach, display or actions against Obama unless the impossible happened and we have a legitiamate order to remove him from office.

Since I'm no longer Office, I'll paint his face on the bottom of the inside of my toilet.

On the other hand, ANY bumpersticker against Obama or his cronies simply means "Liberals vandalize my car". I have a rather nice car and would hate to have to disembowel somebody over.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 12 at 2014 12:56 AM

2014-09-12T00:56:53-04:00

Freedom of speech doesn't truly exist until you are no longer subject to UCMJ. The President, popular or not, right or wrong, loved or hated, is the Commander in Chief. A bumper sticker of that nature is INAPPROPRIATE..............for service members. Wait till they hand you your DD-214 and your retirement flag.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 8:04 PM

2014-11-09T20:04:28-05:00

Here's a good one. SPC Charles Brown, Cpl Dennis F., SGT Richard H.. SSG Daniel Deiler, Cpl Brett Wagner, 1SG David Niles, PO1 Private RallyPoint Member, Capt Jeff S., SFC Private RallyPoint Member. SSG Trevor S., SPC Randy Torgerson, CPT Gregory Wagoner, MSG Brad Sand, MSgt Keith Hebert, SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, SSG Laureano Pabon, MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, LCpl Steve Wininger.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 8:16 PM

2014-11-09T20:16:46-05:00

And another one. I will always choose the former. SPC Charles Brown , Cpl Dennis F. , SGT Richard H. , SSG Daniel Deiler , Cpl Brett Wagner , 1SG David Niles , PO1 Private RallyPoint Member , Capt Jeff S. , SFC Private RallyPoint Member , SSG Trevor S. , SPC Randy Torgerson , CPT Gregory Wagoner , MSG Brad Sand , MSgt Keith Hebert , SSgt Private RallyPoint Member , SSG Laureano Pabon , MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca , LCpl Steve Wininger .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 8:29 PM

2014-11-09T20:29:31-05:00

And let's go with one more. For those who truly love freedom. SPC Charles Brown , Cpl Dennis F. , SGT Richard H. SSG Daniel Deiler Cpl Brett Wagner 1SG David Niles PO1 Private RallyPoint Member , Capt Jeff S. , SFC Private RallyPoint Member SSG Trevor S. , SPC Randy Torgerson , CPT Gregory Wagoner , MSG Brad Sand , MSgt Keith Hebert , SSgt Private RallyPoint Member , SSG Laureano Pabon , MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca , LCpl Steve Wininger .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-11-09T20:40:07-05:00

Let's get a fourth one up. I wholeheartedly concur. They want higher taxes, then THEY can pay for it themselves. SPC Charles Brown , Cpl Dennis F. , SGT Richard H. , SSG Daniel Deiler , Cpl Brett Wagner , 1SG David Niles , PO1 Private RallyPoint Member , Capt Jeff S. , SFC Private RallyPoint Member SSG Trevor S. , SPC Randy Torgerson , CPT Gregory Wagoner , MSG Brad Sand , MSgt Keith Hebert , SSgt Private RallyPoint Member , SSG Laureano Pabon , MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca , LCpl Steve Wininger .

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Nov 9 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-11-09T21:59:39-05:00

The only window or bumper sticker I have on my care is the university window sticker that simply says State, and a marine Corps window sticker.

I believe that service members can have an opinion and as long as they are following orders it is okay for them to have a political bumper sticker. I do think there is limitations on what it can say. It should be non-threatening nor violent in nature.

I do think there are more productive ways to voice an opinion that does not draw scrutiny from those in the chain of command. Voting is a right service members can exercise without getting into any kind of trouble.

As for the bumper sticker you mentioned in your opening remarks, it may not be proper, but as long as the service member is still following orders through their chain, I see no problem with it.

If the service member receives his orders directly from, and answers directly to the president, then it would be an issue. Most service members get their orders from their chain of command and they follow them without hesitation regardless of what they think of the Commander in Chief.

I served when Reagan was CIC, and there were some in my unit that did not like him, but would follow the orders of the command staff without question.

To quote an NCO from my unit, "Opinions are like a$$holes, we all have them and they all stink." Regardless of what we thought, we stilled obeyed orders.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 3:30 AM

2014-11-10T03:30:21-05:00

is the bumper sticker legal? yes. Is it wise? probably not. There's no law against doing stupid things.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Nov 10 at 2014 11:48 AM

2014-11-10T11:48:09-05:00

Nobody here is advocating insurrection, but our nation was founded as a Constitutional Republic and it governs by rule of law. As citizens, we elect leaders to represent us and make laws. The system breaks down when those we elect pass laws affecting the general public and exempt themselves from the same... and when those we elect fail to uphold their oaths which state,

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

They are sworn to obey the Constitution just as we are, and they are not above the laws they make for us. It is our responsiblity to vote and to hold those we elect accountable for the job they do representing our collective interest as citizens. You may sign petitions as private citizens but NEVER EVER connect the military with your political beliefs.

For example, don't put your uniform on and stand on an overpass holding banners calling for this or that political cause or hold signs endorsing a certain political party or individual. You can write your Congressman and express your concerns as a private individual, but leave the military out of it and don't sign your letter with your military rank. You don't want to be the guy who wrote his Congressman because his drill instructor wouldn't let him eat cake at the chow hall and doesn't understand why he and his boyfriend fiancee can't get married at the base chapel...

We forfeit some of our rights when we take our oath of service and subject ourselves to the UCMJ. When I was a Marine Private all the way through Marine Capt, I could not freely express my opinions publicly... and I didn't! Many of you think its unprofessional when retirees exercise their 1st Amendment Rights and speak out about the misconduct of our elected officials and call them out for their abuses of power, failure to represent the best interests of their electorate, and/or actions which go against OUR Constitution -- the one we ALL took an oath to support and defend with our blood and our lives.

As a retiree, I have a little more latitude to express my opinions than those currently serving. Some of you sea lawyers disagree with that, and it's a free country; you're allowed to do that.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Nov 10 at 2014 3:34 PM

2014-11-10T15:34:29-05:00

I guess my response to the original post would be this: The President is an elected official. If somebody did not vote for him, and wished to express the opinion under the 1st Amendment, then whatever. As far as the response comparing the president to a CPT, LTC etc., I have to go with this logic:
President = Elected
Military positions = Selected (i.e. Commander, BN CO, 1SG et al)

Response by SSgt Jim Rooth made Nov 15 at 2014 5:23 PM

2014-11-15T17:23:47-05:00

While stationed with a group closely tied to the Casa Blanca, a person I knew told me how he looked at it. POTUS is not a man but an office. Whomever is in that office deserves and receives a certain amount of respect rather or not that person personally deserves it or not. You may or may not like your Bn CO but you damn well better salute him and say "Good Morning, Sir". Free speech is like any other freedom we have. It ends when it interferes with others...IMHO.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Mar 16 at 2017 5:16 PM

2017-03-16T17:16:11-04:00

People are doing the same thing now for Trump and I think its wrong!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 16 at 2017 5:25 PM

2017-03-16T17:25:09-04:00

I agree, political activity is forbidden on Federal Property. Bumper stickers about politics are politics
Phony Hero stickers are stolen Valor

Response by Capt Dr Emil Pfeiffer made Jun 7 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-06-07T13:03:44-04:00

That is insane thinking. Obviously a result of attending 12 years of the public fool system. !2 years of pleading allegiance to a piece of cloth, (a symbol of corporate control of people) instead of 12 years of pleading allegiance to each other. Your assumption that voting will change something is just plain wrong. If voting made any difference at all it would have been made illegal a long time ago. All Presidents are PUPPETS. All puppets have masters. Puppets make NO decisions whatsoever, only the media disinformation service creates the illusion that the president is in control. My dear friend, I am sorry to say that you have been duped. If your in the military, you took an oath of office to protect and serve the US Constitution, but you took NO oath to protect and serve any unlawful or immoral order..period. If other people are waking up to the madness of military (militant) force to control others, than that is a good thing. All wars to day are phones wars. We can only pray that enough of us wake up together. We are are one race...the human race. Stop watching TV and stop reading newspapers and stop listening to radio news. You will be surprised at how you will feel happier and less depressed. Trust me. TV junkies are old school dinosaurs. TV is a mass mind control program.
Governments have an agenda to divide and conquer. We the people need to change that to the recognition that we are all children of the creator and no one is our enemy. The creator of all things, creates no enemies: only the government controlled media outlets do that. I am sure you noticed.

Be all you can be, kill your TV.

My friend, if you need a wake up call, then look no further than watching the best 9/11 documentary called, "LOOSE CHANGE 2nd EDITION", to see what is really going on. It is not permitted to be aired on TV. But, I suspect, if you are too far into the "matrix", you will never go you YouTube to watch it, as it would take some real guts on your part, to take the chance that you have been wrong all these years. WE have all been duped. But, millions are waking up now. We have to all help each other see the light.

I have been in the military. I now have a bumper sticker on my truck that says, "DONT JION THE MILITARY". Every person you meet on this planet is your own self: your own flesh and blood. Would you knowingly kill your own mother and father and brother and sister? No you would not. Think, think think.

Humans are the ONLY species left in the universe that still kill their own kind. This is fact. That is why earth is segregated from other beings in the universe, as we are still a low-level violent race.

Peace be with you.
Emil