What do you think about this? Group wants two-star court-martialed for speech

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:08:42 -0400

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/05/15/group-wants-two-star-court-martialed-for-speech/27317903/

Group wants two-star court-martialed for speech

A two-star general is being blasted by a civil liberties group for speaking in uniform about how God has guided his career. Video posted on YouTube

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 15 at 2015 1:09 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:09:28 -0400

You had to know that was coming!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 15 at 2015 1:21 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:21:10 -0400

We're still citizens. He's still allowed to express personal beliefs. There's no Court Martial offense there. Whether or not there is a "at the pleasure of the President" issue, is another story.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 1:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:21:29 -0400

At what point did he attempt to convert? Did he force his religion on those of another? No. He simply stated his own experience. Some groups want there to be no religious expression at all. However, those same groups are hypocritical. Do they tell Muslim women that they cannot wear their headcoverings because it is indicative of their religion & therefore is "forcing" their religion on others?

It was at the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER!!! Why don't they go after Presidents who speak at the same event?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 2:07 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 14:07:00 -0400

Can we court martial the ACLU?

They are trying to convert me by their actions.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 2:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 14:12:10 -0400

Can't stream. No transcripts that I can find. Tragic.

I will say this: It is as unprofessional to advocate a religion in uniform as it is to advocate a political party. Unbecoming? Not sure. It seems the Airforce has regulations that cover this specific type of thing. Maybe one of you can clarify.

Which begs the question, if this Major General isn't allowed to advocate a religious perspective, what makes the chaplains special, exactly? Very interesting stuff. Will follow, and see if I can find out more.

As far as his comments about claiming to be unqualified, I just hope his being in the wrong place didn't get anyone killed.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 15 at 2015 2:14 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Fri, 15 May 2015 14:14:28 -0400

The General has history on his side. The following is a brief history of COl William Prescott (Revolutionary War)
A Revolutionary War Colonel, he built the fortifications at Breed's Hill and commanded the militia at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. He fought in the Battle of Long Island in 1776 and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. His name was William Prescott, born FEBRUARY 20, 1726. After the Boston Tea Party, where colonists threw 342 chests of British East India tea overboard, Parliament passed the Boston Port Bill, blockading the harbor and starving the inhabitants. The Committee of Correspondence sent word to the other Colonies, who called a Day of Fasting and Prayer, June 1, 1774, "to seek divine direction and aid." In August of 1774, William Prescott led the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, to deliver loads of rye to Boston's inhabitants, telling them: "We heartily sympathize with you, and are always ready to do all in our power for your support, comfort and relief, knowing that Providence has placed you where you must stand the first shock." William Prescott continued: "We consider that we are all embarked in (the same boat) and must sink or swim together. Let us all be of one heart, and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. And may He, of His infinite mercy, grant us deliverance of all our troubles."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:04:16 -0400

Under what regulation did the two-star violate? If he didn't do anything wrong (excepted the dreaded being politically correct) then what does it matter?

It sounds like this 'group' wants attention.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:21 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:21:50 -0400

Expressing one's belief is advocating?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:57:50 -0400

I generally agree with the stances of the the MRFF (the organization which made the complaint) even though Mr. Weinstein is a bit of a drama queen.

In this instance I believe he is overlooking the religious nature of event (prayer breakfast) and the fact that no one was required to attend (I've never heard of anyone being forced to attend one of these events). The same speech given to a captive audience would at a minimum be extremely unprofessional... however since it (probably) wasn't, I believe Mr. Weinstein is wrong in this instance.