What is your take of the viral West Point photo of raised fists? Do you think it was political, racial, or just plain dumb?

That would be a great option for those who have a difficult time facing reality.

LTC Yinon Weiss does RP not have the capability to merge duplicate topic threads? It would sure help keep people from repeating the same comments in each thread. Or have some in one and others in the duplicate.

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" - thanks. So how come they don't use it? ;)

Sir, That option really does not work because I personally found the picture offensive. I am well with in my rights as a Service Member to File an EO Complaint against the Cadets.

Times change, but the regulations in effect should have meaning. Now the disregard for those laws and regulations are in the same category as with the current judicial system. Your summary is right on the mark, CAPT.

CSM Thomas McGarry - I was in Beast Barracks in '71. The 68 Olympics were fresh in people's mind. Back then it would likely be a toss. I agree it costs a ton to bring a Cadet along for 4 years and hope these soon to be officers have stellar carreers. Please note I didn't take a position other than "business", just historical.

MCPO Roger Collins - MCPO Collins-Please point me to the "regulations" you are professing to fall back on. In my many years of military service I always got sick of those who fall back on "it's against regulations" and then could not even point me to where I (or they) can find this "regulation".

CSM Thomas McGarry - I get sick of people that profess to get sick and won't do their own homework. If you can look up the regulations, even more questions come to mind. Look up the regs on wearing the uniform at political activities or protests. Also, isn't it strange that the action was considered inappropriate and no punishment required. To this military mind, someone was considering charges.

SSG Robert Webster - I don't think they did anything in ignorance. I think that the picture was a very deliberate statement, but that statement was one of showing the world how far black women have come, and in a way their courage in showing how much work remains to be done to eliminate racial and gender bias.

I believe this was definitely a racial statement, and just as much a feminist statement. Its also a statement that this particular straight, white man supports completely, in and out of uniform. That statement is also following an excellent legacy the US military has of being among the first employers in the country to break down racial, gender and sexual orientation barriers. Sometimes we make those steps forward grudgingly and in less than clean fashion, but thus far we have been on the right side of history.

This type of speech would be a problem if it endorsed a candidate or party. It would be a problem if it supported a political organization or pending legislation. This group of courageous women did nothing more than show that black women (or by extension any other group) are not only now permitted to enter West Point, but that a significant number have done that, and excelled.

Again, my sincere congratulations to these women and all of their classmates.

CSM Thomas McGarry - I would say that service member should be censured though not necessarily kicked out, as it creates the appearance of a racially based statement, and therefore is contrary to good order and discipline. If he/she is driving the vehicle while in uniform, he/she may be sending the message that members of the military support the idea of white racial superiority. The difference with the picture is that it is now a permanent fixture on social media/the internet which cannot be undone. The bumper sticker can be easily removed from the vehicle.

CPT Kurk Harris - Not if a picture of it on the vehicle is taken an then posted on social media, I would say it would then become a permanent fixture on social media/the internet which cannot be undone-wouldn't you agree?

Absolutely, in which case the impact of the soldier's choice to display the flag would be increased. Therefore the penalty for the action should also be greater. Among other considerations,when disciplining troops, the impact on the organization, as well as the the scope of influence the individual exerts on subordinates should be considered, but as a CSM you are very aware of this.

So I assume you would agree that anyone in the Military who displays a Confederate Flag either on their vehicle or in their quarters should be kicked out as many in the black community see this as a symbol of racial hatred and slavery and thus making a political statement.

I fail to see where I suggested that anyone be "kicked out", .that would be a rash over-reach. My focus is that ALL military personnel, especially those in positions of leadership and visibility, should consider their actions and how they will be perceived before taking action. As an aside, given time, the PC police will outlaw displays of the Confederate Flag, just as they have done in several southern state-houses, statues and similar structures.

My discomfort comes from the fact that these soon to be military officers decided to hold a 'black' group photo They will be assigned to units with various ethnic groups who will now view them with suspicion because they identify as black first and Army second. Not exactly the "team" example the military tries to instill...... But then again, they should have a good NCO assigned to them so they will make fewer stupid mistakes like that in the future......