Posted on Oct 19, 2016
I Fight for Your Right to Vote. But I Won’t Do It Myself.
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I guess there are all kinds out there. This Major is wrong, but he pleads his case so eloquently. He even quotes Patton (who was wrong also) as to the rationalizing of not voting.
"I am a major in the United States Army, and I believe it is my professional duty — and that of my fellow officers, in all branches — not to vote."
"Unfortunately, an unacceptable number of military officers who vote in this election will publicly express their political preferences and pressure others to follow."
I could just insult him and call him a maroon, but that wouldn't help him. He actually believes the stuff inside his head.
All of us, enlisted and officers, have taken an oath to defend this country. It is our responsibility to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC. Clearly, political CIC's that could threaten this Nation are unacceptable. It is our duty to participate in the election system as citizen soldiers, and voice our support for the person we believe could best serve as CIC.
I certainly hope his negative idealism isn't shared in our current active duty military officer corp.
Your thoughts?
"I am a major in the United States Army, and I believe it is my professional duty — and that of my fellow officers, in all branches — not to vote."
"Unfortunately, an unacceptable number of military officers who vote in this election will publicly express their political preferences and pressure others to follow."
I could just insult him and call him a maroon, but that wouldn't help him. He actually believes the stuff inside his head.
All of us, enlisted and officers, have taken an oath to defend this country. It is our responsibility to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC. Clearly, political CIC's that could threaten this Nation are unacceptable. It is our duty to participate in the election system as citizen soldiers, and voice our support for the person we believe could best serve as CIC.
I certainly hope his negative idealism isn't shared in our current active duty military officer corp.
Your thoughts?
I Fight for Your Right to Vote. But I Won’t Do It Myself.
Posted from nytimes.com
Officers
Patriotism
Politics
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 8
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It is disappointing and faulty thinking. Whether he votes or not is his choice but to act as though it is a duty not to is as absurd a comment as I have heard uttered lately. I agree with him that those in the armed forces should not be publically endorsing candidates perhaps but being involved in the process is a birthright of citizenship. He must have missed that civics lesson. He has more at stake than most in the outcome. A secret ballot harms no one nor pressures anyone.
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Sir,
Hate to dissapoint you, but i do share the same opinion. My basis Is not that of the Major or Gen Patton, but more simplistic. Please tell me one civilian career field (apart from civil servce) where you can choose your CEO every 4 years? The Major is correct the military MUST be bi partisan for the simple fact of good order and discipline. Am i going to just up amd quit the Army because the candidate i voted for did not get elected? No certainly not. So what changes? One sold candidate does not im fact have the power to completely change th country and anyone who thinks that is clearly delusional. The president plays a strong role but is ultimately restrained by those checks in balances set in place by our constitution.
Hate to dissapoint you, but i do share the same opinion. My basis Is not that of the Major or Gen Patton, but more simplistic. Please tell me one civilian career field (apart from civil servce) where you can choose your CEO every 4 years? The Major is correct the military MUST be bi partisan for the simple fact of good order and discipline. Am i going to just up amd quit the Army because the candidate i voted for did not get elected? No certainly not. So what changes? One sold candidate does not im fact have the power to completely change th country and anyone who thinks that is clearly delusional. The president plays a strong role but is ultimately restrained by those checks in balances set in place by our constitution.
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SSG (Join to see)
Sir, there may not be civilian career fields where you can choose your CEO every 4 years, but I bet most of them would love it if they could. Of course they wouldn't quit if the person they wanted didn't "win", but would hold out for four year to try again. However, I assure you, they would want their input every four years. And the more times "your choice" wins, the more likely that we become what you believe we should be.
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1LT (Join to see)
Ahh yes i was hoping you would bring that up. If many of civilians would love to choose their own CEO every 4 years why wouldnt they opt to serve since all servicemember can vote for the next president? Because choosing their CEO/CIC/Boss is not as important as enjoying your job and performing your job above and beyond what is expected. Those who do that may eventually become CEO? Workforces job isnt to decided what is best for the organization that comes from the CEO's vision for the direction of the organization and the organization executes.
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MSG (Join to see)
One can cast their vote and still faithfully follow orders if their candidate doesn't win. Furthermore, there are more candidates on the ballot than just the President. The logic behind the Major's article is so sophomoric it blows my mind, but I'm not sure which bothers me more, the shoddy logic or the arrogant tone of the article.
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I fail to see how a vote on a secret ballot in any way violates any leadership principles.
Telling my charges how they should vote would indeed be VERY wrong. Voting my self via secret ballot is my right, my privilege, and perhaps even my duty.
Telling my charges how they should vote would indeed be VERY wrong. Voting my self via secret ballot is my right, my privilege, and perhaps even my duty.
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