Posted on Jan 2, 2014
CPL Paul B.
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Recently I've been hearing countless remarks, and seeing posts from soldiers and veterans alike. Down talking our commander in chief. How do you feel about this? Should this be allowed within our ranks? Does freedom of speech really play a part?<br><br>
Posted in these groups: Images Barack ObamaRespect  logo Respect
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 866
SFC Signals Intelligence Analyst
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Name-calling or bashing anyone on social media is tasteless and unprofessional, whether you are an Officer, a Warrant Officer, an NCO, Junior Enlisted, or Civilian. I supported both of our Presidents in all four of the terms they have
served since I put on this uniform and it chagrins me to see my peers
trash either one of them. HOWEVER, the questioning of judgement or motives of those appointed over Enlisted military members is their prerogative, and if we move to a place where there is no freedom of speech on social media platforms, we will quickly become fascist.<br>
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CWO4 John Erker
CWO4 John Erker
2 mo
Bullshit shipmate!
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SFC Dave Nutter
SFC Dave Nutter
18 d
Soldiers have the same right as every other citizen to free speech, political or otherwise. So... as long as they are not doing so in an official capacity or using their uniform as a backdrop to that speech. I see know problem in it. That said senior leaders should probably just keep their political opinions to themselves, should not be endorsing candidates etc. When I was still active was in the days before social media and our opinions did not travel far, but even then I elected to refrain from expressing and opinion outside of family and close friends.
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SPC Ray Rigsby
SPC Ray Rigsby
17 d
I don't criticize the office, I criticize the man who holds that office and his policies! Big difference! Every Soldier should understand that active duty or not! Saying one doesn't have that right is fascist!
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PO2 Sam Vanderburg
PO2 Sam Vanderburg
17 d
Sounds more like following blindly. The thing that sets the American military member apart from the others is being thinking person. When a military member disagrees with an elected politician and especially the President, orders must be followed but agreement with politics is separate in many respects. I can privately voice my opinion but must not disrespect the the office. I can write my elected representative. I can vote. However, to voice an opinion on political matters from a uniformed, military position would not be proper. Sewing discord would be totally improper - possibly punishable as to the extent. Certainly we can have no place officially to support politics as a military voice, but as a citizen, you do have a responsibility to vote so fill out the ballot. Be respectful in all you say even if you disagree no matter what you say.
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CW2 Joseph Evans
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179
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The checks and balances are in place. Unless impeached, he is the Commander In Chief. Promoting propaganda that is contrary to good order and discipline can lead to a Court Martial. <br>Don't do it, don't tolerate those who do. Especially from a superior that refuses to have his authority questioned... Because that is just being a hypocrite.<br>In the meantime, exercise your right to vote, refuse to follow illegal orders and defend the Constitution.<br>
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Amn Joseph H.
Amn Joseph H.
8 mo
Try to remember that in the middle of our civil war Veterans in the field voted for Lincoln, rather than vote for those wanting to abdicate and end the war with two nations. The Veterans voted to finish the job that was best for the country. Not sure, but that may also have been the very first time soldiers in the field got to vote even.
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SGT John West
SGT John West
5 mo
LtCol Bruce Janis - Can you be more specific on when "a time" was? I enlisted in 1978, and always was encouraged to vote. I was my units voting assistance NCO (thank you for another add duty Top!) in Germany. I'm happy to say we went from less than 40% of unit members being registered to vote to over 75% in one year. Just by putting the word out that they can and do have a duty as a citizen to vote.
Frankly, I'd be surprised to find that military personal was ever discouraged to vote.
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SFC Jerald Bottcher
SFC Jerald Bottcher
4 mo
LtCol Bruce Janis - When I was in I had to actually search out my unit's voting officer. It was almost as if they were hiding the fact that you could and should vote. Many times I would send my requests for ballots in (months in advance) and I would receive my ballots to late for my vote to be counted. This made me angry!
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CPL Henry Miller
CPL Henry Miller
3 mo
I was subject to propaganda by Major General Edwin Walker! In Europe 57 - 60
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1SG Michael Minton
94
94
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let me make a couple points. Im no longer subject to the UCMJ! so i can pretty much say anything i want (freedom of speech)! not saying the IRS wont come after me! But as long as your ACTIVE Duty, it is your job to respect the position of POTUS and your Commander in Chief, even if you dont like him or his policies.&nbsp; When i was in Alaska and they forced the military to go to the AFB Hanger to see Clinton, there was a E-7 AF NCO that was saying something derogitory about Clinton (which hated the military). Secret Service over heard him and he got booted out of the military. Ive seen a post before that the same situation has happened with Obama also. If your Active Duty, you just cant do it without a "chance" of you being charged under UCMJ. Thats why I was suprised that some of you active duty people on here making some of your coments. not saying i disagree with you, but your taking unnecessary chances on your career. and if your a senior NCO or officer, your definately taking a chance. Not to mention we all know now that the NSA monitors FB, along with your phone, computor, internet, etc. I know you want tovoice you opinions, but think first and maybe let veterans speak for you...........Now my second point, If im not active duty, I will call it like i see it, if his policies hurt the military, when he tries to take away our benefits we were promised and sacrificed for, when he is lieing to us or trying to BS military families, im going to make it known best i can. if your active duty, about the only thing you can do is maybe talk within your small circle of buddies and most of all go vote! A lot of military just say oh well when it comes to voting and skip it. if all military and vets vote, that is a pretty large group. and like the POTUS said himself, "Elections have consequences"! i think people are realizing that, but too late. And never believe those STAGED photo ops and SPEECHES with military in the background, they are politically staged. Sorry to say, but it is well known that Democrat politicians do not like the military and will hollow it out and take everything they can from it. they are the first ones to throw the military up for cuts but at the same time want to fund illegals, etc. i cannot remember in my lifetime, one democrat president (maybe Kennedy 50 years ago) that supported the military. they just show up for your vote and then go vote away your pay raise. i could keep going but just beware active duty brothers, they will make a example out of you to try to scare anyone against their agenda!
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CWO4 John Erker
CWO4 John Erker
2 mo
LT William Pellegrini - More bullshit. You guys need to get your head out of your asses.
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Sgt Ronald Russell
Sgt Ronald Russell
19 d
France pulled out in 1958. Eisenhower, supplied unarmed advisors. When Kennedy took over he supplied armed soldiers and it escalated through Kennedy, Johnson and McNamara. And that is the truth.
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SSgt Fred Parker
SSgt Fred Parker
19 d
Well said...
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SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
12 d
Amen
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