I realize the Uniform Code prohibits criticizing leadership, but clearly tossing him out of the Marines goes too far. A reprimand, if anything at all, would suffice to say the least. Currently Sgt. Stein faces a hearing where the Marines will have to prove he did something that warrants being dismissed, but even the fact that they’re proceeding in this manner is extremely troubling. One thing I do know, on November 6th we must make sure our troops knows we have their backs.
The Marine Corps is moving to boot out a Marine for having made “political statements” about the commander-in-chief on a Facebook page.
Sgt. Gary Stein, a nine-year veteran, put comments on a Facebook page called the Armed Forces Tea Party page that said he would not follow unlawful orders from President Obama such as ordering the killing of Americans or taking guns away from Americans. He also criticized comments made by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta about Syria.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits uniformed personnel from making comments critical of their chain of command, including the commander-in-chief, or engaging in political activity in a context that suggests that are acting as military members.
An investigation into Stein’s comments was ordered March 8 by the commanding officer of the weapons and field training battalion at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. On Wednesday, the Marine Corps announced that rather than file charges against Stein, the matter is being handled “through administrative action.”
Stein, who hoped to reenlist, told the Associated Press that he plans to fight the Marine Corps’ intention to dismiss him.
“I’m completely shocked that this is happening,” he told the AP. “I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve only stated what our oath states: That I will defend the Constitution and that I will not follow unlawful orders. If that’s a crime, what is America coming to?”
Additional Links:
Armed Forces Tea Party page on Facebook
Business Week: Marine critical of Obama faces charge
LA Times: Marine faces ‘administrative action’ over Obama Facebook post
I’ll keep an eye out to see how “Oath Keepers” responds to this.
Gee, this is truly a travesty and confusing. You see, in our Albuquerque, New Mexico newpaper, The Albuquerque Journal, dated March 22, 2012, there is an editorial by a Jim Buhaug, “New Mexico Coordinator, Veterans and Military Families for Obama”. It’s entitled “Obama Kept His Promise on War to Nation and to Veterans” and this is an editorial of over 500 words. Why does this person have the free speech to get involved in politics but the GI who happens to not be for this president gets in trouble. Why can there be a “military families for Obama” but not military families not for Obama? Free speech should go either way, you think?
The libs probably consider Sgt. Gary Stein a “phony soldier”. Remember when dissent was patriotic?
Going off topic, but on the general subject of punishing our soldiers, I read this comment elsewhere:
“The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits uniformed personnel from making comments critical of their chain of command, including the commander-in-chief, or engaging in political activity in a context that suggests that are acting as military members…”
However you might feel and think about this situation, the Code is Clear and he violated it. No Exceptions. He’s about to be a Former Marine.
posted 3/22 505pm Texas[Hang Hasan!]Time
I guess it depends what “engaging in political activity in a context that suggests …acting as military members” is defined. In other words, it’s okay to portray yourself as “military families for Obama” clearly identifying yourself on behalf of the military. However it’s not okay on your “personal space” to criticize the political establishment?
If I was him I’d be happy to be an EX marine. Hopefully he can still get those GI benefits that pro-Obama military-affiliated people are boasting about.
I was taught(right or wrong, a long time ago in a different America, circa 1969) when you swore that Oath to serve in the U.S. Military you don’t have ‘personal space’, you’re G.I., Government Issued and Owned.
And you submit to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and there’s no Bill of Rights restored to you, until, if and when, you are formally discharged. And that’s why alot of service people get ‘into trouble’, because they still believe they’re free American civilians able to speak their mind, i.e. Facebook. They are not. Violate the Chain of Command in any way, shape or form and woe unto you.
BTW-The only EX-Marine, that I know of in recent memory was the Disgraceful John Murtha who is deader than a doornail. Good Riddance.
posted 3/22 623pm Texas[Drop ‘n give me 20!) Time
Yes, unfortunately it is a different America now (and I do remember 1969). Thank you for serving (I dropped but could only give you 18 :)) I’m sorry if I offended you with “ex-marine”, perhaps former-marine would have been a better choice of words.
“Violate the Chain of Command in any way, shape or form and woe unto you.” My thoughts are, though, could this be THE reason that Hassan was able to plan and carry out the murder of his fellow soldiers at Ft. Hood (where my daughter and son-in-law served for several years)?
Am I alone in thinking this guy has a striking resemblance to Dr. Evil? The grey shirt really frames him well:) Anyone? maybe on TAMchat? I am kinda out of the loop these days.