Can Active Duty Troops Criticize The President Of The United States

Marine Says He'll Continue To Post On Tea Party Facebook Page -- FOX News

A Camp Pendleton Marine whose Facebook posts ignited a debate about whether active duty troops are allowed to criticize the president of the United States says he intends to keep posting his views on the Web.

Sgt. Gary Stein created the Facebook group "Armed Forces Tea Party Patriots" three weeks ago as a way to voice his opposition to President Obama's health care overhaul. On Tuesday, prior to a cable TV interview, superior officers asked the 24-year-old Marine to review the Department of Defense directives on political activities. Stein then removed the Facebook group, only to see it revived by a civilian member of a local Tea Party group hours later.

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More News On Sgt. Gary Stein

Marine's Anti-Obama Facebook Page Sparks Debate -- CBS News
Marine back on Facebook after fueling debate -- AP
Marine's anti-Obama Facebook comments fuel debate -- WOAI
Marine's anti-Obama Facebook comments fuel debate -- AP
Tea Party Patriots’ page back in business -- Navy Times
MILITARY: Marine's Facebook page stirs debate -- North County Times

My Comment: You can voice your opposition, but not in public .... I am sure that is the message that the brass is going to make.

Is there a double standard at play here .... of course. Admiral Mullin will never be relieved of his duty for coming out in favor of don't ask, don't tell. But the only difference between him and the Sgt. is that he favors a President Obama policy and the Marine opposes it.

What is my take .... as an advocate of free speech .... I have no problem with the Sgt.'s Facebook page. As long as he serves his duty and the orders that are given to him, he should be left alone.