Defensive: Sgt Stein says he did not mean to be 'disrespectful' but he believes Obama's policies are 'crippling this country'. Daily MailMarine's Facebook Page Tests Military Rules -- Sydney Morning Herald
U.S. Marine Sgt. Gary Stein started a Facebook page called Armed Forces Tea Party Patriots to encourage service members to exercise their free speech rights. Then he declared that he would not follow orders from the commander in chief, President Barack Obama.
While Stein softened his statement to say he would not follow "unlawful orders," military observers say he may have gone too far.
The Marine Corps is now looking into whether he violated the military's rules prohibiting political statements by those in uniform and broke its guidelines on what troops can and cannot say on social media. Stein said his views are constitutionally protected.
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More News On The Limits Of Free Speech In The Military
Marine’s criticisms of Obama administration test military’s restrictions on free speech -- Washington Post/AP
EXCLUSIVE: Tea Party Marine says he's in trouble for anti-Obama expressions -- North County Times
'I won't follow Obama's unlawful orders': Marine could be disciplined over Facebook outbursts -- Daily Mail
Marine's Facebook page pits free speech against military rules -- Stars and Stripes
Marine says he won't follow 'unlawful orders' from Obama -- USA Today
2 comments:
Ultimately it's up to JAG to decide, but I'm pretty sure he's violated the lawful orders of his superior officers here. We just had (another) class on this at my unit and it's quite clear what we, as members of the Armed Forces, can and cannot do and say. There was even a very helpful offer that if we were not sure, ASK first.
Perhaps he should ask himself how it would be viewed if he said the same thing about his Company Commander? Or how he'd view a young Private telling HIM the same things he just said.
Orion
Thanks for this stuff. It is bright guidance.
Tests
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