Fearing Obama-bashing, Army limits media access to Palin event at Fort Bragg
posted at 8:17 pm on November 19, 2009 by Allahpundit
Via theblogprof. Believe it or not, they actually banned the media entirely at first.
[Fort Bragg spokesman Tom] McCollum said the Army did not want the Monday event to become a platform to express political opinions “directed against the commander in chief.”
“The main reason is to stop this from turning into a political platform,” he said. “There are Army regulations that basically prohibit military reservations from becoming political platforms by politicians.”
He said only one politician can use that platform, “and that person does it as our commander in chief.”…
“This will stop someone from grandstanding,” he said. Other members of the public would be permitted to attend.
The AP and a local paper put up a fuss so the base relented and is now granting limited access — provided that neither Palin herself nor anyone else there is interviewed. They’re not worried about Sarahcuda, I don’t think; hopefully, she’s disinclined to bash the C-in-C in front of a military audience. They’re worried about conservative troops chattering with each other about politics, getting worked up, and then being roped in by reporters eager for an anti-Obama quote or two to prove that the right-wingers in the military hate America or whatever. NPR argues that it’s stupid to ban the press since anyone who wants to grandstand publicly about The One is going to do so anyway on YouTube, but (a) it’s a lot more embarrassing to the military if it happens at a base-sponsored event and (b) being with like-minded people at a political gathering is apt to entice some troops who might not otherwise say anything into speaking up.
A question for troops and vets: Are media bans when political figures drop by a common thing? And how limited are you in offering political opinions when you’re on base? I know that opining while in uniform is a no-no, but presumably this crowd will be in civilian dress. If so, can your C.O. order you to keep your mouth shut during the book signing because you’re on military property (civilian dress or no) or can you speak freely once you’re off-duty? I’m guessing it’s the latter or else there’d be no need for a media blackout, would there?
Blowback
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So was Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Squid Shark:
Well,Jimmy Carter sent men to their deaths,with Carters
kabotched Military rescue,during the Iranian hostage
crisis,
and,
there was Bill’s Excellent Meals on Wheels Adventure,
UN mandate to arrest SkyhookAlbibaba whats his name,
and it turned into Black Hawk Down,
real great Commanders,there Squid!!
So,far SarahCuda has no death on her hands yet!!:)
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Palin has not been shy about trashing the prez at past events.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Obama is,from the cartoon,Commander McBragg alot!!(sarc).
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Heh!!!
Baxter Greene on November 19, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Only Obama can grandstand …. ok.
OldEnglish on November 19, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Missing the point, not surprising.
Just pointing out that being a NG commander does not make you some kind of military experts.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:23 PM
I say this with no offense intended but your Army is not the Army fighting in 2009. Your leadership and chain-of-command is not the one at Fort Bragg for the Palin book tour.
The whole military establishment has gone to the other extreme where everybody is skittish about making political comments of any sort. It comes out of the Clinton years where military commanders had to curb the disgust of troops serving under a draft dodging coward.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Sarah will still get an unsought bump out of this when the grainy “bootleg” video clips of whoopin’ soldiers (whoopin’ with gusto because “the media ain’t in the room”) goes viral on the blogs.
For a preview of this, wander over to C4P
DanOwillbookem on November 19, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Sorry squid, he may have been out of line but he was also 100% correct. I’m not sure when you were in but at that time the military was just starting to get it’s mojo back. Reagan was running against a guy that wanted to cut defense spending big time. The DI was looking out for the best interest of the Marine Corps and in turn the best interest of the country. It wasn’t quite a card check vote but we were heavily influenced.
CTSherman on November 19, 2009 at 9:28 PM
AP: truth is, Army folks want her there. Flip side of the coin, Obama is CINC and “owns” the place. Were she to bash him from inside the perimeter at Bragg, it would be inappropriate. However, I believe she would wear her mother-of-soldier hat more than her conservative bomb thrower hat there at Bragg. She doesn’t need to go to Bragg to bash Obama, she can do that from anywhere she wants, ‘cept Bragg. She can just take in the scenery, check out the PX, and the parade field she’ll land at there in a few years.
Airborne!
ted c on November 19, 2009 at 9:29 PM
easylink: C4P
DanOwillbookem on November 19, 2009 at 9:30 PM
I was just thinking (ow!)…
There may have also been some concern, not about some PFC shooting off his mouth, but about the wife of some SSG or 1LT shooting off hers. And, as far as I know, spouses and other family members are not subject to the UCMJ.
malclave on November 19, 2009 at 9:31 PM
I stand corrected concerning the regs. But that’s really more theory than anything else. I’d ask you to point out when the last officer was court-martialed for calling the POTUS stupid.
The only application of this regulation I can think of is if an officer deliberately expresses contempt to the extent they are in uniform calling out the filthy lying coward in the White House for dithering about troop levels in Afghanistan.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Oh, you liberal nitwit. Did you have to come out at Hot Air. Go back to dKos where you are more comfortable.
Jaibones on November 19, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Personally, I think she has more class than that, she is not the Won, he would gladly embarrass a CiC, as long as he is not the one, then again, he has embarrassed himself, and the troops as CiC.
She has a son in uniform, he is deployed, my bet is that she will do as she always has, thank God such people exist. Sarah Palin will not embarrass herself, nor the guys in cammo, she will not trash Obama, in fact, she will probably show him respect he doesn’t warrant. The troops will know, they will cheer her, she is more one of them than the guy in charge ,it is apparent to all that see.
She will keep it classy, and be slammed in the media for it. Worry not Sarah, WE KNOW!
M-14 2go on November 19, 2009 at 9:33 PM
The military loathes Obama, loathes him.
WordsMatter on November 19, 2009 at 9:33 PM
The military has rules, if a DI cant be bothered to follow them than who can?
We strive to keep out military non political so we do not become Turkey or some bannanna republic in South America
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:34 PM
We should be clear here. As much as we all love the former governor of Alaske, she is on a book tour, and every second of every day is a photo op.
Given the heightened sensitivities of the moment, allowing a civilian with obvious political ambitions to use the troops as a backdrop for whatever is simply not a good idea. The potential for something that cast makes the troops, the Commander in Chief or even the governor look bad is too high.
Take that stuff off base, and do what you want.
Bleeds Blue on November 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Yes because you know all of us military family members just adore being Michelle Obama’s “special mission”.//Sarc. =)
canditaylor68 on November 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Cute, I am not saying she is wrong, just the fact that she is not exactly shy about her opinions and to say she is not a political lighting rod is dishonest.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Dunno if this is the last…
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20030619_falvy.html
It also refers to some officers facing the consequences (if not courts-martial) of criticizing Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush.
malclave on November 19, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Palin has not been shy about trashing the prez at past events.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:20 PM
wrong palin has gone out of her to not trash Obama but his policies.
unseen on November 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM
I don’t doubt that some CO at Ft. Bragg gave the order. I am saying that I would not be surprised if the order was given after the CO at Ft. Bragg received a “suggestion” via phone from his CO in the Pentagon.
As you know S&^% flows downhill.
I highly doubt my MSgt told us to “behave when the commie bastard was on our flightline” on his own. He was ordered by someone higher to tell us.
F15Mech on November 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM
I believe the American Soldier has earned the right to speak when and where they want.
I trust thay will use their Freedom of speech wisely since they know all about the consequences of politicizing issues.
They are the ones on the front lines when democrats were yelling for surrender in Iraq.
They were on the front lines when the press smeared the whole military because of a few rouge Soldiers in Abu Ghraib.
They were on the front lines when the press pushed false stories of our Soldiers pissing on Korans and flushing them down toilets.
They were on the front lines when the press pushed bogus stories of Soldiers murdering Iraqi civilians in cold blood in Haditha.
We even had democratic congressman Murtha calling them murderers.
They were on the front lines when the press were pushing bogus stories trying to paint our Soldiers as murdering loose cannons coming home from war either killing citizens or killing themselves.
The facts showed that civilians had a much higher percentage of murder and suicide than the American Soldier.
Looking at the facts and history of who is responsible or irresponsible with their rights ofFree Speech, it seems to me it is the press we need to worry about, not the American Soldier.
Baxter Greene on November 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM
I dont think that they are worried about what she says as much as that E-3.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Not according to the press accounts. He was a rock star in AK on the flight over to Asia and he was a rock star in Korea when he spent 55 minutes with the troops there.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:38 PM
There is a clear reason why we stay apolitical on the job. Political Militaries are for 3rd world S%^tholes.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:39 PM
You mean the lamestream media?
WordsMatter on November 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM
I have seen a good cross section where I work. The officers corps is strongly republican, but the enlisted are less so.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM
.
Are you in the military? And BTW what gives a private citizen the right to go to Army Bases and insult the Commander in Chief (if she does)
Disgusting Anti-American Traitor if she does it.She’ll be another Fonda.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Yeah! What with a radical Muslim Army Officer killing 14 fellow soldiers, all eyes are really focused on sensitivities of allowing book tours on base by private citizens.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Sorry I should have been more clear.
By DC I mean Arlington VA.
F15Mech on November 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Eric Holder?
CTSherman on November 19, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Where I worked, and while I was in the military, I never met anyone who liked the guy. I don’t doubt there are folks who adore him, but as a whole, they loathe him, even more so than they loathed Clinton.
WordsMatter on November 19, 2009 at 9:44 PM
OMG!!!
Are you really comparing that Sarah Palin showing up at Ft. Bragg and saying mean things about Obama with Jane Fonda mounting a VC anti-aircraft gun? You really want to make that comparison?
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Yes, retired last summer after 30 years. She’s a private citizen, she’s not bound to obey Obama’s lawful orders. She can say what she wants, even on a military base.
WordsMatter on November 19, 2009 at 9:46 PM
I don’t think she has a “right”, but I don’t think she’ll be badmouthing Obama either.
Ummm, no. That would be if Palin were straddling some Iranian artillery piece.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Bull. I have multiple friends in the military who are shocked that a person who loathes the President (Palin) be allowed a political platform to denigrate the CIC on military soil.
It’s a disgrace and is being solely done to sell books.
WTF is up with conservatives supporting this disgrace.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
The facts showed that civilians had a much higher percentage of murder and suicide than the American Soldier
Baxter Greene on November 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Baxter Greene:
Two nights ago,on the AM talk radio,up here its,1400am,
the top of the news hour,said there was over 140 Mili
tary suicides and over 50 National Guard suicides!
I think the main reason,was to start a narrative,of how
concerned the lying Liberals are,meaning that they must
protect the service members from further harm,yada,yada,
and prevent futher suicides,therfore the sooner they leave
the theatres of war,(Iraq,Afghanistan)the better off the
soldiers will become!!
As if Liberals give a rats *ss of any soldiers welfare!!
Just a guess!!!:)
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Usually it’s a on/off – black/white issue, all media or no media. This appears to be highly unusual and driven from outside the well-established discipline of military liaison.
I pray that misfortune and tragety target the house of nObama!
dmann on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
She may as well be with the first anti CIC crap out of her mouth.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Or Jodie Evans Oops isnt she now Obama’s taliban contact?
canditaylor68 on November 19, 2009 at 9:51 PM
It’s interesting that some people seem to have advance knowledge of what she plans to say.
Missy on November 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM
For all of that, we also have John Kerry (still in an active military status) testifying about the atrocities of Vietnam. His Ghengis Kahn speech.
My point was that the regulations may be there but the application is hardly consistent.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Dunno, but I wonder if Jesse Jackson’s ever been invited to a military base under Republican presidents?
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Well, like I said, there are probably folks out there who love the guy, but I never met em. The guy is loathed by the military more than Clinton ever was.
WordsMatter on November 19, 2009 at 9:53 PM
yep and if you disagree, how would have any Republican felt if M Moore were allowed to do this during 2001-2008.
It’s a ploy to sell books. She should decline to appear and show up at a book store.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:53 PM
Wow. Weak, but yet disgusting.
Aviator on November 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM
Smelling fear-that Palin will draw a bigger volunteer crowd than those “ordered” to listen to Obama.
canditaylor68 on November 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Why all this concern about someone word trashing Obama? He does that himself everyday with his actions and his own speeches. If this wasn’t true, why does HA have the daily Obamamatuer post?
docdave on November 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM
You are a total Ahole……………….
dmann on November 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM
No, how would YOU have felt about it? Would your panties have been in quite as tight a wad? Personally, I wouldn’t have minded if Moore had visited an Army installation.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I said if she does. And to a previous poster talking about Kerry, yep I agree.
If this even strays slightly into a criticism of Obama, it’s a disgusting, anti-american, anti-troop, mess.
just sayin.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:57 PM
The American Solider has to willingly gives up his/her rights, in order to protect yours.
Freedom of speech is one thing soliders give up.
Think about that for a moment…
Soliders are willing to give their life for a set of ideals that they can not be a part of.
And our founding fathers wanted it that way; and did much of the same.
The Constitution/Bill of Rights is really a wonderful thing.
F15Mech on November 19, 2009 at 9:57 PM
One more thought on your post…
What gives private citizens the right to form up outside of Walter Reed and attack the families coming to visit wounded soldiers? That’s what Code Pink did. That particular organization even went so far this past Halloween to show up outside the Whitehouse where the children of military personnel were waiting to get into the festivities to attack them because of their parent’s service in the military.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:57 PM
It’s not a “ploy,” it’s a freaking book tour! Selling books is what they’re for, and it was with that understanding that the appearance was arranged. Nobody is trying to fake anyone out here. Do authors never visit military bases?
Missy on November 19, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Well duh, yeah. Good God, is there nothing sacred anymore.
As much as any may hate him he is the CIC. Hoping the military “takes sides” is disgusting and kinda scary.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Granted… I was just pointing out that it is done.
As for Kerry, as much as I loathe him, much of what he says is protected under Article I, Section 6 (I know, I know, but just because some of us may think it’s treason…)
malclave on November 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM
When the military is through figuring out what to do with the press at a book signing, maybe they could get around to allowing our Soldiers to complete their mission without their hands tied behind their backs:
Battling the Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan
BY Herschel Smith
http://www.captainsjournal.com/2009/11/16/battling-the-rules-of-engagement-in-afghanistan/
Seems to me the same problems that resulted in the horrific terrorist attack at Ft. Hood are also occurring
right on the battlefield.
It is one thing to want to win the hearts and minds of muslims who “might” reject the ways of the jihad, but this is going to far.
This is getting Soldiers killed while “hoping” that muslims will turn against the Taliban.
What ever happened to defeating the enemy thereby giving them only one choice, reject the jihadist or join them in He!!.
Baxter Greene on November 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Tell me, harry, do you think the soldiers want her to appear there?
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM
OMG!!!
Are you really comparing that Sarah Palin showing up at Ft. Bragg and saying mean things about Obama with Jane Fonda mounting a VC anti-aircraft gun? You really want to make that comparison?
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 9:46 PM
highhopes: On your answer to MoonBat Harry,ya,I really
can’t see Sarah in a Jane Fonda spread eagled
a strutt’n on a NV A/A battery!!:)
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Not ones who are obviously positioning themselves for a Presidential run and denigrating the existing CIC…Nope./
harry on November 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM
You mean code pink -the Obama fundraisers?///sarc
canditaylor68 on November 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Who’s hoping they take sides? They won’t. They’re smart enough to know who’s president at any one time, I assure you.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Hey folks (harry), this is not the first time that Sarah has addressed the military. And she has never dissed the President while doing so. What makes anybody think that she would do that now? She’s concerned about soldier’s lives, being a soldier’s mom. And she is good at relaying that sincere concern and encouragement to soldiers.
Christian Conservative on November 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
we’re feeding the troll…
WordsMatter on November 19, 2009 at 10:02 PM
That doesn’t matter it’s the situation that does.
Sorry folks but this is wrong.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Palin would never trash talk the CINC to the troops, because it would demoralize them. She wants them to win.
alliebobbitt on November 19, 2009 at 10:02 PM
And if she’s appearing at a book store on post?
malclave on November 19, 2009 at 10:03 PM
What the hell are you babbling about? They could have made it into a pay-per-view event if Michael Moore attempted to show up at a military base following one of his anti-military propaganda pieces. Not only would he have been allowed to show up, they would have insisted he provide a next of kin for the notification.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 10:03 PM
This is hilarious, though. We’re told that Palin is just a celebrity and nothing more. A joke with no political future. So, what’s the difference in her appearing at Ft Bragg and Bon Jovi’s doing so? Hmmmm? LOL
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:04 PM
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Frankly, I find your assertion to be suspicious.
Celebrities, sports stars, authors of all stripes, other entertainers and yes politicians spend all kinds of time visiting military bases (not just USO shows either), putting on shows, and yes, selling books – along with CD’s and other merchandise.
In my 22 years (I just retired – November 1st), I never heard anyone I worked with say they were ‘shocked’ such things took place on base.
I don’t see what the disgrace is and there is some kind of assumption she will disparage the CiC. Frankly, he does that enough to himself – he needs no help from SP.
catmman on November 19, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Great point.
Does this also apply if they are out of uniform.
I ask because when we counter protested (with the Gathering of Eagles)against the Sheehan/Jane Fonda anti-war crowd in 06/07, we had several enlisted join us (in plain clothes) to support their mission.
They were explicit in the fact that they had this right as long as they were not in uniform.
Baxter Greene on November 19, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Good to know you’ve got the rules all laid out. Why don’t you tell it to the people at Ft. Bragg and Ft. Hood who booked her, since you know so much more than they do about what should and should not happen on military bases.
Missy on November 19, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I have not been on a base when anybody bigger than a congressional staffer showed, except for my graduation when billy jeff spoke. We had about an hour briefing reminding all of the cadets not to turn their backs on the POTUS or boo him etc. No one was planning on doing this that I know of because you respect the office if not the man. However, when he spoke for about 5 minutes to the cadets and then spent about 40 minutes telling the gathered media how important Bosnia was and that it was not just a “wag the dog” war most of us did fall asleep. It is a good thing we spent the last 4 years learning how to apear awake while asleep.
cobrakai99 on November 19, 2009 at 10:07 PM
It’s a ploy to sell books. She should decline to appear and show up at a book store.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 9:53 PM
harry: And Moore was a former Commander of what National
Guard,and does he have a son or daughter currently
serving!!
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 10:08 PM
The troops will be visiting Mr. Obama soon. Think Honduras
bill30097 on November 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
With all due respect, Harry – I don’t believe you. I don’t think you have any friends in the military.
But that’s just me so let’s set that aside and say you do – that you have “multiple” military friends – like you say.
You mean to tell me you called them all up in the past hour to get their opinion on this?? And they are all “shocked”?
Harry. Come on. First Palin=Fonda. Then this? You’re going to paint yourself into the troll corner where you’ll just be ignored and made fun of.
You don’t want that, do you?
Rod on November 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Foreign deployments of Guard units and the operation of national defense assets like the Ft. Greely missile interceptors are not the responsibility of state governors. Those functions come under the regular U.S. military chain of command.
Requirements for Guard units are established not by governors, but by the Army, the Air Force and the National Guard Bureau.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 10:13 PM
The Army seems to be a bit gun shy on this one.
If I may be so bold, it seems like this decision may have come from someone simply opposed to Palin from the start. The sensitivity about this just gets my hackles up.
AP, military personnel are usually prohibited from speaking directly to the press, barring approval from Public Affairs (at least in the AF). Of course this doesn’t mean a few soldiers might not get asked questions or let their opinion be known if asked though.
Base Commanders can indeed issue orders disallowing military folks from talking to the Press – yes they can. Again, it doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen, but if caught – oh boy…
The expression of political opinion on base, at least overtly, is usually frowned upon – kinda depends on where you’re at. Last year there was a stink about some people in base housing putting campaign signs up in their yards, in fact they were ordered to remove them. After some thought (and angry calls from military members) the decision was reversed. Another commenter said it – if a military person can’t express a political opinion, who can?
In the end, this is all much ado about nothing. I would guess that if any ‘inappropriate’ views were expressed and later publicized, they wouldn’t come from SP but reporters on scene looking for a ‘story’ (as you eluded to).
catmman on November 19, 2009 at 10:15 PM
C’mon Harry do it, do it. Show us the real Harry. A Palin hater. Naw, never mind we knew it.
donh525 on November 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Well, now the media will be able to attend, but no interviews with Palin (on post it seems).
NCJeff on November 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
I think that is an excellent point combined with the typical liberal drivel of our Soldiers being uneducated,sociopathical baby killers.
It really strains reality to watch the same people who vandalize recruiting stations,call our Soldiers murderers,child predators,and war criminals, are all of a sudden worried about their mental welfare.
Where was all this concern when the liberals were calling for surrender and carrying signs that read:
“We support the troops who shoot their officers”
“Fu#k the troops”
“We support the insurgents”
and move on ads that read:
“General Betray-us”
….while their democratic leaders were taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from the code pinks,Answer,and move on activists that sponsored these anti-military events.
Baxter Greene on November 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Link
NCJeff on November 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
With all due respect ROD this has been in the news for a while and yep I was against it then and yes converstions happned. Then again ROD I’m sure you feel more like this poster..
Rod on November 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
More to your liking, do you think any of the troops want to overthrow the republic? Seems like this poster is for it. You’d be surpised by how many regular army types are disgusted by freaks like these…but you have to chase after me istead of him.
nice.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Hey “harry”, your definition of treason is so far off it’s comical. First go read up on giving aid & comfort to enemies of the U.S.
Then try to keep this fact in your stunted cerebrum: nobody swears allegiance to the President. The oath concerns allegiance to the Constitution.
Lastly, Sarah Palin owes no duty to obey the Commander-in-Chief. She’s a civilian. The only one obligated to literally or figurately fellate Obama is you. Remember not to expectorate.
OhioCoastie on November 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
He does too. He has a buddy that is a well known Army psychiatrist.
Aviator on November 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Nobody has to chase after you. You’re a sitting
ducktroll.donh525 on November 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Harry sounds like a patient.
donh525 on November 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM
There’s also another element that dawned on me when reading your well-reasoned post.
The press could well be in a snit. Unlike the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, the Press have to go through extra steps to get on base. Could it be that some of this outrage rises out of less than unfettered access to an event the public might be interested in?
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM
All that need be posted is this. I see no one yet attacking this viewpoint.
Enough said.
harry on November 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM
“only one politician can use that platform, ‘and that person does it as our commander in chief.’”
Someone should have told that to Dukakis.
crosspatch on November 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
OhioCoastie on November 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Actually, in the Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted members) we do swear to “Obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over me(us)…”
The first proviso is to swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States though.
The Officer Oath is a bit different, not having the part about “obeying the orders of the President”
Just for clarification…
catmman on November 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
harry on November 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Actually harry, if the situation that happened in Honduras DID happen here, umm…yeah – Obama would indeed get a visit from the ‘troops’ (the Feds more than likely, but you get the point)
catmman on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
This is EXACTLY why our apolitical military (in the British tradition) sets us apart, our military does not have the same constitutional protections for its intervention as the Honduran and Turkish military have.
Squid Shark on November 19, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Catmman, I know what the oath says. That’s why I reiterated Palin’s civilian status.
If she were in the military, she’d be obligated to obey Obama’s lawful orders & show him respect. I remember those details because I retired from the USCG in ’99.
OhioCoastie on November 19, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Personally, I figured that previous comments in the thread pointing out the professionalism of the military outweighed that comment, especially as I hadn’t seen any support for it. But, since you insist…
I believe comments like that, which appear to support the military overthrow of the civilian government, are just as dumb here as they were on leftist sites during the Bush administration, and I feel it is to the credit of the commenters here that such a comment is rarity, unlike places like DKos, HuffPo, DU, myDD, etc.
malclave on November 19, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I missed the coup comment, but now I see it. Plain wrong. Period.
OhioCoastie on November 19, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I served during the Clinton years…
While we were serving under a “draft dodging coward” we never let that impact our mission, our responsibilities, or most importantly the lives of the pilots that we “granted access” to our Jets.
While Clinton’s actions drove morale down. Many of my squadron members worked hard to improve it at the same time.
If any Vets remember the “no cable this place sucks” cartoon….
Using an “acquired” Sat dish our squadron provided CNN/MTV etc to everyone cleared to enter the flightline. We even provided info on what the next squadron should bring to improve reception.
MWR telephone calls home? Forget the MWR tent our squadron was able to get you connected faster.
Feeling thirsty? come to our squadron we sell Slushies for 25 cents (all proceeds go to our in house MWR fund).
That said, even under Clinton our squadron improved the quality of life for every member of the US Military stationed at the same base we were.
F15Mech on November 19, 2009 at 10:43 PM
What are you people talking about? There was no coup in Honduras. It was the opposite of a coup. Zelaya tried to unconstitutionally extend his term and the Supreme Court said no dice, partner. The military simply followed the law of the land.
Give me a break.
Missy on November 19, 2009 at 10:47 PM
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