Marine says he faces discharge over Obama comments

[CMF Newsman]

A politically active Marine who has questioned President Barack Obama's authority said Thursday he is facing administrative discharge proceedings over his comments.

Sgt. Gary Stein, who founded the Armed Forces Tea Party, said his commanding officer at Camp Pendleton near San Diego has accused him of violating a catch-all military justice provision against conduct endangering "good order and discipline."

He is also accused of violating a Department of Defense policy limiting the political activities of service members.

Stein came under scrutiny from Marine officials after posting that he would not obey Obama's orders.

www.cnn.com/2012/03/22/us/marine-obama/index.html

[gridbug]

It is not just the DOD that has such rules. I too am a federal employee and I too could get fired if I engaged in political activism on the job. There are laws in place that govern these rules. This in not an infringement of anyone's rights, but a condition of employment. I have a right to carry a gun too, but if I insist on carrying a gun in the office I would probably get fired for that also.

If at your job there is a rule that has the potential consequence of termination, then don't be surprised when you get fired for doing that.

In a January 26 post to the Armed Forces Tea Party Facebook page, Stein called Obama a liar. Two days later, he said the president is "the 'Domestic Enemy' our oath speaks about."

The President is the Commander in Chief. That makes him the boss of all the Marines. Publically calling your boss a liar and your enemy is likely to get you fired from any job.

In 2010, a military court sentenced Army Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin to six months in prison and removal from the military over his refusal to deploy to Afghanistan.

A marine refusing to follow orders is refusing to do his job. Again, refusing to do your job can get you fired no matter who you work for.

Lakin argued that Obama was not born in the United States and therefore was not legally president, making his orders illegal.

To top it off the guy is a fool. I don't think the Marines lost anyone they will miss.

[Tsavodiner]

The Hatch Act was passed to protect Federal employees from the kind of peccadilloes those of us in local and State government have endured our entire careers, but doesn't prohibit non-work-related political participation, contributions, or member ship in parties.

Whether or not you like the C-in-C, you DON'T question his or her authority if you're in uniform.

[Half-Tard]

Semper Fi..say goodbye

[Police Moderator]

Did he represent his opinions in uniform? On duty? Did he use his official title and rank in any communications regarding his opinion? Or claim to speak, officially, for the Marine Corps?

Slippery slope, here.

[Half-Tard]

Slippery slope, here.

No slippery slope at all. He's done, and yes he has shown up to tea party rally's in uniform and was sternly warned previously. Don't disrespect the office at all I don't care what your party affiliation is.

[el Gusano]

Since Obama is technically the CiC, perhaps, because of his actions, he should be charged with violating the provision against conduct endangering "good order and discipline."

[Half-Tard]

He needs to be shown the door. No use for traitors in this Armed Services.

[rstewart]

Regardless of whether the Sgt agrees/disagrees/has no opinon of the POTUS, he/she has NO RIGHT to voice that opinion if identifying themselves as a servicemember. PERIOD.

They also cannot campaign FOR a candidate while identifying themselves as servicemembers.

[BlackFox]

YoU Signed the Mutherfucking Contract.

Deal with it.