that it is illegal for anyone serving in the military to speak badly about President Bush? And it they do, what happens to them?
2006-07-18 15:35:34 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It is illegal for any member of the military to publicly express contempt to any high ranking government official.
This rule caused more an a couple Generals their jobs during the Clinton years.
2006-07-18 16:24:19 · answer #1 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First it is illegal for an officer of any military service to speak badly about the president. While many people here have mentioned that the Bill of Rights protect his right to free speach, this restriction which is contained in the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) has long been upheld as legal by the Supreme Court. The UCMJ contains many other restrictive laws that would otherwise be legal to a normal citizen.
As other people have said, when a person joins the military they freely give up their personal freedoms (so that others may continue to enjoy them in my opinion).
Enlisted people may speak badly about the president, but may not do it in uniform or any other way that would identify them as being in the military.
As an example, I was in the Army during the Sept. 11 attacks and not long after a Colonel wrote an editorial for the local newpaper disparaging the president. He opening signed with his rank and service. Not long after he was given the option to resign his commision and retire or have it done for him along with punishment.
2006-07-18 23:33:18 · answer #2 · answered by justind_000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The military is to secure democracy not practice it many would say. The military is also about discipline and if a superior says to do something you better do it or if they tell you not to do something then you shouldn't do it if it's in the line or course of duty. The military cannot keep you from expressing your opinions about the president or anyone else if you disagree because you are covered under the Constitution and freedom of speech just like everyone else. The problem is when you are in uniform you represent the military and the president is the commander in Chief therefore the ultimate head or "your boss". Out of uniform it's your life and your prerogative what you do. Even in uniform there are times and places that you can express your opinions. Is it illegal? I doubt it but is it beneficial to that is a good question.
2006-07-18 22:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by alagk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, if it were illegal for President Bush, it would also be illegal for any present in office. It's not illegal to speak badly, though... everyone has the right to free speech. However, I think it is illegal if someone does a public demonstration of disrespect toward a president (I'm not 100% sure on this).
2006-07-18 22:39:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The President is the Commander in Chief
Speaking against him is Insubordination
You usually get a reprimand
But You can be Dishonorably Discharged
Civilians have rights under the Constitution
In the Military you wave some of those rights
2006-07-18 23:01:21 · answer #5 · answered by Dan W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only illegal for them to speak badly about him in an official capacity. It is also illegal for them to make positive comments about the president in an official capacity.
The reason for that is that if one military person expresses his/her political opinions in an official capacity and the media gets ahold of it, it can and most likely will be misconstrued as the opinion of the entire military and the media could use it to feign the military's support or opposition of the president.
The military member could be court martialed and either discharged or sent to prison.
And as far as the first ammendment goes......... we give up a lot of our rights and freedoms to join the military.
2006-07-18 22:43:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Military member are subject to the UCMJ but are still allowed constitutional rights.A person can say the president is bad as a personal belief.If what is said is chargeable under the UCMJ the that person would be court martialed or receive some lower level of punishment by his/her commander.
2006-07-18 22:45:39 · answer #7 · answered by Daniel H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's kinda right, kinda wrong. In a sense, they have the right to speak their opinions like anyone else. The difference is that in the military, you have to be very careful about the right context and who you are speaking to. Sitting around and bitching to your friends after work is one thing, but telling the commanding officer that the commander in chief is a doofus is insubordinate behavior. The military can't force you how to think, but they can force you to shut up when they want you to shut up.
2006-07-18 22:53:24 · answer #8 · answered by auntiegrav 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Military personnel can't take any public stance on politics when in uniform. Otherwise they're free citizens too.
There are some restrictions regarding the Hatch Act, I'll look up the details and come back to correct myself later.
2006-07-18 23:13:11 · answer #9 · answered by Trips 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In front of their Commanding Officer, it will get them a little workout - push-ups. My son is an Officer & it would get a lot of pushups.
Not illegal but unwise considering he is their ultimate Commanding Officer. They could find themselves with a dishonorable discharge.
2006-07-18 23:32:37 · answer #10 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋