By law, the troops are not allowed to openly criticize Bush. The troops are the one who is fighting and risking their lives. If they are against or for the war, don't you think they should have the right to at least speak their minds?
What do you think?
2006-11-03 07:28:51 · 23 answers · asked by Tiny 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
The answer is no. The military is not a democracy. Its job is to kill people and break their stuff. Period. Their opinion on the orders they receive is irrelevant.
2006-11-03 07:31:38 · answer #1 · answered by rustyshackleford001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 94 is the law that governs this. However, every uniformed solider has freely taken an oath to support and defend the constitution and obey the orders of the President and officers appointed over him.
To my esteemed friend above... Article 88 only applies to commissioned officers. Not enlisted men and women.
Remember this is an all volunteer military. If you don't like the rules, get out.... then you can bad mouth the President all you want.
2006-11-03 15:36:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you join the military, you agree to do your duty no questions asked. So if a superior officer tells you to jump, you jump. The president of the United States is a superior officer and you are not allowed to ask question or speak publicly about it. Otherwise you can be court marshaled.
Its kind of like being at work. Do you speak your mind if your boss is being an idiot? Unless you have a legal reason for doing so such as sexual harassment, your sorry butt will be fired. Been there, done that one when I was younger.
2006-11-03 16:01:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Per the UCMJ, they are not allowed to openly criticize their commander in chief. Trust me, from January 1993 to January 2001, the military really had to keep a lid on how they viewed their CUMander in Chief.
The reason they have to remain silent is because the military is not supposed to be political in nature, nor is is beneficial to military efficiency to allow dissent in the ranks.
No reason to change. I understood and agreed with this when I was military, and would expect most military to also agree with this. I really don't think they need non-military interlopers to interfere with the operation of the military.
2006-11-03 15:58:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's not just the President.
The Uniformed Code of Military Justice covers all superiors on this issue.
The military life is unlike any other and requires split second life/death decisions without second thought or descension. When one accepts their oath upon entering the military, they are knowingly and willingly accepting this condition of service. Since the "officials" are elected representatives of the bulk of America, military personnel are expected (under law) to respect the will of America's citizens and obey. If American's wish it otherwise, we are to elect a different official for whatever that capacity is. Likewise, the military personnel will obey them accordingly. Of course, this is for lawful orders as stated in the citation for entering the armed forces.
2006-11-03 15:42:03 · answer #5 · answered by Robert 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you volunteer and join the United States Armed Services you become the property of the United States government. It is plain and straight forward, you sign it as part of your enlistment. Don't agree = don't sign up.
Your job is the protect this country and the President with your very life if necessary. You are protecting the office not this man or that man. Doesn't matter who is President.
When I served we had people written up and fined for getting sunburns - they damaged government property , aka themselves . They were held responsible for their actions. Right or wrong it was their decision.
2006-11-03 15:37:59 · answer #6 · answered by Akkita 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i do not believe that is the case, the troops could say "I disagree with bush and we need a new leader" and not get in trouble
but, if they say "let's be rebels and revolt" they couldn't say that
i respectfully say that i do not think there is a law saying the troops cannot criticize
2006-11-03 15:59:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not allowed to openly bash any President it isn't just Bush. Remember President is Commander and Chief.
2006-11-03 15:32:07 · answer #8 · answered by dakota29575 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are not allowed to criticize on duty because of the chain of command. The president is after all the commander in chief. The code of military conduct establishes this. They are allowed to express any opinion they want to to whomever they want to while they are off duty however.
2006-11-03 15:34:42 · answer #9 · answered by H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could create dissension in the ranks thus endangering themselves or other soldiers.
That is why it is our responsibility as civilians to speak out against this atrocity and get our troops home!
2006-11-03 15:32:52 · answer #10 · answered by Fire_God_69 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋