My fellow servicemen help me out. I don't have plans of being home any time soon, but when I do finally make it back (and we will), just how much am I able to say or do in support of the war? That sounds like a dumb question, but others in the military will understand what I'm talking about. Under the UCMJ, there are certain restrictions as what we can and cannot say without repercussions.
I've backed down from many a long-winded argument, and I've coined the phrase "I may not agree with a word you say, but I'd defend to the death your right to say it". But it gets to a certain point where we just can't deal with the negativity anymore.
We hear everyday that America supports us, but the "Americans" that don't support us always find ways to get that message across to us too.
So all I'm really asking is, can I voice my full opinions, when people outlandishly throw theirs at me for what I'm doing for them?
2007-02-21 11:50:59 · 15 answers · asked by Aaron B 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I just heard this quote today that some of you might like: "When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy."
~General Tommy Franks
2007-02-23 04:27:42 · update #1
I'd probably ask your CO...or call jag and ask.
I would love to be there to help - it stinks the ones against the war have access to new media and microphones - while the people with their boots on the ground really don't.
Good luck and make it home safe!
2007-02-21 11:55:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
You can say anything you want if you are in a conversation with someone, but if you go to a war protest and protest against the protesters you will we violating the UCMJ just for being there. So in our day to day lives when we run into idiots that don't know what they are talking about, go at it, but always maintain the intelligence in the conversation. As we both know. those people are stupid to the core. Just know those of us in the military support each other and real Americans know what is right. Don't spent too much time playing with the stupid in our country. Your way of doing things works as far as things go.
2007-02-21 20:12:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Write op-ed pieces. Volunteer to give talks at high schools. Instead of worrying about getting into the fight (protest/counter protest) try educating people in a non-confrontational way.
BTW, you may be using the "I may not agree with what you say" phrase, but you did not coin it. That's usually attributed to Voltaire, the French philosopher, although some scholars aren't 100% sure he's the first one to use it.
2007-02-21 19:57:02 · answer #3 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I can't answer your question, I'm not a lawyer, ... but I can thank you for your service to our country! Always remember, whether you can protest or not, and no matter what the 'polls' say, the vast majority of Americans feel as I do. Even many of thiose who do not support the war, support you and yours! All I can say again is Thank you, ... and thank your family, ... for what you and they have sacrificed for us all!!!!!
2007-02-21 19:58:16 · answer #4 · answered by Owlchemy_ 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You can voice your opinion just like the protesters voice theirs.
I assume that peaceful protesting in general is included under freedom of speech, freedom of choice, human rights, etc.
You voicing your opinion (by protesting the protesters) would also be covered under freedom of speech et al.
I am not a soldier; I don't know if you can legally object. My question to you is: who would you sue?
You will go broke suing each individual person who disagrees with the Bush Family War, if you don't die at a ripe, old age first.
Not to mention, family members of 9/11 victims protest the war; would you sue them?
God bless you for fighting for your country; it is your countrymen you fight for. However, if you don't want to fight for their rights it's time to abandon what is in the end, a faulty war.
2007-02-21 20:23:35 · answer #5 · answered by For my next trick... 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You are defending your right to protest protesters. I applaud you.
You are damn skippy that you can peacefully protest. The first amendment gives us the right to peacefully assemble, but you might have to register first.
Let me know when and where the rally to support our troops and the war is. I'll be there.
2007-02-21 20:27:42 · answer #6 · answered by Cold Hard Fact 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I would like to Thank You for what you are doing.
You are proud and should hold your head high!
Secondly....remember that the loudest usually indicates the "think before you speak" idea didn't quite sink in!
We support you fully and pray for your safe return from where-ever you happen to be!
But no...do not voice any opinion in uniform...unless your CO tells you what opinion to voice!
Be Safe!
2007-02-21 20:14:11 · answer #7 · answered by Nibbles 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I can't answer your question; but I want to thank you for the great job that you are doing. You honor you country and care about it. You deserve all the respect of the people of this country. Without the sacrifice of great people like you; there would be no freedom. I wish you the very best and please be safe.
2007-02-21 20:05:10 · answer #8 · answered by leaving.florida 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are allowed to present you opinion and protest as long as you do not do it in uniform and you ensure that you are speaking for yourself only (not the US government).
If you are in Southern Calif - I'll come stand with you.
2007-02-21 21:36:46 · answer #9 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
70% of the American people want you home! The other 30% just don't count!
You must understand that the majority of Americans feel that you are in a county that is engaged in a Civil Religious War, that as an American you should not be involved. You didn't ask to be sent there, you were following orders, you took an oath to do so.
Why do you feel the need to answer to anyone for your being there?
You may think that we don't care about you, but we honestly do care a great deal. We don't want any more of you hurt or killed over something that never should have been in the first place!
Please don't feel that you have to defend your being there to anyone. You don't. You are where your orders sent you. Good person.
Don't get into discussions with those who would try to make you feel that you have to justify anything to them. Walk away. They are not worth the trouble!
2007-02-21 20:12:00 · answer #10 · answered by geegee 6 · 1⤊ 6⤋