Posted on Dec 12, 2015
If Donald Trump is elected President, would it be more honorable to resign from service or to serve under his "leadership"?
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Responses: 147
I do not serve a man, I serve my country.
Every President I have served under either had a deeply flawed character or made some very poor decisions that directly affected me in the military. But I Soldier on, because the picture is bigger than the worldview of one man, even the President of the United States.
Every President I have served under either had a deeply flawed character or made some very poor decisions that directly affected me in the military. But I Soldier on, because the picture is bigger than the worldview of one man, even the President of the United States.
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SSG (Join to see)
PO3 Donald Murphy - Guess you kind of lost me on this .. I do get the sarcasm.. Not sure what you are getting at about Obama.. Only thing I said about Obama was I retired with with him as setting President, only because I was medically retired after 21 yrs 8 months ..or I would still be in,, I don't serve the President I serve the Constitution.
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PO3 Donald Murphy
Yup - you noticed the sarcasm. Could have also commented on how dare that commie muslim kenyan keep gas prices so low. How dare he. The nerve. But you did say "Even if Trump is elected he still has more military training then obama...Trump went to a military school.. still beats obamas knowledge." Also, "but at least he has respect for our military."
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SSG (Join to see)
PO3 Donald Murphy - Ok.. I live in Texas.. we have 9 different refineries here.. Obama.. did not keep the fuel prices low the OIL Companies did.. the FEDERAL TAX on your gas and diesel is still the same.. Obama controls that.. The Oil Companies control the flow.. The Oil Companies lowered the price per barrel to drive the "wildcatters" and the "frackers" out of business.. Once these small drilling companies or gone the price of oil WILL go up.. I guess you are an Obama supporter.. Great for you.. So tell me again what military school did Obama go to again?.. That's right...NONE....The only thing that Obama did for the Military was give the CIA a wider rule of engagement with drones during OEF.. So that high value targets could be engaged with drones without having to get confirmation every time.
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PO3 Donald Murphy
SSG (Join to see) - Straw man. Focus. The issue is not me. I'm an independent by the way. I voted for Gary Johnson. Now go back to your comments and review every military accomplishment the USA has had under shrub and compare them to what we've done under Obama. Compare your benefits, compare weapons bought/purchased/cancelled, etc.
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This is really a topic by a Major? You cannot possibly convince me that you are satisfied with the current performance of this POTUS and the lack of leadership. News flash we are getting our Butts handed to us the only possible direction at this point is up as you cannot go any further down.
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LTC (Join to see)
TSgt Robert Digby - This is a weird time in Politics. When the debates are more like the Jerry Springer Show talking about if big hands big feet mean big genitals then who cares if size does matter? Seems like the logical side for some need to be bigger.
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TSgt Robert Digby
LTC (Join to see) - Actually based on that none of them are worthy of the office Dem or Republican. The only problem I can foresee anyone having for Trump is he says what the rest of us are thinking unlike the other candidates that tell you what you want to hear so you will vote for them. I'm tired of having sunshine pumped up my ass when in reality I am just being lubed for what they are really going to do when they get in office. I've got news for you a lot of other people must like it also because his popularity numbers are going higher and higher. Do I think he's going to win no I do not but he is going to make Hillary work for the Presidency instead of handing over to her because people want to vote for the novelty of having a first woman like the last two elections where everyone wanted they weren't racists by voting for Obama well how has that worked for us? Great if your black or gay not do well for the rest of us
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Your oath is not to him, it is to the U.S. Constitution. Conservative service members have served under Obama and sucked it up. Don't make a bad decision based upon an election outcome. My two cents.
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Capt Walter Miller
There is a time to resign under protest. When your people's lives are at stake for nothing. That is why Col. McMasters wrote "Dereliction of Duty."
Similarly when the Bushies pushed an invasion of Iraq with only 50% of the forces that CENTCOM said were required - the officers in charge of that should have resigned.
Tommy Franks sold the troops out for a book deal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dereliction_of_Duty_(1997_book)
Walt
Similarly when the Bushies pushed an invasion of Iraq with only 50% of the forces that CENTCOM said were required - the officers in charge of that should have resigned.
Tommy Franks sold the troops out for a book deal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dereliction_of_Duty_(1997_book)
Walt
Dereliction of Duty (1997 book) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam is a book written by then Major, currently Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, that explores the military's role in the policies of the Vietnam War. The book was written as part of McMaster's Ph.D. thesis at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[1]
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Capt Walter Miller
Well, I see that Gen. McMaster's book is on the official reading list of the Marine Corps, but not the Army.
Walt
Walt
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Military members don't get to pick and choose who they serve under, MAJ Bryan Zeski. You don't get to choose your Division commander, and the only to affect who your Commander-in-Chief is going to be is to vote along with the the rest of the country. But, regardless of the outcome of the election, you "support and defend the Constitution of the the United States", no matter who the POTUS may be. If you choose to throw your career away because you are uncertain about the leadership ability of the man (or woman) elected as President, then you probably SHOULD resign.
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PVT Andrew Burd
BAM. just like that. ...and this is why you never call a SGT "sir".
you know Huey Lewis and the News wrote a song about you!
o/` I'm takin' what I'm gettin' cuz I'm WORKIN FOR A LIVING o/`
HOOAH!
you know Huey Lewis and the News wrote a song about you!
o/` I'm takin' what I'm gettin' cuz I'm WORKIN FOR A LIVING o/`
HOOAH!
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It is troubling to see a senior leader, a field grade officer, show this kind of inability to adapt and put his personal feelings aside for the greater good.
This question can't be answered in a poll. This is something that takes some soul searching.
The oath you took, as it's been pointed out numerous times, is not in service to the president. Further, if you feel that your leadership makes a positive impact now, are you comfortable leaving your troops when you separate?
If you have been vocal on these forums about being blindly faithful to the current POTUS, do you not feel that you you can still say the same for Trump? Was your enthusiasm any less relevant before? Do you feel morally conflicted now?
If you aren't able to give the same dedication after the new POTUS is elected and it affects your ability to do your job, then it would be an easy decision if it were me.
This question can't be answered in a poll. This is something that takes some soul searching.
The oath you took, as it's been pointed out numerous times, is not in service to the president. Further, if you feel that your leadership makes a positive impact now, are you comfortable leaving your troops when you separate?
If you have been vocal on these forums about being blindly faithful to the current POTUS, do you not feel that you you can still say the same for Trump? Was your enthusiasm any less relevant before? Do you feel morally conflicted now?
If you aren't able to give the same dedication after the new POTUS is elected and it affects your ability to do your job, then it would be an easy decision if it were me.
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CPT (Join to see)
I re-read, and the part where I asked about being blindly faithful, that was a genuine question, as I wouldn't have gone back and reviewed your post history to being to make that claim about you, sir. I assure you, there was no ill intent there.
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CPT (Join to see)
SN Greg Wright
Your assessment couldn't be further from the truth. If you are interested, you can review the posts I have taken part in the last few days. My intentions were to add to MAJ Bryan Zeski, not detract from them.
I do my best to be respectful to any and every superior that I interact with, whether it be online or face to face.
Thank you for the feedback, it gave me a chance to clarify.
Your assessment couldn't be further from the truth. If you are interested, you can review the posts I have taken part in the last few days. My intentions were to add to MAJ Bryan Zeski, not detract from them.
I do my best to be respectful to any and every superior that I interact with, whether it be online or face to face.
Thank you for the feedback, it gave me a chance to clarify.
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SN Greg Wright
CPT (Join to see) - No worries, 2LT. I've found your posts interesting and engaging.
I've seen serving members malign Obama here, and I always shoot them a message, too. I don't much like the guy but I don't want anyone getting in trouble for him. It's easy to get lost in the disconnect that posting on the interwebs gives (as opposed to in-person communication.)
I've seen serving members malign Obama here, and I always shoot them a message, too. I don't much like the guy but I don't want anyone getting in trouble for him. It's easy to get lost in the disconnect that posting on the interwebs gives (as opposed to in-person communication.)
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If he is legitimately elected through our democratic process, it would be more honorable to continue to serve.
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LTC Kevin B.
SSG Warren Swan - That's indeed very likely. I remember that he was nearing 20% of the overall vote when he backed out (the first time), and he didn't even have to use one of the major parties to gain some notoriety. He was a successful businessman with some semblance of "common sense" and a connection to the average voter. He doomed himself by getting out and then coming back into the race (indecision), as well as with his VP selection (WTH?). Stockdale was a great American, but a bad VP.
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SSG (Join to see)
LCDR (Join to see) - I believe it is more important that the bad guys believe he might just do it.. Reagan's bluff was never called.. Be he did ready a sub to launch on Iran during the hostage crisis.. He actually had them open the launch doors to show his resolve.
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MAJ Bryan Zeski
Cpl (Join to see) - You know, I've been thinking about your statement, "if he can't serve respectfully..." and it seems like there are A LOT of people on here who should have already gotten out because they can't serve respectfully...
Also, still haven't seen all of the evidence you have to back up your previous statement about me... still looking for it? I'll wait.
Also, still haven't seen all of the evidence you have to back up your previous statement about me... still looking for it? I'll wait.
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What applies to Trump also applies to Obama and Bill Clinton. What did you do under those frauds?
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CW4 (Join to see)
So this MAJ posts up one of the most "Troll-like" posts he can think of, then tries to innocently play it off like he doesn't really feel this way, he just wanted to start a legitimate discussion on it, AND THEN call someone else out for making "troll-like" replies? That takes hypocrisy to a new level here on RP. <Slow clapping for MAJ Bryan Zeski>
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
MAJ Bryan Zeski - You reap what you sow. Capt Waddell's point is well-taken. If you served under Obama and Clinton, you should not have any problem serving under anybody. Obama is the most corrupt, inept, divisive, racist, and immoral president in the history of our country.
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Capt Seid Waddell
COL Jean (John) F. B., Obama's sole redeeming virtue was his redeeming of Carter's reputation as the most inept president of modern times.
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In my 30 year career, I heard senior folks say, "If XXX comes to be, I'm getting the hell out," _SO_ many times that if I had a dollar for each one, I could use that instead of my retirement. "Oh, if Reagan is elected again..." "Oh, if that Dukakis/Bush wins in November..." "Damn, if Bush gets in again/If Clinton wins..." "If this 'Don't Ask' shit passes..."
More recently, "If Obama..." "If they let gays serve..." "If women get to..."
And guess what?
Nobody phreaking got out. They modified their behavior and embraced the suck and drove on. Now when I hear it, I just tell them to get the hell out now if they feel so strongly about it. Go ahead, Major. If you're that damned skeert (I live in Alabama), get out now and save us all the pain of listening to you whine. Better yet - get out now and run for local office so perhaps in ten years someone can threaten to take their ball and glove and go home if YOU get elected!
(and I say this as a guy that does NOT support Trump)
More recently, "If Obama..." "If they let gays serve..." "If women get to..."
And guess what?
Nobody phreaking got out. They modified their behavior and embraced the suck and drove on. Now when I hear it, I just tell them to get the hell out now if they feel so strongly about it. Go ahead, Major. If you're that damned skeert (I live in Alabama), get out now and save us all the pain of listening to you whine. Better yet - get out now and run for local office so perhaps in ten years someone can threaten to take their ball and glove and go home if YOU get elected!
(and I say this as a guy that does NOT support Trump)
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SPC (Join to see)
Very well said! Even in my comparatively VERY short four years (Thank you for your service!) I've noticed the same trend. Voted up!
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LTC (Join to see)
thanks MCPO Motyka LOL. Your perspective on candidates I had forgotten about. some were thinking the same thing for President Reagan. I guess decades earlier some where thinking the same thing about JFK vs Nixon over the fear of the first Catholic President. Fearmongering. We are all Americans. We will get through this in 2017. like FDR said in 1941, 'we have nothing to fear but fear itself.'
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MCPO (Join to see)
So, Sgt Kim Linton, would you actually care to comment? Why is it you disagree? Haven't you witnessed this yourself?
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Let's say I disliked Trump way more than the current POTUS. Why would I throw away my retirement for that? I would stay in.
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