Is RallyPoint the appropriate platform for political discourse?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:35:31 -0400

As of late I have seen some make some very inflammatory political statements. RallyPoint is a unique platform that caters to service members. We all have our opinions but being a service member and making politically charged comments that reflect poorly on the service could lead to severe repercussions. Even worse is when someone posts questions with the intent of provoking servicemembers to make such statements.

As much as I enjoy using social media in various platforms but I often decide which platform may be appropriate. For example I use my IG for gym selfies and I use RallyPoint for military themed topics.

What is your take on this?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 1:05 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 01:05:58 -0400

As long as it's tied to military service. There are discussions that need to be tied to the political realm. The discussion of civil-military relations in our branches of government will be in that realm. Debating Title and Code sometimes requires political discussion, as does talking about the Secretariat. At the upper levels of the military, it's necessary to discuss the workings of politics and policy in the military. Keep the vitriol out of it though.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 1:28 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 01:28:38 -0400

In my opinion, the worst, or at least more vocal participants in these discussions are members who are no longer actively or part time members of the military. There are several times when I have needed to remember my status when crafting an opinion or reply on this forum.

To ne honest, I am more bothered by the religious posts that tend to flood the site.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 24 at 2017 3:54 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 03:54:17 -0400

Hey... when i was active i didn’t even vote because the Commander in Chief was the head honcho, PERIOD!

If there was a way to keep it unbiased...

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Oct 24 at 2017 4:38 AM

1LT Kevin Chapman — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 04:38:44 -0400

Generally, I would say no. The only time I think their should be an exception is if that specific political agenda was related to the military. Religion and politics aren't something that should always be openly discussed. Too many people have opposing views and it just causes disagreements. I'm very much into both but I prefer not to post my beliefs online.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 5:38 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:38:40 -0400

If all parties partaking in the discussion can maintain professionalism and respect the concept that everyone can have their own opinions then I would say, maybe. But that rarely happens.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Oct 24 at 2017 6:37 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 06:37:23 -0400

Well, if the political topics and/or the current event topics (Which have a lot of politics in them) went away, I am not sure how many posts there would be of enough interest to keep people coming back.

There are some that post good reads on military history or military related topics but I am not sure those would give you the kind of traffic you want/need.

It can be hard to discuss these issues because people are entrenched in what they think/believe on a variety of topics. I always like reading a well thought out post on a topic even if I may not agree with it. Too much of what we get are posts like " he is an orange buffoon" or "the president is trying to kill people by repealing Obamare" etc. etc. etc. These are not designed to create discourse or discussion which can be healthy.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 8:21 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 08:21:21 -0400

I think that as people who have sacrificed something in our lives, we all have a higher understanding in life in general. I am not only certain, but I am 100% confident that I could get along very well with fellow veterans/service members from differing points of view and backgrounds because it is the fabric of our being. I have heard harsh language in the military but at the end of the day we all can go out for a couple of beers and fight alongside each other for a common cause.
THAT unfortunately is exactly what our country USED to be like. Especially in congress, both sides of the aisle were able to legislate in the day and go out for a beer after evening session. This no longer applies.
The contemporary way is to be enemies and this polarizing effect has split our country. I find myself becoming sick when I hear the dialogue and the party lines and the propaganda. I feel like I am in a hostile and angry land when I walk through a college campus or reading the news, in general.
This polarization is not America, the hatred of the nation is not going to solve any underlying issues through violence, intimidation, subjugation, and misinformation. This is not going to heal this wound that has been opening and opening for the past several years.
In my opinion the only way to change this is to be the example. As veterans who have made a difference in our world and in our country we should be proud to debate political issues and we should be proud to stand up for what is right against the grain and against the screaming masses. We are calm, we are disciplined, we have fidelity to our cause (which is freedom), we know what it means to be put into a room full of unknowns, and become comfortable enough to fight alongside and die alongside fellow service members.
The only hope this nation has is he who will carry the guide-on and hold the guide-on high even when the masses want to step on that too.
So for me to discuss political issues is a must, the day we stop discussing political issues is the day we all lose our freedom and our purpose...

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Oct 24 at 2017 9:31 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:31:06 -0400

I think it can be done, respectfully. We need to respect each other as veterans, and place that respect on a higher plane than our own personal political opinions. RP is a unique forum in that we place our real names (almost always) and our relationship to the military right up front. That usually makes us all think twice before posting something disrespectful or inflammatory. I enjoy RP for the brotherhood, and the integrity of the vast majority of posts. It is unlike other sites, which have zero accountability, and that is what keeps me coming back to RP.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 24 at 2017 9:47 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:47:21 -0400

The military itself may not be a political organization, but politics dictate what it does and I'd argue politics affects its members even more so than the average civilian; and while it has been said, [our] job is to protect freedom, not exercise it, that does not mean SMs, and the vets who came before them, are an apolitical group in general.

So since it is impractical--at best--to try to separate the RP member from political discourse, I'd say its not appropriate to try, even though its not the main purpose for this website. Those of us who don't delve too deeply into overt political debate will continue to do so; while those who live & die by scoring political points, may continue to do so up to and until they cross the line of line of civil behavior as determined by RP. That seems reasonable to me.

Response by SGT David T. made Oct 24 at 2017 9:55 AM

SGT David T. — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:55:44 -0400

If we look at Clausewitz, politics and the military are inseparable. However, such discourse should be done the right way. If you are active duty, you have a few limitations on how said discourse takes place. In my case, I have considerably more latitude since I am completely discharged from the service. I think political discussions are important. It is good to know which way the winds are blowing. However, I think we need to remember to treat each other with respect regardless of position.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Oct 24 at 2017 9:56 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:56:05 -0400

As I have stated before on RP as long as the political posts relate to military service, veterans issues, or active military concerns then yes. However, a lot of posts have nothing to do with our military and are derogatory in nature looking for a fight. I admit I have been dragged into some of those unfortunately but int he end have decided to just not respond and move on. The problem with most of us in this generation is that we can't have an adult conversation. The way things are looked at is the kindergarten view. What I mean is that I want blue crayons because they look the best and you can't have any and if you take my crayons or think blue isn't the best crayon I have to pull your hair or bite you to get my point across. We can't have adult conversations and agree to disagree and then move on. There are people on RP that I disagree with most of their views...however, I really enjoy their posts because they make their point eloquently and with organized thought and when I respond in kind we vote each other up even though we disagree and move on...but we respect each other as veterans with different viewpoints. Then there are some that when you state your position they come at you with both barrels...it is at that time that I just leave the post and move on and usually don't read any more of their posts.

Long answer but to truly answer your question, I think RP is a good forum for political posts as long as they are related to military actions, military issues, or retiree and veterans programs. Anything outside of that I think they need to be on another Social Media site. Rally Point was started as a professional media site to connect military and veterans on common issues that we all face but I am afraid it is starting to get on a slippery slope to another regular Social Media site and we all have to be careful how we use it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 10:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:31:16 -0400

Political topics and current events are very much of interest to a military/ veteran audience. So those types of topics are in bounds.
Where stuff goes sideways is with individuals. RP is not generally plagued by the trolls that haunt many forums, but we are very much filled with opinionated people who don't like their positions challenged.
I say bring it. When I'm wrong, I will have the integrity to say so. I also am not so entrenched that my world is threatened by listening to a difference of opinion. I might just learn something.
However, politics is a minefield where a currently serving Soldier can get in trouble. There is fine line between discussing the merits or demerits of a policy and questioning civilian leaders. Stay on the right side of that, and I think that we as the instruments of that policy can garner much from discussing amongst ourselves.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 10:37 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:37:07 -0400

Yes. AD folks need to be mindful of rules on political discourse. Others need to stay within the RP guidelines. Realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts. Be prepared to defend any position with facts and sources. It's not a competition and sometimes the best we can do is to agree to disagree. Attack the message and not the messenger.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Oct 24 at 2017 11:01 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 11:01:37 -0400

I have had my beliefs changed by what others have said on here (I am talking about you SFC Shirley Whitfield ). We are a diverse group of people that have different opinions, experiences, ideas, etc. Yes, many times it devolved into heated back and forth, but if some people have their eyes opened, then isn't that what this is for? My 2 cents at least....

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 24 at 2017 11:02 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 11:02:55 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member "Is RallyPoint the appropriate platform for political discourse?"

No, but that is not going to stop members from posting good serious questions or personal positions and trolls from attacking just because they disagree, dislike, wish to spread their unhappiness.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 24 at 2017 1:25 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:25:27 -0400

SGT David Thomas hit the target with his Clausewitz example. The major difference is there are regulations existing today regarding AD and other certain categories that have restrictions on their identifying themselves as SMs and denigrating the Chain of Command. The rest of us are held in check by the administrators that will give you the boot, if you cross the line and ignore their warnings.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Oct 24 at 2017 2:01 PM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:01:57 -0400

I would like to see the majority of topics be military/veteran/military family related. Too often the majority of posts are Trump bashing or religious themed. If used the right way, this would be a great platform to utilize the experience and insights of Army, Navy, USMC, USAF, USCG, and Merchant Marine, active or reservist, officer or enlisted veterans. In my case, my son is a midshipman at the USMMA and SN Greg Wright has provided a lot of assistance for my kid preparing for sea year. I didn't know any merchant mariners, but thanks to RP, I was able to connect with one. I've seen many cases where current service members ask for guidance from us "gray beards" and the advice is invaluable. I wish I had RP when I was still active...for the leadership advice offered. Unfortunately, if I was still active, I would probably have stopped following because of all the POTUS bashing. It would have been too easy to "step in it."

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Oct 24 at 2017 4:03 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:03:17 -0400

It gets tiresome. I hardly get on here anymore. Seems like if anyone who responds to a post with any opinions or criticisms against the current president, they get attacked and labeled a "troll" or a liberal. So, not sure why that makes someone a troll, unless this is purely a far-right social media group, which is what it seems like anymore.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Oct 24 at 2017 6:10 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 18:10:23 -0400

I enjoy a lot of the back and forth on the political discussions......but what we could do with less of, is the name calling that sometimes takes over the discussion. We have all earned the right to express our opinions by having served our country......and we should respect each other even when we disagree. Especially.......lay off us Marines......we're real sensitive people and we get our feelings hurt easily.......LMFAO!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2017 7:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 19:09:48 -0400

Honestly i believe service members should not discuss political views. You can have your own opinion however our commander in chief is our boss regardless of democrat or republican and we took an oath to serve not based on political parties. RP should be used for military members to discuss military topics or views and should strictly be a way for us to connect. I see a lot of branch bashing which i think is uncalled for. Everyone has strong views for the branches they joined because you joined them for a reason. We should be able to discuss any topic like gentlemen of higher standard. It's ok to have political opinions but to promote that while being a service member is wrong. I served under republicans and i served under democrats and neither one made work any less.