Since when is blatant disrespect of the President acceptable?

2015-10-10T15:39:38-04:00

Lately, I have seen a constant trend of disrespect towards the President and Commander in Chief. I know everyone has the right to their opinion and disagreeing with the President or his policies is fine in my opinion. To each his/her own. But to attack the man, Not his policies is in my opinion disrespectful especially from service members who are still on Active Duty. So my question is do you think this behavior is acceptable from our servicemen and servicewomen? Please try to stay professional.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-10-10T15:43:46-04:00

It's never acceptable, and I've made a point of it several times. You don't have to like your boss in the military, but you do have to show respect to the office.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 10 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-10-10T15:52:35-04:00

1st, unless you are a commissioned officer, UCMJ does not address disrespect to the CINC.
2nd, I have no issues with attacking the person, when the person has done something worthy of being called out for.
3rd, in general I prefer to address the what, not the who,, more so if the who is part of the group discussion and issue. Attacking the subject and not the person is less distracting and agitating.
But still, I have no problem with calling the POTUS a narcissistic, politic hack who is borderline criminal in many things he chooses to do, and is only not prosecuted due to being the one who controls the prosecutor.
Does that answer you question?

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-10-10T16:14:19-04:00

Only the OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT deserves automatic respect. This pathetic excuse for a human, let alone the POTUS, deserves no respect from any sensible American, and for several legitimate reasons: He is a proven, pathological liar; he is an irrefutable fraud as a politician; he has demonstrated his complete lack of concern for America in his foreign policy dealings with Arab nations; he has violated numerous provisions of the U.S. Constitution as they pertain to the Executive Branch; he has surrounded himself with persons of equal capacity for deceit, conspiracy, and contempt for the laws of the land; ad infinitum. I would not walk across the street to piss on him if he was on fire. And don't anyone DARE bring up race. I despised Lyndon Johnson with equal disdain and for many of the same, legitimate reasons.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 10 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-10-10T17:19:38-04:00

Active serving service members bash POTUS at their own peril.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 5:24 PM

2015-10-10T17:24:15-04:00

I don't think it is appropriate. This is the first president to be in office when social media was as prolific as it is now. He is a victim of that more than anything. He is also, I will admit, very polarizing. He seems to have people who love or hate him but not a whole lot in the middle.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Oct 10 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-10-10T17:56:27-04:00

A scumbag is a scumbag no matter what job he has.

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Oct 10 at 2015 6:08 PM

2015-10-10T18:08:13-04:00

Maybe Obama don't respect the Military, his policies have had a serious effect on the Morale of the Military. He purged out some of the best Generals, he's going to allow openly transgender to serve, we already have openly gay serving because of him and now he is going to allow females in all combat arms. Some of his service secretaries are just YES men and they don't seem to have a clue about doing what's right for the military. Putin even understand that we have a weak President and he's taking full advantage of it. Just my opinion.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 10 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-10-10T19:16:31-04:00

What is disrespectful and what isn't? No one is more critical of this President and his Administration than I. I have spoken out against his policies, his decisions, his every act as President. However, notice how I capitalize "President". I never use profanity or pejoratives in referring to him. I never twist his name into juvenile abstractions. Of course, I have complete latitude to criticize the President. I'm a veteran. Indeed, I consider it my duty to speak on behalf of those whose voices are muted by their status as active service members and agree with my views. I counsel them to keep the peace and let me do the talking. I would hate to see their frustration mount if they had no voice and no one else was speaking what they are thinking. Ultimately, I counsel them to direct their antipathy to We the People who elect people like this President. In less than two years we will have the chance to begin the healing process but only if we choose more wisely in the future.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-10-10T20:58:02-04:00

Regardless of UCMJ, the office of the President of the United States of America demands respect. I'm no fan of President Obama, but as far as I'm concerned, open blatant disrespect reflects more on the person doing the name calling than the person receiving it!

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Oct 10 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-10-10T21:10:49-04:00

It is not. I've never heard of any other U. S. President being so disrespected during their tenure like Barrack Obama has been! It's ok to disagree but not ok to disrespect the postition of the President of the United States. No one President will ever be perfect. The President should not get the full blame for everything, Congress and Senate should take some blame as well.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Oct 10 at 2015 9:15 PM

2015-10-10T21:15:23-04:00

I agree SFC Private RallyPoint Member It's been terribly disconcerting to hear, see, and experience the constant disrespect toward our CIC. I am always open to the idea of attacking one's ideas, or policies, but the personal attacks against President George W. Bush by many on the left, and by the Media in particular was appalling. Regards

Below is a list of phrases printed about President Bush by the media.....
"Lately, liberals have grown incredibly concerned by the level of supposed disrespect conservatives show President Obama, which is interesting, because those same liberals seem to have forgotten how they treated the last president.

For eight long years, they showed respect to George W. Bush by coming up with a nearly endless list of insulting nicknames for him.

Here is just a small sample, in alphabetical order, which were helpfully posted by the website Democratic Underground in November of 2005:

AWOL, AWOL Drunk, AWOL McPsycho, Baby Bush, Bogus Potus, Boy George, Bubbleboy, Bunnypants, Bush the Lesser, Bushie Boy, Bushitler, Bushollini, Bushturd

Caligula Jr., Campaigner in Chief, Captain Bunnypants, Captain Cowboy, Cheerleader in Chief , Cheney's Sock Puppet, Chim-Chim, Chim-Chim in Chief, Chimp, Chimpass, Chimp in Charge, Chimp in Chief, Chimp in Thief, Chimpoleon, Chimperor, Chimpolini, Chimpus Khan, Chimpy, Chimpy McBunnypants, Chimpy McClueless, Chimpy McCokespoon, Chimpy McDrunkard, Chimpy McFlightsuit, Chancellor Chimp, Commander-in-Chimp, Commander-in-Thief, Crawford Coward, Curious George

Dances with Monkeys, Darth Moron, Dictatortot, Dubya, Dumbya, Dumbyass, Drinky McCokeSpoon, Drunken Coke-Whore, DryDrunk, El Busho, El Shrubbo, Emperor Chimpatine

Fearful Leader, Flightsuit, Flightsuit Boy, Flubya, Fratboy, freakinchief, Furious George, George Oilwellian, George The 2nd, The Boy King, George Wrong Bush, Georgie , Georgie The Smirking Chimp, Giggling Murderer, Gutless Wonder Boy, Herr Bush, Hillbilly Hitler, His Accidency, His Chimperial Highness, His Chimperial Majesty, Idiot Bastard Son, Idiot-Boy, idiot-in-chief, Junior

King George, King George II, King George the Mad, King Gorge the Filth, King of the Dollhouse, Little Boots, Little Lord Pissypants, The Little Turd from Crawford, Miserable Failure, Monkey Boy, Moron-in-Chief, Mr. CuckooBananas, Mr. Potato Pants

Narcissist-in-Chief, Nero, Not My President, Oaf Of Office, OPEC Errand Boy, President BlowMonkey, President Bobblehead, President Coked-up Fratboy, pResident Evil, President Oops, Pretzel Boy, Pretzeldent, Pretzel-Dunce, Psychopath in Chief

Rhodes Squallor, Satan's Monkey, Short Bus President, Shrub, Shrubbo, Shrubby, Shrubya, SmarmySmirk, Smirk, Smirking Chimp, Smirky, Smirky McCokespoon , Smirko McCokestroke, Smirky McChimpster, Smirky McFlightsuit, Smirky McWarHardon, Sociopath in Chief, Son of a Bush, Spurious George

Texass, The Boy Blunder, The Boy King, The Boy Wonder, The Callous Fratboy, The Chimpenator, The Cretin from Crawford, The Giggling Murderer, The Little Emperor, The Little Turd from Crawford, The Lone Star Executioner, The Maniac from Midland, The Most Hated Man On Earth, The Silverspoon Sociopath, The Trillion Dollar Man, Thief in Chief, Too Stupid to be President, Toxic Texan, Turdboy

Unelected Moron, Village Idiot, War Chimp, Weak and Stupid, Wing Commander, Witless Wonder, Worst President Ever, WTF"

Response by TSgt Alexander Lewis made Oct 10 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-10-10T21:28:27-04:00

Respect to the office that he holds yes I agree. But as for the man himself respect is earned not automatically given.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Oct 10 at 2015 9:50 PM

2015-10-10T21:50:29-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, this editorial appeared in the Kansas City Star on May 7, 1918. It was written by former President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909). There have been many thread such as yours on this subject, and I've posted this quotation many times. This was addressed to a generally civilian population, so for those still serving, they are still subject to the various articles of the UCMJ.
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."

Response by SMSgt David Zobel made Oct 10 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-10-10T22:46:25-04:00

Without reading the other responses, I'd just say that griping, including assessment of an officer or commander's character, is a long and honored enlisted tradition. That said, complaints concerning the President's person or character should never be done in the public square by any active military member. Period. Afraid that would include Rally Point, folks.

Response by Sgt Matt Koeneman made Oct 10 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-10-10T23:04:47-04:00

As I heard many times throughout my career, You may not respect the person, but you will respect the rank. At the end of the day I have no problem with service members speaking their minds. Especially about a lame duck president. We all fight for the same Constitution, and if he can't respect it why should he personally be respected.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Oct 10 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-10-10T23:33:17-04:00

I am so with you. There are still tea partiers attacking Obama for his birth certificate. While a person may dislike a politician, we still have a president and that position deserves respect.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 11 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-10-11T01:33:09-04:00

Everyone who hates President Obama should just copy and paste their rants from the other dozen or so questions like this. I don't think it is acceptable. I think it is disgraceful.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 11 at 2015 2:04 AM

2015-10-11T02:04:24-04:00

That's been going on since George Washington. We had to if it walks like a duck cartoons. In his day his critics said if he acts like a king . . .

http://www.mountvernon.org/research-collections/digital-encyclopedia/article/press-attacks/

Press Attacks

The George Washington Digital Encyclopedia is the place to learn more about George Washington and the wide range of subjects related to his world and the colonial era.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 11 at 2015 6:23 AM

2015-10-11T06:23:44-04:00

SSG Joel Murray
Remember the First Amendment rights. They apply to the office of the President as well. There has never been a worse president. He is a Muslim, not an American and pisses on our Constitution daily. We need to get him out of the WH, however possible. As to Active Duty, the oath we all took does not infringe in any way on our rights.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2015 7:25 AM

2015-10-11T07:25:06-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Yeah people never did that to President Bush and the others did not let terrorists come freely into our country and they did not blackmail Veterans and Service Members with regard to their paycheckcs over GITMO!!!!! STOP WITH THESE THREADS. THEY ARE HORSE CRAP!

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Oct 11 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-10-11T07:44:12-04:00

SSG Joel Murry, the political machine, in my view, is one of contentious debate born out of a solution to throwing punches in a fist fight. We see this during elections to any office for municipal to presidential elections. I am not sure why it started but here is the facts as I see them.
1. debates are set up and promoted like a boxing match. the participants are presented to the fans like boxers fired up to knock out the opponent.
2. media has evolved from commercial to presenting our social reality fueled by businesses. All views, aspects of criticisms, and carefully edited statements from those politicians to support a talking head "statement of fact".
When I here personal attacks on the person of my commander in chief it makes me "not happy". When I was in Iraq I thought comments on President Bush as a person was contentious. If they really believe what garbage they are expressing would they want to physically harm him? If I continue to watch the news and the talking heads I will become more ignorant of my own opinions based on my own beliefs, ethics, or convictions.
My answer to your question, disrespect of the president is only acceptable when referring to job performance. It goes into personality, in my view, because we as voters and citizens want people to physically look like us, believe like we do, like the things we like, or do what we believe they should do based off our perspectives on what it means to be free under our Constitution.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Oct 11 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-10-11T10:28:51-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member The level of disrespect towards this president is beyond my belief. Shameful.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-10-11T10:34:54-04:00

No its not acceptable. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. But if you are military the president is your boss and im pretty sure there are even articles in the UCMJ that punishes this unprofessionalism

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Oct 11 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-10-11T11:34:42-04:00

I'm sorry, but there is a difference between disrespecting the "Office" of President and disrespecting the man. I have the utmost respect for the Office of President. I have NO respect for it's current occupant. I was willing ...in the beginning ... to give him a shot, but that ended long ago. At this point there is NO WAY he could regain any respect from me.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Oct 11 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-10-11T11:46:47-04:00

I'm surprised you did not bring up how President Bush was treated. I never saw MSNBC complain about it. But they are constantly whining about Obama treatment. they like to create straw men. You have a group that protest about taxes. And Obama sends out his minions to demoralize them and make them look like racist.

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Oct 11 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-10-11T13:11:20-04:00

We were taught no matter what you thought to respect the rank. Thankfully I am not Active Duty now. This current administration has caused more strife, more racial tension, and more demoralization in this nation than any I have ever seen in my almost 54 yrs of life on this planet.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-10-11T15:14:58-04:00

I remember during 8 years of President George W. Bush, and anytime anyone said anything critical of him-- his intelligence or whatever-- many Conservatives would jump on that person and angrily remind them that "if you can't respect the man, you should at least respect the office he holds!" and that insulting the POTUS during time of conflict was "undermining" him and "encouraged our enemies". I saw those kinds of lines delivered to a lot of people that criticized Bush (and at the time, I still considered myself "Republican-ish"; I wasn't the one criticizing him) from a lot of different sources.

I noticed how all that evaporated as soon as Barack Obama got elected, and the same people who were lining the office of the Presidency with rhetorical support were now attacking, insulting, and berating the man holding the office. Even here I see people doing the old "I respect the office, but the man is a $#&*@!" tap-dance that never would have been accepted just a few years before.

So, it became acceptable when it became convenient.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 11 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-10-11T15:30:10-04:00

Mommy said I have to play nice since some cant handle the truth and feel left out because they cant hang with the big boys and make comments like we do... So I am stepping back from my comments on this topic which has never been a good one for me as my mouth does runneth over a lot. I apologize to the people I have made feel inferior because your hands are tied due to your being active duty. I wish you all happy reading on this one and Ill stay out....

Response by TSgt David L. made Oct 11 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-10-11T15:58:18-04:00

My guess would be that there is so many things to complain about. Its hard to separate the office from the man...
It is wrong to go as far as some folks do, but it means that there are a lot real feelings that are coming to the surface. We have a year left. Unless he writes another law, this one being a king position vs. an elected president! :-) LOL

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Oct 11 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-10-11T16:32:46-04:00

Disrespect is never acceptable. The DoD is a part of the Executive Branch and we serve the Office of the President and the Holder of that Office because he got the job. Our duty is to support our President and execute our taskings to the very best of our abilities and without complaint. We are volunteers all. We took oaths and oaths mean something. There is no gray here.

Response by SPC Bill Earley made Oct 11 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-10-11T17:04:52-04:00

I think you should keep it on a professional level and keep it to yourself. You can't keep everyone happy it's impossible. I don't agree with a lot of things but he is commander at the moment show respect for a little while longer.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 11 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-10-11T17:21:53-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I will preface my statement here by saying this. I have read your post, and not gone further. That way, my answer is my own, and not a regurgitation of other opinions:
Disagreeing privately or respectfully is fine. Vocalizing or writing about how one thinks the President is a this or that, by currently serving military is unacceptable behavior. We as service men/women do not have the same freedom of speech as the rest of the Nation, as whoever holds that office is the Commander In Chief. Just as we are unable to spout off on Rally Point or Social Media about General, Colonel, Captain etc... so and so, being a blankety blank, and not worth a ______. Unacceptable. That is not to say that service men/women must blindly obey. We MUST however conduct ourselves professionally and are subject to higher standards and take care to not bring discredit/dishonor to our profession. Your vote is your own, to use how you choose in an election. When you don't like the current political landscape, vote to change it. But, take care not to push your opinions down the throats of your subordinates.

The tendency today is think that anything can be said on the internet, with no consequences. That is a misconception, unless one does not care, and that is often a mistake.

That is what makes RP such a interesting environment. You can have an opinionated discussion with others, and if you keep it respectful, you can truly engage and learn. If you become a jackass, the conversation will likely get shut down.

**now to go read what others have written SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"

Good topic

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-10-11T18:47:10-04:00

I'm no fan of Bush, but how many of those that support the current president, spoke up when Bush was being disrespected? How many of those that support the current president were participating in that disrespect?

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Oct 11 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-10-11T19:21:23-04:00

If the shoe fits.... Know this. He despises the armed forces and blames our military for the worlds problems. It's nice of you to defend him, but don't expect him to defend you so long as you defend liberty.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 11 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-10-11T19:47:01-04:00

I didn't vote for Obama & don't respect him & don't like him or his policies. He is responsible for the most divisiveness I have seen in this country in my life time... When I was active I respected the President and Commander in Chief. But am an old Marine Veteran now and can't wait for Obama to leave the White House and go back to Chicago and do his thing.. I am not worried about my behavior being acceptable or not.. You have to earn my respect SSG Murray & Obama has not done anything for me to respect him.. I love my country and I love my family & we deserved better than this for seven years... My thoughts and I welcome those who don't agree

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Oct 11 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-10-11T19:58:47-04:00

It has never been acceptable SFC Private RallyPoint Member but a small minority here at RP are unable to check their personal feelings when it comes to this particular President and it shows in numerous displays of their disrespect. I don't doubt if it was President Romney receiving the same amount of vitriol the very same people would find their forgotten sense of decorum. You will find senior leaders on both sides displaying this unprofessionalism. Just don't let it cast a negative light on the whole of RP. Some of us are still professionals and adults. WE are able to keep our personal feelings aside.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Oct 11 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-10-11T21:24:14-04:00

You have to have respect before you can disrespect. You can try to demand respect, but that doesn't always work. One's actions will get more respect than any words.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-10-11T21:45:59-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, It's never acceptable to show disrespect to anyone, but especially to the POTUS, no matter who it is. I don't personally like his mannerisms or his lies, but I do respect the man as our POTUS. I'll be happy when he is no longer our POTUS but I'll respect him until he isn't. I was taught to respect men or women in management positions. While I was in the military, I didn't particularly like Westmoreland or Johnson, but I did show respect as my commanding General and POTUS. If some things that are being said in these days, were said in my time, and you were in the military, you would be in deep dodo. Today you don't have to watch what you say while in the military as much, due to too many liberals protecting them. IMHO

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-10-11T22:03:37-04:00

SCPO Donnie Jones, I would like to know why you have blocked. What did I do or say that would cause you to do that? You don't have to answer but being man to man is showing respect and I do respect you. Keith

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Oct 11 at 2015 10:14 PM

2015-10-11T22:14:54-04:00

Maybe if he wasn't making friends in Iran and running the national debt into a 14 trillion dollar insurmountable hole and placed his hand on his heart during the national anthem ect, ect, he would command more respect.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Oct 11 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-10-11T22:16:21-04:00

Disrespect toward anybody and anyone is UNACCEPTABLE, whether is the POTUS or not. It should be call out and disapproved.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Oct 11 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-10-11T22:35:50-04:00

The answer is no, not for any President. Unfortunately, there are some, regardless of his policy or his position, will use this as an acceptable opportunity to attack the man personally, and call it "political games" to vent their racial frustrations while still respecting the "office". We've had some good Presidents, and we've had some bad Presidents, but never has a president face so much BS from the top down, and that disrespect from the top has flowed down to the lower levels as before I retired, I was amazed at what Sr Officers and Sr Enlisted allowed verbally in their sections to be said about President Obama, that was never allowed referencing any other President... I even ended up with the 1Sgt and Cmdrs office because I squashed it in my section, and was told that I was too politically sensitive... Go figure... Especially since I voted republican that year... Either or, After a notification to forward it to IG, they backed down (It shouldn't have even come to that), but the rest of my career became stagnant... Anyway, not saying this is from everyone, this is just my experience and my opinion...

Response by PO3 Adam Finley made Oct 11 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-10-11T22:53:04-04:00

Is it a personal attack or the truth. Some feel the man has gone so far off course and violated his oath of office with his actions. For what it is worth.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 2:13 AM

2015-10-12T02:13:06-04:00

Here is a core question and it begs an answer: Can any of you people think it is right to suspend Military paychecks over Gitmo? If you do, you are a political and detestable cad. I did not retire so there is that but also, if you agree with this then you are complicit. Every damn thing he wants, he gets. This is a taboo but politics trumps fairness and doing the right thing. We have stop-loss with the Air Force, massive layoffs to all services and Generals who hate the President.

So, I do not get where anyone thinks this is right. What is Gitmo but a place with very dangerous people and what person wants to release more creeps into society? American people like the Constitution just fine and are sick of the grandstanding and then the commensurate bitching about the President's feelings being hurt. Are you kidding me? Do you really expect people to embrace and fight for this hubris? Stopping paychecks and blackmail are not worthy of respect and it will never be.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-10-12T07:51:29-04:00

There is a difference between a lack of respect and disrespect. Unfortunately we have developed to the point that we no longer see that. If you don't respect my guy I have to call disrespect. Same goes for those on the other side of the question.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 12 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-10-12T07:51:37-04:00

This is no different than when the left attacked President George Bush the only difference is that it's the people on the right saying negative things about the current president

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 9:07 AM

2015-10-12T09:07:59-04:00

I hate to break the ice .... the is their 1st Amendment right ... respect is earn, it is not given even with the title.

As a military personal? I will solute and obey his orders, don't mean I respect him a bit. Don't we share this experience somewhere along the way in our military career that we have a really really bad CO?

So make no big deal about it.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-10-12T11:18:47-04:00

I attended a seminar where we had to write a supporting statement for the a view that we were in disagreement.

It was one of the best exercises I have ever had.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Oct 12 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-10-12T11:25:36-04:00

Never

Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Oct 12 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-10-12T12:08:29-04:00

Opinions aside, he is POTUS period. I don't agree with some of his decisions with in uniform and not out of it. But still he is the President, and has taken more from so many since day one in office. People always like to compare Presidents for a multitude of reasons, but I know one thing, no other President has been so disrespected as President Obama has. I'll role with the punches on this but he holds the office and the responsibility that comes with the office. I will still show him respect.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Oct 12 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-10-12T13:56:55-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member - Staff; It appears to becoming more and more "acceptable".

The more I look into what has been happening since 2001, the more I'm tempted to damn BOTH Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama by saying "He meant well." about both of them.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Oct 12 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-10-12T21:49:46-04:00

SSG Murray,

Racism is rampant on Rallypoint.

Walt

Response by CPT(P) David Thorp made Oct 12 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-10-12T22:03:32-04:00

Well we know where it's all coming from. Look at these hateful posts. This is commonplace on any Tea Party/conservative page.

Response by CPT(P) David Thorp made Oct 12 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-10-12T22:31:43-04:00

Look at this one I just pulled off the Tea Party page - the guy calls him "dum ni---"

As if leaving out the "gger" somehow doesn't make it racist. A perfect example of how many so many conservatives feel the need to express their racist feelings but understand that have to either hide it or do it indirectly.

Response by Maj Dave Howell made Oct 12 at 2015 11:00 PM

2015-10-12T23:00:45-04:00

In the military, never. He is CIC.

As for me, I owe no such allegiance to the office. As a citizen patriot I stand guard for you and all citizens against tyranny, of which too much has already occurred.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 13 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-10-13T11:03:31-04:00

Absolutely not; SFC Private RallyPoint Member. I know how Much he is bashed on Facebook. I just stay out of it.
It is simply not appropriate for Service Members to attack their own Commander in Chief. Simply Not okay. Like him or don't like him; but if you have something mean/rude to say about him; stay far away from our President. He is all we've got.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-10-13T11:25:03-04:00

I agree. Disrespect of the office by service members is wrong. There is a problem with this statement though, the definition of what constitutes disrespect of the office is open to interpretation and varies greatly from one person to another. Some, and many in this post alone, believe that disagreement constitutes disrespect. That is wrong.

But...

I am also of the opinion that he should show the same level of respect to others that he demands from others.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Oct 13 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-10-13T12:21:23-04:00

Fortunately, retirees have a little more leeway when it comes to openly discussing our opinion of the current and former Commanders in Chief. Personally, I prefer the use of civil relatively non-inflammatory language, regardless of my personal feelings on a subject. What interests me however, is how many people who felt it was acceptable to make personal comments about President Bush (his intelligence, his grades, his vocabulary, etc) are now completely incensed when similar comments are made about President Obama.

Response by MSgt Arthur Sanchez made Oct 13 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-10-13T12:45:16-04:00

I agree, there are ways to show discontent. Blatant disrespect eventually leads to chaos and further disrespect and eventual erosion of structures in society. Frustration may cause one to act out their emotions but the ability have some discipline and separates us from an unruly mob. We promised to do a job and be part of a team, you don't have to like it but that you gave your word to do. As I recall, in the military your not allowed a political affiliation. Have some respect for your self and what you agreed to do, next opportunity you can always get out and and act like a civilian. I think some of this problem stems from poor leadership when leaders openly express discontented opinions in front of the troops.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-10-13T12:50:06-04:00

Glad you brought it up, SSG. I saw a great deal of disrespect toward George W. Bush and I'm seeing a great deal toward our current president as well. I have political views, as anyone does, but I don't express them in personal terms, rather as general principles; as an active duty officer I don't want anyone to take my opinions as being disrespectful and so I avoid that possibility and I think others should as well.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 13 at 2015 5:22 PM

2015-10-13T17:22:22-04:00

Disrespect towards the President is not acceptable. The disrespect is happening because the President is a Black man and is done by those that have an issue with having a Black President.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-10-13T17:38:41-04:00

idk but im with you here, i keep hearing all over the place the disrespect for the Commander in chief. We are professionals and that kind of talk needs to stop. I think as leaders we need to start addressing that issue at lowest levels.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 13 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-10-13T19:06:21-04:00

Blatant disrespect in the presence of the POTUS is unacceptable for any member of the armed forces of the United States is unacceptable in all cases SFC Private RallyPoint Member.
However going back at least to President LBJ disrespect, for the man that got us heavily involved in the Vietnam War, was somewhat common for deployed draftees. Every President since I enlisted in 1974 has done things either deliberately or inadvertently through his administration which generated disrespect from some military service men and women - Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, G W. Bush, and Obama have each made decisions which adversely impacted many military members.
This is the era of the sound-bite, 24 hour news, unconstrained social media [RallyPoint and Together We Served are the exceptions], cell phones with cameras which is somewhat unique to the 21st century. I think it is naive for anybody to think that each service person is mature enough, sober enough at all times, or not over burdened with grief to hold their tongues at all times when it comes to criticizing the focal point of the Presidential administration namely the POTUS.
LTC Stephen C., SCPO Private RallyPoint Member, SGM Erik Marquez MSgt James Mullis, Sgt Richard Buckner, CPT Jack Durish, TSgt Kenneth Ellis, SSG Ryan R., SGT Michael Glenn, SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Forrest Stewart, SGT Randal Groover, SGT Robert Hawks, SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Oct 13 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-10-13T19:08:47-04:00

never. You can disagree with policy, but NEVER disrespect the COC

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-10-13T19:43:22-04:00

Every 3-6 months we get these horsecrap topics with these gyns coming and going almost instantaneously. I would love to meet old satch above in person and tell him what I think of him because this may be a case of stolen valor. Even the picture pisses me off. Whoever it is, is a poser.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Oct 13 at 2015 10:14 PM

2015-10-13T22:14:11-04:00

Any politician in any position, having taken the oath of office to support and defend the constitution of the United States, and then having violated that oath, has lost any respect from me s/he may once have had.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-10-13T22:43:12-04:00

I was a perpetually angry adolescent when Mr. Bush was president, and I had no limit for the vitriol that I would spew in disagreement with his policies in private. When Mr. Obama won I found it strange that people could feel the same, especially publicly. The difference is, I think people are less inclined to be private in their opposition to elected leadership, especially the more strongly they feel on the subject. However, service members must remember to be professional on political subjects. If you are referring to any official by just their last name, it reflects poorly on you. This may be a private forum, but many of us are still in uniform and must reserve that certain level of respect for the President as we would for any other member of our chain of command.

Even when I am on RP, I do try to maintain a professional stance because I don't know who might be reading my posts (and potentially because I might work with some of them down the road), but for those of you that already have an idea to my views; I will still regard the President with the same amount of respect while I am in an official capacity regardless of my views toward them.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-10-13T23:20:38-04:00

Frankly, I think the better question would be when did vocal disapproval of a President become unacceptable?

I realize that as a member of the Armed Services it is inappropriate, but at what point did entering the service mean giving up the freedoms that are guaranteed by the very same constitution we swore to protect? A person's right to voice disapproval of the government was an important aspect and the entire country was centered on protecting the citizens from being forced to silently comply with a tyrannical government. Yet, we have soldiers losing their careers over stating their disapproval of their Commander in Chief. If you ask me, no one has a greater right to voice disapproval of government than those being sent to protect it. Yet we protect the trash who started a Facebook movement to walk on, wipe their a** with, and burn a flag that people fought and died for because THAT is constitutionally protected?

I do my best to never disrespect the president, I never associate my uniform for my opinion, but the president has completely disregarded procedure, trampled across the separation of powers, misused the office time and time again and brazenly speaks of doing so as some sort of success. He set out to "fundamentally change the country" and has done so without the legislative branch as he so stated, "He has a pen and a phone". As if that weren't enough, his administration has been caught in scandal after scandal from running guns to Mexican drug cartels to using the IRS to target conservatives during an election season, something that in itself would have led to impeachment in the Nixon era. He uses the Department of Justice to override state and local authority to bring charges against people to push race-wars, like he did with the George Zimmerman case based entirely off of fabricated Media stories. Then he invites a kid who made a "clock" that any sane person would believe to be a bomb and brought it to school to the white house, and politicizes a school shooting to once again try to bypass congress and the American people to push what he deems to be "commonsense gun control". There is no shortage of reasons for any constitution loving American to criticize this president, which is why so many are "improperly" disrespecting the president. So my question is, when did it become unacceptable to criticize the President. The left certainly didn't hold back in regards to Bush, so why should conservatives hold their tongues for Obama.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Oct 14 at 2015 12:37 AM

2015-10-14T00:37:24-04:00

Whether I like the man or not, I still respect the office and position, and this should never be personal. So, no it is not ever acceptable.

Response by CSM Stuart C. O'Black made Oct 14 at 2015 2:47 AM

2015-10-14T02:47:03-04:00

Should never be tolerated regardless of the regulation or your opinion of the person - he is the Commander and Chief. You may disagree with your Company Commander but do you think the same disrespect would be tolerated?

Article 88 of the UCMJ is rooted in the British Articles of War of 1765 - yes for Officers but 134 covers enlisted below.

In June 1775, the Continental Congress adopted this provision and slightly modified the language to make it applicable to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In 1776, Congress amended the provision to prohibit the use of traitorous or disrespectful words against the United States Congress or any state legislature in which a soldier or officer may be quartered. The provision was modified again in 1806 to preclude the President and Vice President from being treated as objects of disrespect. The provision remained unchanged until Congress incorporated it into Article 88 of the UCMJ in 1950.

Numerous articles in the UCMJ restrict the speech of service members, and two of those could affect political speech. Article 88 pertaining to Officers but Article 134, known as the catch-all article, makes criminal those acts of speech that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or that could bring discredit upon the Armed Forces. If your chain of command thinks your political involvement has affected your unit or the military, you could be punished under this article. Contemptuous "means insulting, rude, disdainful or otherwise disrespectfully attributing to another qualities of meanness, disreputableness, or worthlessness."

I would also point out that under Article 2 of the UCMJ, retired members of the military drawing pay, as well as active-duty service members, are subject to UCMJ provisions. So if you think retiring will allow you to escape UCMJ action, you are wrong as well. But that is another topic - Service does not end with retirement otherwise you were only in it to collect a paycheck.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Oct 14 at 2015 3:39 AM

2015-10-14T03:39:39-04:00

I dislike the way the military uses the word respect, and then some of the other mantras they have around respect. Such as respect is earned not given, but if you ever acted “disrespectful” to a superior, and stated that your reasoning was that they had not yet earned your respect you would be in deep shit. I think the question is are we showing the President the appropriate amount of courtesy in our discussions?

Personally I don’t like it when people use insults against the President, I didn’t like it when they did it to President Bush, and I don’t like it when they do it to Pres. Obama. I also think this whole argument of I respect the office… Insert derogatory remark is a great way of getting around showing any common courtesy for the President. Now if the individuals on active duty they should go ahead and take that remark and replace the President’s name with their commanding officer’s name and consider if their chain of command is going to find that remark appropriate. If you’re a veteran or a retiree feel free to say whatever you wish, but particularly in the case of Pres. Obama is considered a very likable President on at least a personal level, when you engage in a rage rants laced with profanity and without substance you not bring people to your side of thinking.

Response by 1SG Albert Phoenix made Oct 14 at 2015 6:36 AM

2015-10-14T06:36:59-04:00

It's total disrespect. Service members need to respect the Office of the President of the United States whether they like him or not.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Oct 14 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-10-14T10:44:12-04:00

My opinion is my opinion. That being said I don't express my opinions on the administration on social media or written in anyway. When I choose to express my opinion it is done by me as a private citizen and not as a member of the military. I also only express my true opinion to close family and friends. If I am not free to express my opinion to my family and close friends, am I truly free?

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Oct 14 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-10-14T13:38:38-04:00

Having no respect for the President is fine. Showing open contempt for a sitting POTUS is adding fuel to the fire.
To quote a favorite military joke:
"Sir, can I call you an a**hole?" asked the Private.
"No, Private, I would cut silly little sack off" answered the DI.
"Can I think you're an a**hole?" asked the Private
The DI responded "This is America, you can think anything you want"
Private: "Well I think you're an a**hole."

You can think it, but you might think twice before saying it.
Voice you opinion at the ballot box. All other ranting is pointless and counterproductive. President Obama is a lame duck President that will be out of office soon. All this chatter is just noise. Concentrate your energy on getting the right person elected next.
Plus, ISIS is using your open contempt as proof that America is weak and cannot work together for a common cause. Look into it if you doubt me.

Response by SR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-10-14T13:58:20-04:00

Is the subject about presidential fruits and vegetables?

Response by CWO3 Warren Gaudreau made Oct 14 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-10-14T14:23:58-04:00

Disrespect for the Office of President is not acceptable, disrespect for the criminal currently holding the office is unavoidable for a patriot.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Oct 14 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-10-14T14:57:32-04:00

I guess it all depends on your view of him as a person. Though, you must always respect the office of the President, you just don't have to respect the person in that position. I feel this goes for both current and Veterans. I feel that those still on active duty must bite there tongues when it comes to saying anything about the President, personal or professional. He is still your boss. Now that I am out I feel I have every right to voice my opinion of the person and the job he is doing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 9:43 PM

2015-10-14T21:43:08-04:00

Every American has the right to their own opinion. However, while in uniform it is your duty to keep your opinions to yourself and support the POTUS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 3:03 AM

2015-10-15T03:03:36-04:00

Easy scenario. If you have a job and you start telling everyone you work with that your boss is a POS, you'd most likely get fired. You shouldn't do that to the President either if you're Active.

Additionally, there are plenty of sites that support Hacktivism. If you're that into it after discharge, you should join one of those sites. You shouldn't post it on sites like this that can bait young Soldiers into commenting and getting into trouble.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 15 at 2015 3:31 AM

2015-10-15T03:31:54-04:00