What would you do if somebody was hateful toward the President on Facebook?

2015-02-10T14:17:30-05:00

I was facebook today and I came across a feed that a friend of mine had commented on. Now I am used to seeing and hearing people criticize the President. But this post went from showing a dislike of his tactics to out right, racist, hateful and border line threatening. I want to comment on it and tell every last person on there what I really thing of their disgusting and tasteless way of using "freedom of speech," but I don't want the back lash of someone stumbling across just my name and not reading what is actually said and causing issues in my unit. I reported to facebook, but I really want to give them a piece of mind, and I the only on who feels this way about post about our Commander and Chief?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Feb 10 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-02-10T14:20:45-05:00

The fact that you're asking this here instead of lashing back there speaks to your character as a "high road" person. I'd just let them hang themselves. You aren't the only one seeing them as an ass right now, so my advice would be not to attach your name to it.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-02-10T14:28:17-05:00

Are the comments truly hateful and racist, or characterized that way because they do not favor 0bama??

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Feb 10 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-02-10T14:31:54-05:00

I have found that most people like that are trolls. They find some post that they can exploit and do whatever necessary to cause an uproar. My advice is to leave it be. If people are racist they aren't gonna stop because you"chew them out"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:47 PM

2015-02-10T14:47:51-05:00

If you have the patience, time, and energy, you can argue and debate with them in a civilized manner. However, I would think that they aren't capable of such intelligence intensive tasking. You will win at the end just by not using any profanity, name calling, or any kind of mundane low class tactic. When other intelligent human beings read the dialogue, they will recognize you as such and vice versa.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Mar 6 at 2018 8:42 PM

2018-03-06T20:42:07-05:00

Support them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 8:48 PM

2018-03-06T20:48:30-05:00

Ignore it, what someone's opinion of something is there problem, your belief is yours.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 6 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-03-06T20:49:53-05:00

If there is a threat, take a screenshot and send it to the Secret Service. Otherwise, wouldn't even engage, as many of the anti-Trump people are never going to change their minds and it would be a waste of time.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 6 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-03-06T20:52:48-05:00

What can you do? That pretty much describes the bulk of the nation...

PS: My bad, I thought this was about the current President...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-03-06T20:54:07-05:00

I would applaud their moral courage

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 6 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-03-06T22:07:40-05:00

IF your friends are SM's they are to uphold and respect the Office of the Presidency. No one said you had to like the person behind the desk, but blatant disrespect of him is not to be tolerated. He was elected into office, so they need to STFU and drive on. "Freedom of Speech" is not FREE of repercussions. I'd mention that to them. This is why we have social media training, but folks still think they're "anonymous" and what they say won't bite them in the ass later on. I know this would be a Blue Falcon move and a half, but inform them respectfully to stop while giving logical reasons why citing regulations and their duties as SM's. If that doesn't work, you as a NCO owe it to our integrity and the Creed to do something about it. You should screenshot it, report it, and know that you'll be one hurting puppy emotionally, but you'll sleep good knowing you did the hard right over the easy wrong. You could also scratch your name out, and use the Open Door Policy to speak to the PSG and 1SG on this. You'd be in worse shape if someone else screenshotted it, didn't etch your name out, and they report it. Now you'll look as bad as the asses who did it. Duty First!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 6 at 2018 11:00 PM

2018-03-06T23:00:47-05:00

Facebook won't help. They're leading the charge against President Trump. Either stay off Facebook or be prepared to fight

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Mar 6 at 2018 11:26 PM

2018-03-06T23:26:39-05:00

Folks have their own opinion either you disagree with or you don't but they are entitled to their opinion. It's no difference than the pure down outright hatred and racist that was showed against the previous president. We have our choices and folks make their choices based on their own beliefs. No president is going to satisfy everyone that's just the nature of that job. That's my two cents.

Peace!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 7 at 2018 12:41 AM

2018-03-07T00:41:29-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Don't engage on FB, Sarge. FB (the internet in general) is FOREVER. It can and will be used against you. DO. NOT. ENGAGE ONLINE. Screenshot, and report to the authorities. Then have a conversation with your friend, VERBALLY, and inform him or her that you have a different viewpoint, and you find his or hers incompatible. Then cut off contact. Why? You're active duty if your profile is correct (which I assume it is). YOU are held to a higher, and more strict standard than your friend is. IF your friend is AD too...report them to their CoC if it rises to that level.

Basically, cut bait and run. Do not get yourself in a situation where you can be UCMJ'd. Someone like that isn't worth 1/100th of you.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 7 at 2018 2:21 AM

2018-03-07T02:21:57-05:00

I was just mentioned on this post on March 6, 2018 SGT Private RallyPoint Member. Based on the date you posted it seems you were focused on former POTUS Barack Obama.
The issue you mentioned transcends administrations.
No President Donald Trump is President the tables have been turned.
However treating each person with respect no matter what their views are seem to be to be the best approach.
Certainly every service member needs to honor the Presidency of this nation.
Thanks for mentioning me SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter
What do you think? COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi LTC Private RallyPoint Member LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Jeff S. CPT Jack Durish MSgt Robert C Aldi SFC Stephen King MSgt Danny Hope SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Craig Marton SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT Private RallyPoint Member Maj Marty Hogan

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 7 at 2018 6:11 AM

2018-03-07T06:11:26-05:00

Those that speak in a negative way will eventually hang themselves out to dry. The threatening part will eventually come to light, and they will be taken care of appropriately.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 6:30 AM

2018-03-07T06:30:14-05:00

On this site I just block them.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Mar 7 at 2018 6:41 AM

2018-03-07T06:41:41-05:00

I would keep scrolling

Response by CPO Glenn Moss made Mar 7 at 2018 7:02 AM

2018-03-07T07:02:49-05:00

Haters gotta hate.

The Book of Faces is just another medium by which people express their opinions about whatever comes to mind. How one handles them shouldn't be any different than how they handle the same situation on any other medium.

How do I handle it? Well, since the Book of Faces is under my own name, I have to keep in mind that some of the people out there are real fruitcakes and maybe I don't need to be interacting in a fashion that may place me or my family in danger. Usually I ignore them. When I do interact, I keep it to the "calm and reasonable" level on my part, regardless of how the other person may be acting. If they can't keep it civil? Well, that's no excuse for me not to be civil.

I do admit to poking a few buttons once in a while, though. But there's an art to it...ya gotta be subtle about it and do it with class.

;)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 8:52 AM

2018-03-07T08:52:39-05:00

Check the date of the post folks. Feb 16 2015.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-03-07T08:57:17-05:00

The more things change, the more they remain the same. The OP posted his comment on Feb 10, 2015 ... while Obama was the POTUS. It could just as well have been posted today and refer to Trump.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 7 at 2018 9:12 AM

2018-03-07T09:12:29-05:00

I find it bothers Me no matter who is in the white house when there is open blatant criticism of the President in front of the International Community. It seems that some have no regard for how foolish they can look by an obvious lack of support for our own elected President. Freedom of speech is valuable but sometimes it should at least be considered how We appear to the rest of the world if We are to retail and level of respect for our leaders and our nation. In some instances the person I voted for did become President in others they didn't. In either case a lot of other people also voted and that individual became President, that is the reality, accept that and support the choice. I know that job as president is one I would never want. You may have noticed that no one that ever served in that office ever escaped the signs of stress that that post imposed on them. I don't advocate You not have an opinion and use Your Freedom of Speech but try to also maintain a level of dignity with that if You can.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Mar 7 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-03-07T09:39:57-05:00

While on active duty, I served four Commanders-in-Chief. I didn't always agree with all of their policies or positions, but would never think of disrespecting the office. With that said, I've had to cut a few friends from my group because of their extremist positions. (One because of racial "tones" against Pres. Obama and a couple of more due to their anti-police rhetoric.) If this person is active duty, you should remind them of the consequences they face by disrespecting and threatening POTUS. If not, you might need to distance yourself from that "friend." Early in my military career, I had to distance myself from some of my high school group of friends. They engaged in criminal activity and I had a security clearance. We were on different paths. It's hard to do, but your career (and peace of mind) is worth more. Don't let others bring you down. Good luck.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 7 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-03-07T09:49:37-05:00

block the person & keep scrolling..

Response by Eric Lund made Mar 7 at 2018 10:11 AM

2018-03-07T10:11:09-05:00

If the post was threatening report it to the secret service and or the FBI. If it wasn't then its free speech. As a soldier, you don't possess that right. so speak your mind all you want but be very careful what you write or allow to be recorded

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 10:11 AM

2018-03-07T10:11:41-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member The best response is a classy one but you can also message your friend and tell them in private exactly how you feel as well. Typically I like to use a mixture of sarcastic humor and truth to get my points across. Good luck though!

Response by Susan Foster made Mar 7 at 2018 10:31 AM

2018-03-07T10:31:05-05:00

You are right. There's nothing like social media to bring out the worst in people--even friends and relatives you love and thought you trusted, much less strangers. Something about being anonymous to most people who comment seems to give people the freedom to say the vilest things. If you check out their FB profile, often you will see they are "made up" (whether Russian bots or they've adopted another identity), and they love to stir the pot. No matter how awful the meme you saw, there were some on there of our last POTUS that were as bad and even worse. Then, people who are of a like mind will share it, without even realizing the hate they spread. Or they don't care. There's a big difference in posting an article for facts around a meme, and participating in the hate, but I can tell you that someone who does just does not care about facts at all. The best thing you can do (for your own blood pressure reading and your sanity), is to just move on. You can block the person easily, you can unfollow them and not see that person's posts. But engaging with idiots? Not worth your time or energy. Believe me, few people have had their minds changed on FB, especially those that post mean and hateful things about anyone.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 10:57 AM

2018-03-07T10:57:31-05:00

First president I can remember who had bad things said about him was Truman. Everyone since has had the same.

I am sure those before him also had the same, but, that is beyond my memory.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Mar 7 at 2018 11:14 AM

2018-03-07T11:14:26-05:00

I think any of our Presidents, past and present deserve a certain level of respect regardless of what one thinks of their policies. Like most social media, Facebook has a certain amount of anonymity so it's a good place for cowards to say things they would not otherwise say in person.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 11:47 AM

2018-03-07T11:47:37-05:00

You'll most likely find fakebook sympathetic to the disgusting post. It's a sad reality. I've lost contact with family members and friends over political BS. Sometimes you can't win when their arguments are emotional and it's better for your mental health to cut ties. Personally, I'm happier overall, not rebutting their non-factual arguments. It's just sad I lost friends and family.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Mar 7 at 2018 3:42 PM

2018-03-07T15:42:41-05:00

It depends on if the person that was disrespecting the CIC in a public forum, is an active duty service member. If they are you should remind them of UCMJ Article 89. If they are a civilian, retired or a veteran free speech rights apply to them.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Mar 7 at 2018 8:07 PM

2018-03-07T20:07:16-05:00

In my opinion, it's not our responsibility to take up for any sitting President. We can but we don't have the weight or authority. I'm sure the White House has a group that monitors and looks for potential threats.
It is disappointing to see so many who are so narrow-minded they want to see him fail. They are still so upset they lost that they'd rather see the office fail which will hurt all Americans. I've got into several conversations where I shouldn't. With the millions of people here and access to internet people are going to respond.
Like any interaction online, I'd suggest waiting to think before making a reply. Does it need to be done? If such an idiot makes a threatening claim and is caught then his/her entire social media will be scrutinized. If you're on it, you could be approached. Best not to speak and remove all doubt than speak hastily and prove otherwise.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 10:04 PM

2018-03-08T22:04:37-05:00

POTUS is a big boy and has the entire US Armed Forces and thousands of Federal Agents to watch his back. Stay out of it.

Response by SPC Jay Peltier made Mar 11 at 2018 5:45 PM

2018-03-11T17:45:10-04:00

Thats hard, especially considering the inflammatory and what most believe is the racist nature ofnour President.
I remember our last President was and is still the target of ridicule based solely on his race. Its sickening.

To be clear, i am no fan of our president. I follow politics and the news and see the horrible result of this disastrous man.

However, he is our president and the office should be respected. Call him all the names you want, but threats against the president should NOT be tolerated.

If he has made specific threats, u should report him to the authorities, and at least to your superiors

If its just talk, but not threats, then argue all u want state ur case.

Again, i am not a fan of this moron in chief, but i took an oath, and no matter i how i feel about him personally, if i was present when an assassination attempt happens, i would jump in front of a bullet for my President, even if its this one.