Posted on Jun 5, 2016
Fort Riley prayer breakfast called off; controversial retired 3-star was set to speak
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I'm wondering the formation's thoughts on this. I don't necessarily prescribe to the General Boykin's comments, but I have certain feelings about Army leaders bowing to a few outsiders and taking away the Soldiers' opportunity to recognize our fallen heroes. D-Day, 6 June 1944, is a day in our history we have always recognized and paused for a moment to recognize those who gave everything, just as Pearl Harbor Day and September 11th.
Fort Riley prayer breakfast called off; controversial retired 3-star was set to speak
Posted from armytimes.com
Faith
Customs and Courtesies
Religion
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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Here's my thing. Whenever the Chaplain speaks, he invites people to pray with him. I am not particularly religious, and I don't have a dog in the fight. But because I respect the Chaplain, the Soldiers around me who do believe, and because I don't feel like it's as big an issue as people want to make it, I join my hands, now my head, and quietly reflect while the Chaplain offers his uplifting words in prayer.
A large population of our Army is religious - regardless of religion. Who does it hurt to simply be respectful and go along? If you don't believe - don't pray. But who does it serve to make a scene about it?
A large population of our Army is religious - regardless of religion. Who does it hurt to simply be respectful and go along? If you don't believe - don't pray. But who does it serve to make a scene about it?
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CPT John Sheridan
It's a matter of context. If it is a mandatory event, then there is a potential for a problem. Generally, it isn't a problem for most people, but I would guess that you haven't had the pleasure of working for an aggressive holy roller in a command position yet.
There are multiple issues here, but a voluntary prayer breakfast isn't one of them. The choice of keynote speaker was unwise. LTG Boykin is no longer an active Army officer. He is now an executive for a 501(c)(4) partisan political lobbying organization. Inviting him to play an official role in an official function probably violates prohibitions against partisan political activity. Consider also that he advocates for a religious test to serve and exclusion based on sexual orientation and its icing on the cake.
There are multiple issues here, but a voluntary prayer breakfast isn't one of them. The choice of keynote speaker was unwise. LTG Boykin is no longer an active Army officer. He is now an executive for a 501(c)(4) partisan political lobbying organization. Inviting him to play an official role in an official function probably violates prohibitions against partisan political activity. Consider also that he advocates for a religious test to serve and exclusion based on sexual orientation and its icing on the cake.
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SPC Mattheau Fain
That's basically my stance. I honor my fellow soldiers faith, even when I do not share it.
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LTC Angie Habina
Do you believe others, who are not particularly religious or of a faith, feel pressured to participate in Prayer Breakfasts or ceremonies with a benediction (or invocation)?
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I'm not sure I understand who the "few outsiders" are. I believe that it was inappropriate to invite LTG Boykin in the first place and that doing so violates legal and DOD restrictions against partisan political activity.
LTG Boykin is an executive for a partisan 501(c)(4) lobbying organization. He has no business participating in any official capacity in any official military function. He and his organization advocate for a number of things contrary to current law and DOD policies including, but not limited to, exclusion from the military of personnel on the basis of their religious affiliation or their sexual orientation.
The blame for the failure of this event belongs squarely on the shoulders of MG Grigsby and the cry of "outside agitators" rings as hollow today as it did during the civil rights movement. Quite frankly, MG Grigsby should be grateful to those "outside agitators" for pointing out the problem before it became actual misconduct.
LTG Boykin is an executive for a partisan 501(c)(4) lobbying organization. He has no business participating in any official capacity in any official military function. He and his organization advocate for a number of things contrary to current law and DOD policies including, but not limited to, exclusion from the military of personnel on the basis of their religious affiliation or their sexual orientation.
The blame for the failure of this event belongs squarely on the shoulders of MG Grigsby and the cry of "outside agitators" rings as hollow today as it did during the civil rights movement. Quite frankly, MG Grigsby should be grateful to those "outside agitators" for pointing out the problem before it became actual misconduct.
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Another example of why Trump is doing so well in the polls. The silent majority isn't going to stay silent forever.
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
Never heard of him. I just don't like speech being suppressed whether it be far left or right.
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