Marine critical of Obama faces charge

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SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Marine Corps on Wednesday notified a sergeant who has been openly critical of President Barack Obama that he is violating Pentagon policy barring troops from political activities and that he faces dismissal.
Camp Pendleton Marine Sgt. Gary Stein started a Facebook page called Armed Forces Tea Party to encourage fellow service members to exercise their free speech rights. He declared a few weeks ago that he would not follow the unlawful orders of the commander in chief. Stein also criticized Defense Secretary Leon Panetta for his comments on Syria.
Stein, a nine-year member of the Corps, said he did nothing wrong and planned to fight the charges. He had applied to extend his service, which was set to expire in a few months.
"I'm completely shocked that this is happening," he said. "I've done nothing wrong. I've only stated what our oath states that I will defend the constitution and that I will not follow unlawful orders. If that's a crime, what is America coming to?"
The Marine Corps said in a statement Wednesday that Stein's commanding officer ordered a preliminary inquiry on March 8 after receiving allegations that Stein posted political statements about Obama on Facebook in violation of the Pentagon's directives.
"After reviewing the findings of the preliminary inquiry, the commander decided to address the allegations through administrative action," the Corps said.
Stein said in addition to being discharged, he would have his rank reduced to lance corporal if he is proven to be in violation of the rules. He said he was removed from his job at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego on Wednesday and given a desk job with no access to computers.
According to Pentagon directives, military personnel in uniform cannot sponsor a political club; participate in any TV or radio program or group discussion that advocates for or against a political party, candidate or cause; or speak at any event promoting a political movement. Commissioned officers also may not use contemptuous words against senior officials, including the defense secretary or the president.
In January, an Army reservist wearing camouflaged fatigues got into trouble for taking the stage during a rally in Iowa with Republican presidential candidate and Texas congressman Ron Paul.
Stein was first cautioned by his superiors at Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, in 2010, after he launched his Facebook page and criticized Obama's health care overhaul. Stein volunteered to take down the page while he reviewed the rules at the request of his superiors.
He said he determined he was not in violation and relaunched the page. Last week, he said his superiors told him he could not use social media sites on government computers after he posted the message stating he would not follow unlawful orders of the president.
Stein said his statement was part of an online debate about NATO allowing U.S. troops to be tried for the Quran burnings in Afghanistan.
In that context, he said, he was stating that he would not follow orders from the president if those orders included detaining U.S. citizens, disarming them or doing anything else that he believes would violate their constitutional rights.
Another Marine alerted his command about the statement, Stein said.
Stein said he respects the office of the president, but he does not agree with Obama's policies. He said he is within his rights to speak up.
The Marine Corps said Stein is allowed to express his personal opinions as long as they do not give the impression he is speaking in his official capacity as a Marine.
Spokesman Maj. Michael Armistead said earlier this month that the Corps was taking a closer look to determine whether Stein had crossed that line.

Wait, the military is not a democracy? I'm confused.

The President is the Commander in Chief. Soldiers don't get a free pass to mouth off about their commanders. Even the perception of that has cost generals their jobs. I don't imagine Sgts are immune.

I don't think wanting to defend the constitution and not having a good opinion of obama, and mouthing off are the same thing.

I would be pretty pissed at nobama if I was in the military to, I mean what does he think the people in the military are expendable garbage to be used at his disposal no matter how stupid his plans of military action? Probably, but I'm glad even people in the military are fed up with some of the crap going on in this country.

I don't think wanting to defend the constitution and not having a good opinion of obama, and mouthing off are the same thing.

As I understand it, illegal orders are to be followed, (after declaring them as such,) and then reported to one's superiors - Not posted on a facebook page. You're entitled to your opinions of the president, but I'm pretty sure refusing to follow an order from him/her would be grounds for at least a dishonorable discharge.

With all due respect, the military justice system(UCMJ) doesn't care what you think. The rules are the rules and if you're active duty, you must obey. Like it or lump it, fair or unfair.

Really? I never would have guessed, but unfortunately for them I'm not in the military so they can't kick me out for having such opinions now can they.




Good grief! What leads you to believe that past presidents have thought any different about people in the military?

He's a low brow wingnut who doesnt have the brains to follow orders from his direct superiors. It's a Darwin Award in the making.

They should put him in the same cell with Manning. Those two seem to think that military rules are optional.

The oath he took as a Marine is to defend the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic. Obama is a domestic enemy of the United States, and so with words he was defending his country against the incumbent enemy who is holding office. Yes, he's in violation of a regulation regarding respecting the commander and chief, but when the commander and chief earns disrespect then should they be kept silent and not have the freedom of speech they fight for lazy civilians to have?