Posted on 11/27/2017 5:02:57 AM PST by Kaslin
The case of Second Lt. Spenser Rapone, West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, has raised a number of issues relative to our military, our Bill of Rights, and our common defense.
Lt. Rapone is the West Point graduate who displayed, while in uniform, expressions of support for communism and socialism. He allegedly was critical of national command authority as well.
The Army has begun an investigation into how this young officer’s perspectives and anti-authority leanings were not uncovered prior to his graduation despite concerns from some of his academic officers at West Point.
When I personally condemned his actions and recommended disciplinary action, I received a number of widely varying comments on social media about the young officer’s actions and the discipline suggested. The vast majority condemned him and called for various forms of punishment. Most agreed with my perspective that he should be dismissed from the military and forced to repay the cost of his West Point education.
A number of other people suggested that taking any action against this person was unconstitutional because it violated his freedom of speech. When myself and fellow veterans noted that military personnel, while in uniform, have limits on our freedom of speech, the debate went viral.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
He would have had to lie...I distinctly remember being asked directly if I supported enemies of the US of A! I told the truth!
What happens with this case will tell us whether we have passed the point of no return. Personally I think nothing will happen to this POS. He will be allowed to serve out his time in the army. MAYBE he’ll be taken out of any leadership role.
I would add that Freedom of Speech is NOT Freedom from Consequences.
When I served in the Navy any shipmate who displayed that sort of behavior and attitude would have been treated to a “blanket party”.
I agree 100 percent with you.
There is no place in the military for subversives. While I’m at it none for perverts,either.
There was a guy in our platoon who almost attacked me for playing the Beatles song “Back In The USSR” in the barracks. I felt he was taking it all a little too seriously.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.