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I am not in the military myself, and the closest military member I know at this moment is my best friends’ husband.

From what I understand when you sign the contract becoming a member of the armed forces (any branch) your Freedom of Speech is one thing that you AGREE to accept limitations on (amid other rights you agree to give up — like agreeing to be tried in military courts vs. civilian courts, etc...).

It’s why a member of the armed forces is not permitted to attend a political event IN uniform except in an official capacity as well.

IMHO, keeping the media OUT will actually allow these soldiers MORE freedom in regards to their actions in meeting with Sarah. I would like to think that he is taking these precautions on behalf of the Palin supporters within his troops — not to STOP them from speaking out, but to protect them from the media which would definitely try to politicize this event, and in turn may get some of the soldiers in a lot of trouble (for speaking against the CIC which is definitely one of the things that isn’t allowed to be expressed openly).

This is what I would like to believe in this instance at least. The truth? Not sure. We also have to take into account that this may be better for Sarah as well. The media WILL want to make this visit look like some kind of politcal event, and that is NOT Sarah’s intention...

It would be nice to be able to compare her reception with the reception that Obama got — but the only reason it would be good would be in a political way, WE (her supporters on the outside) WOULD, unwittingly perhaps, end up politicizing this event, would we not?

I fully admit that I may be completely wrong, but that’s how I’m seeing this at the moment. This commander KNOWS his troops are going to be whooping and hollering for Sarah - compared to being ORDERED to listen to Obama.

I think I may be having trouble explaining what I’m trying to get at here — so, please give me a little leeway! LOL If I’ve been unclear feel free to ask me to explain more! :)