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Gregory Bull / AP
The Marines say Staff Sgt. Gary Stein will be discharged for criticizing President Barack Obama on Facebook. He has since apologized to the president.
Sgt. Gary Stein, the 26-year-old Marine who learned Wednesday he would be discharged for his online comments criticizing President Barack Obama, wishes he could take it back.
“People ask me, ‘Would you go back and change those words?’ I would most definitely,” Stein told msnbc.com. “I would articulate my point better.”
On March 1, Stein wrote on a closed forum for active-duty meteorologists and oceanographers that he would say "Screw Obama" and not follow all orders from him, according to Courthouse News.
“Obama is the economic enemy,” he wrote in the post. “He is the religious enemy ... He is the ‘fundamentally change’ America enemy … He IS the Domestic Enemy.”
Marine who criticized President Obama on Facebook to be discharged
Five minutes later, another Marine took down his post, but not before someone Stein knew took a screen shot and forwarded the comment to Stein’s superiors.
Stein had already been warned about a Facebook page he had started in 2010, which he named Armed Forces Tea Party.
“They said, ‘All we ask is that you write that the views are not that of the Marine Corps or the Department of Defense,’” Stein said. He said he put up the disclaimer that day.
The Facebook page, which had six moderators, including Stein, included posts about contraception, gays in the military, pundit Keith Olbermann and Obama. One post included a photo of Obama with the word, “Jackass” written underneath. Stein said that was not his post.
Service members are, according to Directive 1344 of the Department of Defense, allowed to express personal opinions on political candidates, but not as representatives of the Armed Forces.
Last month, a three-member military panel recommended that he be booted from the Marine Corps. On Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo accepted their recommendation that Stein be dismissed for violating military law.
Stein said he repeatedly told Marine Corps officials he would shut down the Facebook page and not speak with the press if they allowed him to complete his contract, which ends in three months, but they refused.
“I think they’re trying to use me as an example,” Stein said. “Senior officers don’t want to hear, ‘You were the person who let this Gary Stein situation get out of hand. I think there might have been peer pressure among the senior enlisted.”
Maj. Michael Armistead, a Marine Corps spokesman at Camp Pendleton, could not confirm whether this negotiation took place.
Stein, an Arizona native, has been a Marine for nine years and was deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2006. Although he regrets his post, he still believes his online activity should be protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. Still, he said he would caution other service members to think before posting their opinions.
“I’m not telling them to zip it up or shut up; be conscious of what you post,” he said. He said he believes the Marine Corps should clearly rewrite the rules for social media in the wake of his dismissal.
In a phone interview Wednesday, Stein sounded tired. A former weather forecaster, he lost his security clearance and started working as a scheduler on a rifle range at Camp Pendleton. He said his wife’s grandmother died Tuesday night and he was diagnosed Monday with a throat disease. He said the Marine Corps is waiting to discharge him so that he can go through treatment.
“It’s been a rough day,” Stein said. “I’m disappointed. Not only in the Marine Corps, but in myself.”
Watch US News videos on msnbc.com
He said he plans to go through treatment and tend to his wife and 4-year-old daughter. He has been a licensed real estate agent for two years; last night he posted a house for sale on his personal Facebook page.
He also wrote on Facebook that he would not accept racist or vulgar posts.
“I will ban you and you will never be on the page again,” he said.
And he said he has also apologized to the president.
“If he was in front of me right now, I would salute him, say, ‘Yes, Mr. President, No, Mr. President,’ and when I walked away, I would still disagree with his policies. But those are two separate things.”
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I don't care for the president and unlike our soldier I have the right to disagree! If I ever met the president I would be nice and thank him for his effort! Why act ignorant like they did to Bush! Oh have you forgotten that!
That is the problem with Civilians, they don't know jack about how the military operates. The President, had nothing to do with this court-martial, it was the Marines immediate Chain Of Command. The President has nothing to do with the Article 15s or the Court-Martials that go on throughout our Military, that is why the Military has Field Grade Officers, and these officers have the authority to adjudicate. These officers are the ones that recommended that this case go to Court Martial, or SGT Stein turned down the Article 15 and requested a Court-Martial thinking he would win based on 1st Amendment rights, which are a non-factor in the Military. He gambled and he lost.
You are correct, too many of them do not understand that the military could not exist without the chain of command.
concur!
In business I was always taught to think twice at what you do or say because it can and most likely will come back to sting you in the ass. Your speech is free, but like many said, the ramifications can do more harm than good. And also, whether you like the President or not, for Gods sake, show him a little respect. After all, he IS the President of the United States of America. Respect seems to be something people no longer show. If one doesn't like it here in the US, nobody is forcing them to stay. And if anyone thinks they can do better than President Obama, then maybe you should consider getting into politics. It seems like a pretty dirty game no matte what side you are on.
OMG listening to all you idiots and your comments...You all need to get a life..And people need to stay off Facebook with there comments...Always causes a problem!
I feel sorry for the guy... A brave Marine who answered the call of his Country... but, the Military are not supposed to voice their opinions (at least not in the media). I can certainly understand where he's coming from, but you cannot have a strong Military if everybody is 'doing their own thing'. Still... I think that dismissal is harsh.
It is harsh and very unfortuante for him but there really is no alternative, especially after repeated warnings.
This was not just "criticism of the President". He named the President a "domestic enemy" and stated that he would refuse to obey orders from him. Members of our armed forces are sworn to obey their Commander in Chief, and the moment he indicated he would no longer follow orders, he gave up his right to be a Marine. And it seems like a no-brainer to me - if you were in the military, would you want to be in a dicey situation next to someone who didn't feel he had to follow orders, who felt he could do whatever he wanted? Would you want a loved one depending on that person?
You're correct, 49er.
49er, here is the oath he took
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
I do not see where it says he cant dissagree or voice his opinion do you?
While he said he wouldt follow orders from the CIF did he?
He has done nothing wrong I only wish he would have stood fast and not backed down.
As a defender of the constitution he should have pointed out
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances.
Joe, under the newly revised Patriot Act, Peacefully occupying property of the federal government in an attempt to petition them for a redress of grievances is now a Felony crime. Punishable by the minimum of 1 year in federal prison if convicted, and a large monetary fine. So much for that constitutional right.
I'll say it again: Thank you Mark Zuckerburg for creating a forum for narcissists to display their stupidity for all of us to see. We saw where those hikers set booby traps on a hiking trail - things that could kill/mutilate someone - and bragged about it in Facebook. We saw this one secret service agent posting inappropriate comments about guarding Palin when he's supposed to be the best-of-the-best in professionalism and secrecy: He's the same moron that was involved in the Colombia scandal.
This is social Darwinism at its finest. If you're stupid enough to post things on Facebook for the entire world to see in an attempt to brag - and it gets you in trouble: screw your "freedom of speech". You deserve what you get.
See 1568.3 above,fool.
This is absolutely ridiculous. Its sad to see how some people in here agree with what happened. This Marine has dedicated and put his life on the line for 10 years and he gets discharged because of how he feels towards someone? Really? I dont care if your the pres. of the US, the bottom line is there is that 1st amendment and that is for EVERYONE. I respect anyone who is up all night fighting for our freedom while we are sound asleep, or enjoying time with our families. Ya they tell you when you enter the service you dont have a opinion good or bad, thats horse crap. So those of you who agree with what was done here are telling me that you have never talked bad about anyone above you or below you? And if you have, bet half of you still had your job.
blah-5818201
It's not ridiculous at all. Ask this Sergeant and he'll tell you now as he knew before his actions they were wrong and in fact, he'd agree with the punishment as he could have been asked to sit on a board of inquiry where he too would have decided the exact fate for a fellow Marine in the same situation.
You have to had served or serving to understand military culture, which has been a time tested organizations for many years. Most of you don't know and most likely don't want to know, but your rights of free speech comes with a price and this Marine just paid the price as many has done before him and will and must continue to do after him so Americans can have RIGHTS that many people around the world will never have.
What I love is that he went on about his freedom of speech, but then says he will ban people from commenting on his FB page.
this is ridiculous, first of all Obama is a JACKASS, secondly this guy should have been able to express his views freely regardless if he was in the military or not. It is a shame people can't say what they think about the worst f'ing president ever. Ron Paul 2012!
As a proud Veteran of the US Army Airborne, I never questioned the orders that I was given. We didn't have the internet and facebook back then. At times I would say things I didn't like while in mid air before I made contact with the ground done my PLF, then I would keep my mouth shut. I always took time to thank God for another safe landing and that I didn't get shot in mid air before I made landfall. I don't agree with this Commander In Chief at all. He is the Commander in Chief. I'm just glad I didn't have to serve this GREAT NATION with this elected president. In my personal opinion I hope we the people of this GREAT NATION will vote him out.
I thank you for your service to the United States of America Marine. Just remember you have Honor and no one can take that from you my Brother.
Thank You All Who Served This Great Nation. I pray daily for all Veterans and those serving now as we speak.
God Bless Our Troops and Veterans, and the United States of America!
US Army Disabled American Veteran! AIRBORNE!! Sky Dragons! HOOAH!!
Airborne Leads The Way! HOOAH!!
i thought the meant the movie reviewer the critical marine
Though I support SGT Stein's rights to his opinion. It is a known fact that as a member of the Armed Forces you forfeit some of your rights normally afforded to U.S. citizens. In addition, we pledge to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States". The laws by which we elect our representatives are outlined in the Constitution. Also, though you may disagree with the person currently in office, you must respect the office itself. So, as a military member, you must defend the elective process and the system of government as outlined by the Constitution you swore to defend and you must respect the office. You cannot say that you will not follow the orders of the President of the United States who is the Commander in Chief. You also cannot denigrate your elected officials. The Uniform Code of Military Justice has multiple regulations on "Insubordinate Conduct" and "Disrespect". It's a shame, I'm sure SGT Stein was an outstanding Marine in the nine years that he faithfully served his country. His comments reflect the frustration felt by many of us who have sacrificed a portion of our lives to defend the principles the define this nation and feel we are ill used by those in office who have also taken the same oath.
You don't forfeit any of your personal rights, however you serve following a sworn oath, which is required to maintain good order and discipline. He like Marines before can state his opinions and disagree with the POTUS, but once he threatens the potential of maintaining your rights that he is sworn to protect he crosses the line. His actions as he announced would detriment your freedom should he ever had an opportunity to follow through, so he'll be joining you and those remaining in the armed forces will maintain their oath, so he too can enjoy the freedoms at their expense.
No his comments show someone who is a complete jackass. He had already been warned by the USMC to stop but he continued. He'd better hope that the tea baggers have a job lined up for him when he gets the boot. Oh wait, the baggers haven't created one job in 3 years so I'm afraid that he's SOL.
I have noticed that alot of people that wrote a comment has been removed,that makes me wonder why.Guess they said things about the marine,that his freedom of speech right was taken away from him.As i understand the First amendment isthe freedom of speech,does not exclude anyone,which includes the Prez.I do not like him,he has single handed destroyed the United States.He or anyone can not fire me from my job.What this Marine felt was his feelings and what he says on his Facebook is his business.This is America the Land of the Free,what happened to that statement?We are no longer a free nation,and that is sad.It is also sad when a current prez.is critizied for what other President's say or do,now that is wrong.The job of the Presidents is a hard one and the decisions they have to make are also hard,and he can not please everyone,but we as Americans do have our fredom of speach and if we do not like him for what he is not doing we have the right to say so.I only hope tht come election things turn out differently.
This is what blind hatred and ignorance gets you. Actions have consequences. He needs to go.
Half the people here on both sides are trying to make up a rule on the spot to cover the situation, rather than rely on the rules that exist already.
This isn't a matter of debate. The First Amendment doesn't protect this kind of speech. Military discipline trumps here, and this guy still doesn't seem clear about that fact.
There is a bigger issue then his posting something stupi. It's called freedom of speech. Something we used to treasurer and fought for. It's what started this country when we broke away from Britain, France and Spain and was cherished by our founders. But as we started becoming a society who wear's our "feelings on our cuffs", or as democrats don't like anything said against them that might sway the public, we're censored more and more and fired. Was it a dumb comment? Probably. But the very soldier who fought for our freedoms (that's what our soldiers stand for) and gets denounced for saying his mind? Ted Nugent was another. Was that a dumb comment? Yes, but I was shocked at the blog postings who called for his immediate arrrest and thrown in jail. At what point are we going to stop? All of us say something that will offend and does offend somebody else. Who makes the determination as to what calls for final punishment? The censors who are also sensitive? If we don't like what somebody says, we have a choice - turn it off, leave, write a rebuttal that shows what a jerk the first person was (using facts of course). We'd better wake up to the fact that when we rejoice in another's punishment, it will come back to haunt us at some point forward. But then again, we have so many people now in this country who come from communist/socialist thinking, they don't even know what it means to be able to voice an opinion, even if its not popular.
Hey, you don't criticize you Commander in Chief, be it George Bush or Barck Obama.
You don't seem to understand the way the system works. There is a difference between a serving member of the military criticizing their Commander-in-Chief and the "free speech" the rest of us enjoy; just as there is a difference between exercising that free speech through criticizing the President versus breaking statute law in threatening the President.
It falls under the category of good order and discipline. Whether he admits it or not, he knows that did down inside as a staff Sergent was contrary to his responsibility as an American Fighting man. He would not allow troops under his direction to willfully disobey his orders without consequences when in combat or any other time as the senior enlist and his granted authority. What's the difference between some young Marine and himself when his chain of command told him to tone it down and be careful what you post. He was repeatedly warned ... what other recourse did he give the Marines - take him out back? I will say that the punishment was a bit harsh but I'm sure there are details to this sensationalized story that we currently don't know about that warranted the Corp in making this decision when he was so close to his EOS.
US Navy, FC1
83-95
He was more in trouble for using Military internet and computers to make his posts not as much the correct content.
OK, now the guys just being a puss ... If you meant it, stick by what you said! Maybe he shouldn't be a Marine anyway ...
You don't criticize George Bush as the Commander in Chief and you don't criticize Barack Obams as Commander in Chief. Period.
The Marine Corps made a man out of him, he should be greatful. Marines are far and FEW, and as far as the Tea Party, that's a MOB, as well as the Bush administration was, committing acts of murder against our own for $, as well as stealing our 3.5T Clinton left for the nation. What about the 9 Billion Bush shipped to Iraq, with no oversight? The Bush Mob stole it. It was sent in big bills on pallets, and he used our military aircraft to do it. We let him get away with 'MURDER!' It was murder for hire.
outta meds? You sit there and champion obama who has shown nothing but disrespent for the military and then condemn Bush.
Don't you know all that kool-aid is bad for your kidneys?
navyvet98
I've not perceived any disrespect and I'm sure I served longer than both of you.
Dimba,
Well said. I served over 30 years and I don't have a clue as to what navyvet98 is speaking...disrespect where, when?
Odd you don't seem to be aware that all that and even more is going on under the current corrupt regime.
Can you tell me why?
Maybe NOW the little punk will understand discipline.
You know, the supposed reason soldiers go to war is to fight for the liberties we enjoy in this country, including the right to free speech. But they aren't afforded the same rights? That's BS! Of course, we all know that wars aren't fought to keep this country, or any other country, free. Wars are fought to line the pockets of the already wealthy and as a tool for greater power and for political reasons and to save our lifeline to the oil god.
He shares the same free speech as you, so what are you actually talking about?
I'll bet this guy feels like a complete dumbass right now. He's likely ruined years of hard work and dedicated service in one moment of emotional outburst. What I want to know is will he still receive his military pension and other benefits now that he has been discharged under less than ideal circumstances to put it euphemistically? I hope he does because one moment of foolishness does not discount what he did over the course of his career in service to his country. I mean come on people. He did something egregiously wrong and he's paying a dear price for it, but he does not deserve to have his whole life ruined or nine years wiped out. Show a little empathy here.
What I think we should all take from this is that you have to be careful what you put in writing online because it is truly out there for everybody to see. Be careful to reign in your emotions before getting online, and if you tend to be a hothead just stay away from facebook. If you must get something off your chest then do it anonymously like many do here. It lets you vent your emotions without the ramifications of your real name attached. Besides a lot of people feel things very passionately in the moment and then later after a little thought and perspective they see that most things aren't worth getting your gander up over and nobody really gives a @!$%# what we think most of the time anyway.
He didn't have enough time in for retirement unless he receives a medical which in this case is unlikely.
Other Than Honorable (OTH)
An OTH is the most severe form of administrative discharge. This type of discharge represents a serious departure from the conduct and performance expected of all military members. OTH discharges are typically given to service members convicted by a civilian court in which a sentence of confinement has been adjudged or in which the conduct leading to the conviction brings discredit upon the service. It can also be given as the result of certain civil hearings, like divorce for adultery. OTH discharges can be accepted in-lieu of court-martial proceedings at the service-member's request. Persons facing OTH are guaranteed, by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the right to have their discharge heard by an administrative discharge board, which is similar to a court-martial but is not a public forum.
Recipients of OTH discharges are barred from reenlisting into any component of the Armed Forces (including the reserves), and are normally barred from joining the Army National Guard or Air National Guard, except under rare circumstances that require exception-to-policy waivers. As of September 2006, all 50 states had policies barring the reenlistment of OTH discharge recipients.
Here again I see NBC making it look like this guy is apologizing for what he said.
Articulating what you say better and apologizing are two different things.
He should be sorry for NOTHING considering the actions of John Kerry.
There is a double standard!
Kerry wasn't actively serving in the military at the time he publicly turned against the Vietnam War. Big difference.
Then why was he wearing his uniform when he did it?
I find it the acts of a traitor at the very least yet they made him a Senator.
He may have broken some statute law regarding wearing a military uniform while not serving on active duty, for which I suppose he should have been punished; but I would hardly call Kerry a "traitor," because he changed his mind over the war, after serving honorably in that war.
Many fled to Canada to avoid service, or used political influence (if their family had such influence) to get into the Reserve or National Guard, to avoid being sent to Vietnam and placed in harm's way.