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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.”
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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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Freedom of speech, if we had a leader of the country maybe no one would have to speak out but WE don't. As far as Commander and Chief even God could not help the USA.
To all those defending the action of this marine your answer is simple...see I am a recent U.S. citizen and during the study to obtain my papers for this country it was taught to me that the President is the boss of the military...he's their CEO basically...now imagine yourself going on FB ranting about the CEO of your company and ask yourself how long would it be before you are hitting the unemployment line
People need to understand that there are consequences to their actions. Just like any normal person, if you put up something stupid on facebook, you're gonna get in trouble for it. If you're going to be stupid enough to do something like that, then be prepared for the consequences. I know for a fact that if I defame my school or workplace in that manner, I'm a goner. No excuses.
When you raise your hand you give up the right to say certain things.
What this guy did was not too smart. You don't criticize your superiors on facebook or in any other way.
I don't agree that he should have recived a less than honorable discharge.
Obama's goon squad is very powerful and persuasive.
I guess it's better Obama than Bush. Bush probably would've charged him as a Taliban. That would've been a lot worse. lol
i'm sorry fillmore but can you stick to topic and quit trying to show you smarts.
That last statement really turned me off. It just goes to show his lack of genuine loyalty aka "fake-ness", which is probably not far from his real character.
When one signs a contract to join the military ( yes there is a legal contract they sign in addition to taking the oath to obey the orders of the POTUS and all officers appointed above them) , one VOLUNTARILY AGREES to relinquish certain rights as a private citizen. This is ABSOLUTELY necessary to maintain order in the military and goes straight to national security! So one DOES NOT have the right to express one's opinions in a public forum. General McChrystal had to learn this too when he expressed his opinions in an open forum.
I served under President Bush ( the dad). I didn't like him, I didn't like my former CO, I didn't like the Commander of the South Korean forces and thought he was an idiot. But you know what? I shut the hell up because I knew the UCMJ and volunteered to follow it whether I agreed with it or not!!! End of story. So all of you who are arguing this Marine had his rights to freedom of speech denied him, obviously you never served in the military and don't understand military law.
This man is a disgrace to the uniform. I am ashamed to have so many fellow citizens defend this scumbag, he has NO honor. Our military is set up the way it is so that discipline is maintained within the ranks. I am an independent, and a former member of the military. My son is now a special operations soldier who was highly involved with the dispatching of osama bin laden. What if at the last moment one of SEAL team 6 decided that he did not feel the orders were constitutional, and decided to disregard his orders. Do you think that the operation would be in jeopardy? Whether or not you agree with the president, as a member of the military, you follow orders!!
This disgraced soldier, posted on a website used by other professional soldiers...in fact they were the ones who took down the website and reported this to their command, this should tell you something
I've read other post stating that he was a hero, putting his life on the line every day of his now defunct military career, HE WAS A WEATHERMAN, a desk jockey!!
Please all of you extreme right wing fools, tell me exactly how this president has wiped his a$$ with the Constitution, to put it in the words of another coward Teddy Nugent.
From a previous post:
Here is Obama's view of the Constitution as he stated during a 2001 a radio interview in Chicago:
Where is Obama's SUPPORT for the Constitution?
bestintexas23
freedom of speech is sadly fading away along with other rights that most people take for granted but a marine or any armned force's personal should have the right to say what ever it maybe, so with that being said @!$%# barack obama cant even call him a man all he's done is lie to the people that voted for him and supported him including the ones that kill for him
Pretty pathetic if this is the "bestintexas'. On the other hand, it's explains a lot.
Reality-Bites. The Republicans should have been booing this dude in the Reagan Library not the Gay Soldier. Regardless of who the Commander in Chief is you respect them. It is treason. Now that he's not seeing the paycheck or retirement. He's all "Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry". Boo-hoo Mother @!$%#er. Get a job.
I get the feeling that this Marine only stated what a large majority of military personnel feel and think, but keep to themselves. If Obama were to issue an order that the military finds unreasonable, such as infringe on our constitutional rights, it's safe to say most of our military would uphold the Constitution first and foremost. We all know of Obama's low regard for our US Constitution and his recent efforts to contest it when his policies are not in line with it proves that point.
Truth you are so full of it. I being a retired vet think you are wrong with your statement but I was just wondering, What is giving you this feeling? Please tell
Most of you don't really understand the concepts of Freedom of Speech. His case doesn't fall under the 1st Amendment, he broke the rules and now he's going to suffer the consequences as he should, especially since this wasn't his first offense. Why even be in the military if you don't believe in the Commander of the Armed Forces?
Because until Obama, most military personnel believed their Commander in Chief.
What do you expect from the military when their new CIC doesn't SUPPORT the US Constitution, which they are sworn to protect. Here is an example of their Oath and an example of what Obama believes:
Here is Obama's view of the Constitution as he stated during a 2001 a radio interview in Chicago:
Where is Obama's SUPPORT for the Constitution?
@ Truth....it does really..Hurt, doesn't it?
I've asked this on quite a few post, again, What exactly has the president done that is unconstitutional?
Stating that the President doesn't believe in the Constitution over, and over again does not make it TRUE!!
@ Truth....it does really..Hurt, doesn't it?
I've asked this on quite a few post, again, What exactly has the president done that is unconstitutional?
Stating that the President doesn't believe in the Constitution over, and over again does not make it TRUE!!
um...unless you are inferring that Obama lied when he said it, then it is true. Perhaps I was giving you too much credit to put it all together.
Looks like you can't tell the truth from a hole in your butt.
Your reading comprehension needs improvement.
The freedoms in the Constitution are formulated by telling what the government cannot do. The government cannot establish religion, cannot prosecute you for your speech, cannot infringe on the right of the well regulated militia to bear arms, etc. I don't see how it's related to the point 2.
Constitutionality of buying insurance is under SCOTUS review. Do you agree, though, that hospitals are obliged to admit indigent patients, without any guarantee the services can be paid for? Let's allow doctors and hospitals to reject patients who are uninsured. Is it better?
3. That's BS.
His discharge from the military is appropriate.
Had LBJ as NCA when I was a 91bravo way back in the day. I think the good SGT is getting of rather light. Stating that you would not follow an order from the CIC? That would have been 6 6 and a kick in my day. For sure!
I am a military wife. One of the FIRST things we learned about the military is that the PRESIDENT of the USA is commander in chief of the armed forces and that total respect is expected. Period. NOW he whines. But, he knew what he was doing and did it anyway, as a young (26) person with a not totally mature brain is wont to do, occasionally. BUT, goodbye and good riddance, IMO.
Remorseful? Other than honorable discharge will do that to you
This is an Isolated incident. Their are probably many in the Military who have shared in public, views and opinions on Obama the Tyrant. This is signs of things to come.Democracy and the Constitution are now history. Bring on the Rapture and the Tribulation. New world Order is here! Get those foreheads and wrists ready! 666.
He had every right to feel and even express how he felt about whatever, but to start a page and say something like that about the President who is his CIC? Common Sense went out the window for Freedom of Speech? He was told to simply add a DISCLAIMER after he was repeatedly warned about other statements. If he dislikes the CIC this strongly, then he instantly becomes a threat. He said that he would not follow orders. Really? Isnt that what the soldier did who murdered those women and children a few weeks ago. He did just what HE wanted to do and loot it caused. We're lucky it wasnt worse.
He's not a dedicated Marine. If he were, we wouldn't be having this conversation and he'd still have a job with the Armed Forces (benefits,housing (allownance, military healthcare, etc). All gone.
There again people......its called The Uniform Code of Military Justice..."UCMJ" (google it), and EVERY Service Man or Woman gives up their constitutional rights when they take the Oath............Its very clear on that day to everyone who does it, been that way since 1950, You are under a completely different set of rules.....period
I am amazed at the number of RW/Religous nut people who think this marine is some king of hero for talking nasty about President Oboma. Oh well, all the teabaqqers I know talk the same as he does, real rude. It seems like they all were vacinated with devil's phonograph needle.
So far they haven't yet reached the low point that liberals go to when bashing Palin, Bush, Cheney or even Romney. Libs get away with that because no one expects them to be civil, muchless moral in their critiques.
Mule' I'm with you. This is carzy the mentality of the far right. I just can't believe the amount of hate thats spewed forth.
Hasn't ANYBODY on this Blog served their Country?
This is a forum comprised of mostly liberals. Not many have served our country. Rather, they expect the country to serve them...
You have a bit of reading comprehension problem. Many people on this forum stated they served. Many even in Vietnam war.
yes I have, Nov. 1980 - Mar. 2003
This is a wonderfully true song and while we may not agree with all of the decisions made by leaders, you CAN NOT be a member of the ARMED FORCES and say that you will not follow commands of the CIC. This young man is a most dangerous type of NARCISSIST. He doesn't need to be in any branch, let alone A MARINE. Remember, "People die when rules are not followed." Dont put any of us at risk. Yes, he could put us at risk. He is a weak link and if an enemy sees that, they may be inclined to believe that we can be taken down.
Now that he is the average Joe selling Real Estate, he can say and do whatever he chooses. It no longer matters, because he no longer matters. (Unless he do somethig else foolish and end up in the News) 15 minutes of fame, done. Life-time of regret accompanies it (this freedom of speech).
What a misleading header, I wish I could take it back...no, he said , I wish I could reword what I said, that is a big difference. Dirt bag is just sorry that he did not listen to a direct order to knock off the the stupid @!$%# in the beginning and then he wouldn't be thrown out on his ass...LOL
He want's a reality show.. hate to tell him but Hollywood is liberal.
"Dirt bag is just sorry that he did not listen to a direct order to knock off the the stupid @!$%# in the beginning"
Yep. He got warned, then he got served....with walking papers.
I've recently have come to this conclusion based on being on this earth for nearly 50 years:
Most people cause their own problems. Mr. Foot-in-the-Mouth Marine is just one of many examples of this. Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Mel Gibson, Lindsey Lohan and the list goes on and on.
Say good-bye to free speech. The truth is there are very few real men in the military anyway. Where have all the Patton's gone. Slap the $$$hit out of the dude and go on.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ, 64 Stat. 109, 10 U.S.C. Chapter 47), is the foundation of military law in the United States. It was established by the United States Congress in accordance with the authority given by the United States Constitution in Article I, Section 8, which provides that "The Congress shall have Power . . . To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval forces."
This is the UCMJ. Come on into my Marine Corps talkin' that smack. I'll hit you over the head with it!
and I am sure it is equally applied and not just when it is said against obama.
@Erod84...
Yes, it is equally applied. Real men JOIN the military for at least one term. And actually, the slapping (or Pattons as you put it) went away to protect people like this guy that just don't know how to conform to military life and tradition. In the end, the guy is being let go easy. No jail or nothing. The USMC could have just kept his butt in the service and make his life misserable. Not re-enlisting? No problem, stop loss for you buddy. Reduction to E1 and lets garnish your wages since we can clothe, shelter and feed you. And let's send you to Pick-any-stan for the rest of your.... until we say so.
Almost forgot, fredom of speach is in the military. It's just a bit more restricted than for civilians. Anyone in the service knows that.
all the embarassment and disgrace obama has brot 2 our country and yet he is still pres and will recieve a pension from us the taxpayers when he is no longer president for bringing our country 2 its knees!i m suredifferant words could or should have been used in this mans statements.but he did put his ass on the line fighting for what he was ordered to do and deserves some compensation for doing so no matter what his current opinion may be.when obama puts his ass on the line like our soldiers do maybe then he mite deserve a little respect till then i bare my ass 2 mr president and he may kiss it!god bless all our soldiers even if their opinion is not what the government thinks it should be!changes need 2 b made concerning the oath they must take!
I'm a Marine. I concede that you are entitled to your own opinion, but we certainly have different perceptions about what leadership conduct warrants respect.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ, 64 Stat. 109, 10 U.S.C. Chapter 47), is the foundation of military law in the United States. It was established by the United States Congress in accordance with the authority given by the United States Constitution in Article I, Section 8, which provides that "The Congress shall have Power . . . To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval forces."
The UCMJ governs the conduct of personnel in all branches of the U.S. Military. It is the first thing we learn in basic training. It allows us to present evidence of wrongdoing against superior officers, but forbids us from making unfounded accusations, expressing general insubordination or personal disrespect to any superior in rank.
Gary Stein and I took the same oath. I am offended that you should suggest that Stein should receive any part of a pension having jeopardized the good order and cohesion of our Marine Corps by his selfish act of public insubordination against our Commander-in-Chief. Had the People elected Lyndon Larouche, I would have observed the same self-discipline and expect Stein to follow suit.
There is always the option of moving to another country.
Funny you should mention. I currently live outside the United States.
This guy was previously warned about what he posted on Facebook. I guess he didn't take the warning seriously.
When o' when are people going to learning that you can't just post anything on the internet? Anyone hear about the idiots who posted a youtube video showing themselves vandalizing mailboxes? Or the brother and sister fraud team who posted on youtube a street race involving their expensive sports car that got smashed in the process but who later filed an insurance claim saying the car was involved in a single car accident or that it happened somewhere else? Their claim was denied.
If you are in the military and do not like the President, don't post it on the internet.