CNN going after the soldier who supported Ron Paul

politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...

The link goes on to say how Thorsen is going to be reprimanded for taking part in a political rally while in uniform. They do not however say what the punishment is for this. If my memory serves me correctly didn't this happen to Obama and McCain? They had uniformed military personnel at their rally's who pledged their support?

Here is one of the comments on CNN about this:

"Throw the book at him. There's a reason members of the military are not allowed to do this; we live in a democracy, not a state where the military is allowed to directly influence elections." So by a military member supporting a candidate we are being influenced by him?

reply to post by Irish614


This will be worth a watch. If anyone hears details make sure you get them posted.

Love the beard slap*

Army soldier rallying for Paul violated military ban on political activity
Guidelines laid out in the federal Hatch Act specifically prohibit uniformed members of the military from making political speeches or taking official roles on political campaigns. Members of the military are permitted to attend political rallies, but must not be wearing their uniform while in attendance. On stage with Paul, Thorsen was wearing green Army fatigues.

ok....rules are rules.....but.....I hate to think he has not EARNED the right of wearing that where ever he pleases....I dont think he should be punished.....we have "specialist" on the news giving opinion all the time...retired and not....so......whats the diff.....

ps

Love the beard slap*

INDEED

Im sick to my stomach reading this, CNN needs to do go bye bye.

Hey and doesn't this new NDAA bill incorporate the military into our civilian life anyhow? lol, CNN needs to take a long walk off a short pier.

Oh and the beard slap thing is awesome!!!

I don't see how CNN is "going after him"... They're reporting about it.

The kid should have known better and RON PAUL should have known better than to ask a uniformed soldier to speak at a political caucus! OMG! I can't believe it.

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


Paul was just doing what CNN wouldnt.

He gave the soldier a chance to air his views, a soldier who was treated like crap by a National News Corporation.

Yea he was in uniform, but nobody really cares about that. Im sure not even his CO is going to care much about this, he might have to fill a few sandbags, get yelled at for 20 minutes, but that will be about it. he wont lose rank or get the big chicken dinner, so its really not that big of a deal.

The only reason CNN said something about this is because Paul made them look like complete asses.

reply to post by Irish614


The fact that this guy says we live in a democracy just proves hes a brainwashed idiot or a tool for the super rich criminals (or just a tool). .

Support the troops, they give us the freedom they themselves are not allowed to enjoy! Anyone else see something really wrong with this, they are telling a soldier they are not allowed to wear their uniform in public? Terrorists hate us for our freedoms.

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic

The kid should have known better and RON PAUL should have known better than to ask a uniformed soldier to speak at a political caucus! OMG! I can't believe it.

AGREED! There are specific reasons why such things are in place. Military presence denotes state sponsored candidate to many folks.

And why was a uniformed person needed? Does being what is now only volunteer corporate mercenary somehow make someone more qualified to say "vote for X" than anyone else? Every year I could see the recruits getting dumber, I mean to the point where I completely KNEW that the GI Bill $ would not be used for/by most!

Derek

The only thing CNN can do is call his chain of command and let them know. That's it. And if that guy's CO is supportive enough, and doesn't get pressured from higher up to act on this, nothing will come of it.

Either very bold, or very ignorant of the soldier to do that, but I still support him and what he said is spot on as well.

reply to post by Common Good


You may be right. But he could be charged with Failure to Obey and Order or Regulation

Maximum punishment:
(1) Violation or failure to obey lawful general order or regulation. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years.

Source

I thought it was a pretty serious thing to the military... Are they really going to make an exception for Ron Paul? Is that the right thing to do? I don't think so.

Here's One Vet's View. And I sort of agree. If the soldier knew the regulation and decided to go against the Code, then it's his choice and he's got balls. He may have to suffer consequences, though.

reply to post by Irish614


How dare he go in uniform and support his candidate while serving our country! Doesn't he know only the media pundits and big business is allowed to influence the voters?

Originally posted by filosophia
...they are telling a soldier they are not allowed to wear their uniform in public?

No. The US military Code prohibits an active uniformed military from engaging in partisan political activity.

reply to post by Irish614


UHOH the war slave made a mistake and forgot that he is owned by the slave masters. I really hope this gets big attention and more "men" that serve this country come out in full uniform. This insanity has to stop!!

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


Here is what one commenter had to say about the code:

"Whoever is trying to get Thorsen in trouble obviously has either not read the bill, or did not understand it. It says nowhere that a soldier of the US Army cannot be in uniform at a rally and participate in speeches or other activites with political organizations while in uniform. The Hatch Act outlawed coercion and threats for votes and against federal employees (civil servants) to favor a partisan political group or candidate, (the military are excluded from civil servants). Thorsen did nothing wrong. Nor did Paul's campaign. This is merely more irrational attempts to discredit Ron Paul and his supporters.'

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


After serving 10 years in Afghanistan, and looking at his honorable record, I can almost guarantee this will be carried out with the least amount of punishment.

All Ron Paul did was invite the guy, the soldier took his own chances with wearing his uniform.
Hell, If I was in the military, and a Presidential candidate asked me personally to say a few words in front of millions of people, I dont think you would be able to get my uniform off either.

CNN is just mad.

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


Well if I hadn't put "gone after" do you really think anyone would have clicked it?

reply to post by Irish614


I don't really care what a commenter says. That's just some dude.

Source

4.1.2. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty shall not:
4.1.2.1. Participate in partisan political fundraising activities (except as permitted in subparagraph 4.1.1.7.), rallies, conventions (including making speeches in the course thereof), management of campaigns, or debates, either on one’s own behalf or on that of another, without respect to uniform or inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement. Participation includes more than mere attendance as a spectator.
[...]
4.1.2.5. Speak before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.
4.1.2.6. Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

Defense Department Directive

I'm really surprised Paul asked him up. I knew this and I've never been in the military. Suppose he forgot?

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic



I just totally forgot, Paul asked him up there because when the soldier was talking on CNN the feed cut out and they had to cut away. He was letting him finish what he had to say.

reply to post by Irish614


But I mean Paul should be aware of the military code. Right?

The CNN feed cut out BECAUSE he was a military man in uniform, endorsing a political candidate. They cut it. Or that's what I get from the news stories. Have you checked them out? Or have you just read that blog?