Our troops are to uphold the constitution. If the POTUS does not do this, should he still be commander in chief? Should our troops show him respect when he does not deserve to be president?
Should US troops respect and obey Obama?
Discussion in 'News & Current Events' started by abcgrad94, Sep 17, 2009.
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Since presidents have not been upholding the constitution for decades - pretty much since Grover Cleveland left office - why should our troops act any differently now in this regard?
I don't think that going down the road of anarchy in our military system of command would be a good idea. If the president is not the commander in chief of the armed forces, then who would be? -
Who would be? Probably a general, and that leads to BIG problems. Coup d'etats are often the military vs. elected leaders. I like it that the US has a civilian commander. When the military rules, we get things like we see in parts of Latin America, or Pakistan, or even the failed coup in Russia a few years back.
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Anarchy indeed. It also sets a precedent that NO president could ever command again.
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Which leads to another question that might make for another interesting thread, MP. Would conservatives who oppose the current president like to see a coup d'etat in the United States and have the military take over?
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preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I don't know how the President isn't upholding the Constitution...but anyhoo...
Every armed forces member takes this oath at enlistment:
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.
They are expected to obey him. I would hope they at least respect the office of President if not the man himself. We owe it to our leaders to be respectful of them. -
There is nothing that I know of saying the military has to respect the president. They must obey him and cannot demonstrate disrespect for him.
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As a retired Army Officer, I can tell you that we express our concerns with orders when there is opportunity for discussion. Once the command is made, we move out smartly or we fall on our sword (if we think it is an "unlawful order." If we are wrong, we pay the price. If we are right, there is still a price).
Period. -
So yes, we must respect the President. -
Did the leftists here want to have a coup to overthrow either President Bush or President Reagan? I don't think so. -
Respect for the man has to be earned, as always.
Obama is not doing too well at this time. He's indecisive and his rules of engagement are getting our guys killed. -
What if the POTUS orders our troops to do something unconstitutional? Where do we draw the line then? -
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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.
Doesn't say anything about respect. I had superior officers [commissioned and noncommissioned] I did not respect; I just could not show it. -
They'd better be right if they do. -
However, there are plenty of rules and regs requiring you speak and act with respect.
Period, end of story.
We all had doofus leaders over us somewhere in the chain. A good soldier knows how to be respectful while still maintaining autonomy. -
I say again....
You are required to express concerns with orders when there is opportunity for discussion. Once the command is given, you move out smartly or fall on your sword (if you think it is an "unlawful order." If you are wrong, you pay the price. If you are right, there is still a price). -
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pinoybaptist Active MemberSite Supporter
Man, the way this thread is going prompts me to ask: are you native born English speakers arguing over language or are you just being Baptists ?:laugh:
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