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Should US troops respect and obey Obama?
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KenH
Well-Known Member
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?
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?
Magnetic Poles
New Member
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.
Yes, absolutely. He's the commander in chief of the armed forces. Disagreement with the POTUS is not an adequate reason for anarchy.
Magnetic Poles
New Member
Anarchy indeed. It also sets a precedent that NO president could ever command again.
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.
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.
OldRegular
Well-Known Member
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.
Point of order -- not everyone in the Armed Forces is "enlisted." Commissioned Officers are commissioned by the President.
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.
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There are no regulations for the heart, but we must respect in all outward forms -- words and actions.
So yes, we must respect the President.
Tom Bryant
Well-Known Member
I agree. I was in Viet Nam with a Commander in Chief who was impossible to respect (Nixon) but we still had to obey orders coming down the chain of command.
That's an insulting question to think that a consevative would want an overthrow by the military of our President. We want to dethrone him legally through the ballot box.
Did the leftists here want to have a coup to overthrow either President Bush or President Reagan? I don't think so.
They are required to obey and respect the office.
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.
I agree. We must respect the office even if we can't respect the man.
What if the POTUS orders our troops to do something unconstitutional? Where do we draw the line then?
KenH
Well-Known Member
Who will decide if the order is unconstitutional soon enough to stop it?
OldRegular
Well-Known Member
I disagree! We cannot demonstrate disrespect for him. I repeat the oath Posted by preachinjesus
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.
All members of the military are entitled to challenge "unlawful" orders. They are entitled to challenge constitutionality under the same guidelines.
They'd better be right if they do.
What did i say? There is no rule or reg over your heart attitude.
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).
OldRegular
Well-Known Member
You are not only incorrect you are arrogantly incorrect. There is nothing that states we must respect the president or any other superior officer. We must obey lawful orders and cannot show disrespect else we are subject to disciplinary action.
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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