Sidebar

West Point Grad 2nd Lieutenant and Free Speech

Tidewater

Tidewater

Hall of Fame
Mar 15, 2003
22,482
13,331
287
Hooterville, Vir.
2LT Spenser Rapone, formerly an enlisted soldier in the 75th Infantry Regiment, and a rewcent graduate of the United States Military Academy, has let everyone know he is an open communist.

Cadet Rapone at graduation:



2LT Rapone is about to learn the limits of free speech for soldiers and the value of holding a security clearance.
If his clearance gets yanked (which is a distinct possibility), he may lose his commission and be forced to pay the tax payers back for his education at West Point.
This pic was especially humorous.
 
Displaced Bama Fan

Displaced Bama Fan

Hall of Fame
Jun 5, 2000
23,344
39
167
Shiner, TX
I read where he was openly critical of Mattis too. Probably not the smartest move he could make. I think Mattis could break him physically, much less end his career. My guess is he'll be dishonorably discharged at some point.
 
Jon

Jon

Hall of Fame
Feb 22, 2002
15,648
12,576
282
Atlanta 'Burbs
Tide1986 said:
Military personnel can say whatever they like while in uniform without consequences?
Click to expand...
no, but what's the issue? He advocates for a failed system of governance, who cares? I see lots of people in uniform express lots of dumb ideas. This isn't the 1950's under McCarthy and we aren't really fighting any Communists anymore (and don't say China that ain't communism, nor is North Korea)
 
Tidewater

Tidewater

Hall of Fame
Mar 15, 2003
22,482
13,331
287
Hooterville, Vir.
Jon said:
what's the issue? Guy has free speech rights like anyone else.
Click to expand...
No, he actually does not. Military personnel have curtailed free speech rights, especially while in uniform.
Plus, someone seeking a security clearance while advocating the violent overthrow of the government of the United States (which communists do), then he cannot get a clearance. An officer who cannot get a clearance is largely useless and can be separated from the service. Since he has been given a free education at tax-payer expense, he could be forced to refund the cost of that education, because he cannot fulfill his service obligation.
 
Jon

Jon

Hall of Fame
Feb 22, 2002
15,648
12,576
282
Atlanta 'Burbs
Tidewater said:
No, he actually does not. Military personnel have curtailed free speech rights, especially while in uniform.
Plus, someone seeking a security clearance while advocating the violent overthrow of the government of the United States (which communists do), then he cannot get a clearance. An officer who cannot get a clearance is largely useless and can be separated from the service. Since he has been given a free education at tax-payer expense, he could be forced to refund the cost of that education, because he cannot fulfill his service obligation.
Click to expand...
Violent overthrow? Where did you see that? I must of missed it.
 
Jon

Jon

Hall of Fame
Feb 22, 2002
15,648
12,576
282
Atlanta 'Burbs
uafanataum said:
Argue it whichever way you want, the first amendment does not apply equally to members of the military. Period.
Click to expand...
ok

so if he ever says something awful or wrong he should expect consequences

so what is wrong with being a communist in 2017? Or an anarchist or a socialist or a free market libertarian? Who cares it's just a political ideology why shouldn't a military officer get to state his opinion? Now if he did advocate violent overthrow sure that's a problem but saying " I am a communist?" Why should anyone care?


and I am not advocating that the first amendment should. Does military code specify that you cannot espouse a political ideology while in uniform? If it does then do whatever the appropriate punishment is
 
Last edited:
Tide1986

Tide1986

Suspended
Nov 22, 2008
15,670
2
0
Birmingham, AL
Jon said:
ok

so if he ever says something awful or wrong he should expect consequences

so what is wrong with being a communist in 2017? Or an anarchist or a socialist or a free market libertarian? Who cares it's just a political ideology why shouldn't a military officer get to state his opinion? Now if he did advocate violent overthrow sure that's a problem but saying " I am a communist?" Why should anyone care?
Click to expand...
So why should anyone care if someone is a nazi or a racist?
 
crimsonaudio

crimsonaudio

Administrator
Staff member
Sep 9, 2002
63,472
67,464
462
crimsonaudio.net
Military buddy posted this:
"Found out from a friend that works at Drum that he's there and Chain of Command from the Commanding General down are aware of the situation and coming up with a solution. Same friend (LTC) said that in cases like this, they would usually do a GOLR (General Officer Letter of Reprimand) and when its time to promote him, he's booted out (if not sooner). They would also appeal to DOD to make him pay back his USMA education. DOD has done it to the past to some but not others..... Right now, its all up in the air....."
Click to expand...
FWIW...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New Posts

Latest threads

TideFans.shop - NEW Stuff!

TideFans.shop - Get YOUR Bama Gear HERE!”></a> <br /> <!--/ END TideFans.shop & item link \--> <p style= Purchases made through our TideFans.shop and Amazon.com links may result in a commission being paid to TideFans.

Top Bottom