Dear all who disrespect public officials,

It appears the latter half of the First Amendment, “…the right of the people peaceably to assemble,” has either been forgotten or is purposefully being ignored. The right to peacefully assemble in protest is protected by the Constitution, but protests should not provoke violence, threaten others, or interfere with another citizen’s right to express their thoughts, opinions, or feelings.  Although Americans can do and say what we want about anything, the decision to exercise those rights afforded to us by the First Amendment also comes with responsibility. For certain Americans, including commissioned officers and military members,  the right to exercise one’s First Amendment rights are accompanied by an even greater responsibility.

 

U.S. Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 47, Subchapter X, Section 888, Article 88
“Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”

 

Public Affairs Policy Guidance Concerning Political Campaigns and Elections, Department of Defense

“Questions and Answers.

Q1.  What is the DoD policy regarding political activities by members of the Armed Forces?

A1.  DoD has a longstanding policy of encouraging military personnel to carry out the obligations of citizenship.  However, active duty members will not engage in partisan political activities and all military personnel will avoid the inference that their political activities imply or appear to imply DoD sponsorship, approval or endorsement of a political candidate, campaign or cause.

 

 

Q5.  What political activities can a service member participate in and which ones are prohibited?

A5.  DoD has a longstanding policy of encouraging military personnel to carry out the obligations of citizenship, and certain political activities are permitted, such as voting and making a personal monetary donation.  However, active duty members will not engage in partisan political activities, and all military personnel will avoid the inference that their political activities imply or appear to imply DoD sponsorship, approval or endorsement of a political candidate, campaign or cause. Examples of political activities that are prohibited include campaigning for a candidate, soliciting contributions, marching in a partisan parade and wearing the uniform to a partisan event.  For a complete list of permissible and prohibited activities, please consult DoD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces (reference (c)).”

 

Before deciding to exercise your First Amendment rights in a public forum, ensure you know your responsibilities not only as a citizen, but also a professional.

-An American Citizen