A United States Marine is facing dismissal after he criticized President Barack Obama on a Tea Party Facebook page.
Sgt. Gary Stein, a nine-year member of the Marines Corps, asked other service members on the Facebook group “Armed Forces Tea Party” to speak freely against the government. He also said that he “would not follow unlawful orders from Obama,” reported Reuters. (The comments in question have since been removed from the Facebook page.)
Once the government learned of Stein’s comments, disciplinary action was taken against the marine, who could be discharged and have his rank reduced to corporal.
Stein told the San Diego Union-Tribune that there “is not a document in this world that trumps the United States Constitution,” but that’s not the case for military personnel. As ABC News reported:
“According to Pentagon directives, military personnel in uniform cannot sponsor a political club; participate in any TV or radio program or group discussion that advocates for or against a political party, candidate or cause; or speak at any event promoting a political movement. … Commissioned officers also may not use contemptuous words against senior officials, including the defense secretary or the president.”
These directives have been in place since the Civil War, reported the Union-Tribune.
Stein has remained steadfast in his comments despite the threat of military action. And on the Facebook group, where he once felt comfortable to share his opinions, has now fired back against him.
“Sgt. gary stein should be ashamed of himself. he is harming the great name of the UNITED STATES MARINE Corps,” commented Jani Steiger-Nebitt. “You sir should learn what the USMJ and the oath you took. It plainly states you are not to say publicly disparaging remarks about the President of the United States, the VP, Sec. of Navy.”
In a statement he made to the Reuters, Stein said his now-deleted Facebook comments once said, “screw Obama.”
Photo via Armed Forces Tea Party