Quote Originally Posted by Lady's Human View Post
You cannot use your retired military rank to advance a political statement, period. It's a violation of both the UCMJ and the Hatch act. And yes, they can withhold pay and take other punitive actions, and I wish they would. There were various issues in the 2004 campaign with both sides trotting out wounded soldiers, vets, etc. in uniform. Everyone got a quick reminder about the Hatch act, and no further action was taken, as usual.

Had he not used the rank, I almost guarantee Obama's campaign wouldn't have made that mailing.

How sad. I did not realize Americans are required to give up their constitutional rights when they join the military. Rather ironic, isn't it?

So how did those horrid Swift Boaters get away with lying about a fellow soldier? Is that permissable? How are you allowed to express policitical opinions on here? How are former military people allowed to serve in congress or the cabinet?

And...how does McCain get away with it?