Originally Posted by Lady's Human
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.
The statement by a retired officer was NOT used in any mailing.
Re using the Hatch Act to enforce silence on political issues on non serving
military members is unconstitutional. I would love to see a court case on this
very issue, but it won't happen. Now, if a active military officer voiced his
personal beliefs while in service of his country, then that's a different ball
game.
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