What do you base your political decisions on?

[Edwina's Secretary]

Thanks LH.

I am very sorry your right to free speech is curtailed. I remain a bit shocked and greatly saddened to learn of this.

[Lady's Human]

ES, it gets irritating at times, but there's a good reason for it. It maintains the military's position as serving authority, not being the authority. It avoids someone like Gen. Patton or MacArthur strutting on stage at a political convention and taking the reins of the civilian government and maintaining their standing in the military...........A la Libya, Pakistan, or any other military run country.

(Actually, MacArthur's candidacy may BE the reason that little part of the UCMJ exists........Ike was no one's fool)

[Edwina's Secretary]

But I could also see it being used the other way. Someone who served in the military is is now a civilian (yes, I know you are always subject to recall. I know a woman who was 6 or 7 years out of the military was recalled and sent to Afganistan - infant and toddler left at home) cannot criticize the president or congress. I understand active duty - sort of. But it sounds like a way for the government to control dissent . Never a good thing -- unless you are partial to dictatorships.

It seems to me there should be an expiration date after which you are again able to speak freely!