(LibertySociety.com) – When Americans join the United States Marine Corps (USMC), they take a certain oath that changes part of their rights as a citizen of the country. They not only pledge to follow the orders of the President of the United States and officers above them, but the Marine also promises to not speak out against certain members of the government.
Any USMC member who breaks their word regarding these promises risks punishment. When Marine Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller made and shared videos on social media questioning leaders and demanding answers about the withdrawal from Afghanistan, he knew there would be consequences.
So this is America. The Marine LTC who spoke out against the ineptness of military leadership gets jailed. Land of the free and home of the brave are becoming just words lately. https://t.co/I2rY00fJ7S
— Teddy Daniels for Congress (@DanielsCongress) September 28, 2021
Although Americans may want to hear opinions from military members who served overseas about their superior’s withdrawal decisions, command rules prevent conversations that include criticism. But the fact that Scheller posted his displeasure on social media is not why he’s now sitting in the brig awaiting trial.
The Marine sits in the stockade because he defied a direct order to stop posting. And even though it might not make sense to civilians to alter the first amendment rights of those who serve under the American flag, the rules are in place to protect us all.
There’s no telling how long Scheller will wait for trial, but the Marine Corps assures the public that he “will be afforded all due process.”
Copyright 2021, LibertySociety.com
