Marine’s Facebook comments criticizing Obama fuel free speech debate in military
By APWednesday, April 14, 2010
Marine’s Facebook page fuel debate about policies
SAN DIEGO — A Camp Pendleton Marine says he has removed his Facebook page after his online comments fueled a free-speech debate about whether troops are allowed to criticize President Barack Obama’s policies.
Sgt. Gary Stein says he was asked by his superiors to review the Pentagon’s directive on political activities after he criticized Obama’s health care reform efforts and was then asked this week to talk about his views on MSNBC.
Stein says his supervisor told him of his right to an attorney concerning the matter. He says he decided to close his Facebook page and review his military code obligations.
Camp Pendleton spokeswoman Maj. Gabrielle Chapin says the Marine Corps is not considering filing charges.
Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com
