#IDidn'tJoin

I've seen a lot of pictures on Facebook and Twitter of service members that are trying to anonymously say they don't want to fight in Syria.  These folks are driving me crazy for a multitude of reasons.  I will include some samples of the photos I've seen as an example of what I am talking about, just in case you haven't seen them (I'm sure you have).

1.  There is NO HONOR in refusing to fight for those that need help.  I don't care if it is your enemy that needs the help.  Would Batman watch Robin use chemical weapons or use any other method to kill Joker?  NO!  BECAUSE IT ISN'T RIGHT!!!!!!  There is NO HONOR in watching people die!  There is NO HONOR in allowing genocide!  There is NO HONOR in refusing to fight for those that need help. Here's another question for you:  Do you honestly think that every soldier in 1865 agreed with what he was fighting for?  Every Union Soldier?  NO!  They didn't!  Many of them completely disagreed with why they were fighting.  But we can all agree that they fought for the RIGHT reason, even if they didn't see it.

This country does not fight for what one man believes in.  It fights for what is good.  For what is for the good of the people.  But it isn't just about our people.  It's about all people!  Can you honestly say that your rights are more important than anyone else's?  I'm sorry, the rights and beliefs of one man do not out-weigh the good of the many.  Even if your country is tired from war, even if they are fiscally challenged, you stand up for what is right.  Chemical attacks are never right!

2.  You don't get to voice political opinion.  Service members are strictly prohibited from voicing political opinion AS service members.  It is illegal to go to political rallies in uniform or as a representative of any uniformed service.  Service members are there to enforce the policies of elected officials.  I'm sorry to say, and I know that it sounds cold, but when you raise that right hand and take the Oath of Enlistment, that you surrender your right to speak out on your political opinion.

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962)." (http://www.army.mil/values/oath.html)

Enlisted service members take an oath to "obey the orders of the President of the United States."  This oath is not ambiguous.  It is very clear.  I doubt very highly, that the General Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is going to tell President Obama "no" if ordered to conduct direct military action against the Syrian government, or any government for that matter.  Some will argue that service members have an obligation to disobey orders that are illegal, but I challenge you to tell me how the order against Syria is illegal.  Service members need to be VERY careful about how they proceed.

3.  The above photo is illegal!  Not only is it illegal for this member of the US Navy to post this photo, but he knows it is illegal.  That is why he has so kindly covered his face and removed his name plate from his uniform.  If you look at all these photos of service members trying to voice their opinion, take note that they are all trying to remain anonymous, because they KNOW what they are doing is illegal, and punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  Yes, they are trying to stand for something that they believe in, but they are going about it incorrectly.  I only pray that no young soldiers, unknowingly, leave themselves exposed and feel the wrath of the law because they are trying to follow the leader here.

4.  Why did you join then Marine?  Every service member joins for a long list of very different reasons than the last.  So why did you join?  Did you join because you wanted to kill Al Qaeda?  If you did, then there are many people that would worry about your ability to lead there sons and daughters in combat.  There are probably quite a few doctors out there that would be VERY interested in having a discussion with anyone that said they joined the military because they wanted to kill Al Qaeda or anyone else.  I'm sure that's not why most service members join though.  It probably has a LOT more to do with serving this great nation, in any way they are called to do it.

I will close with that I think.  I am VERY interested to hear other people's opinion, but please, let's not get in a shouting match.  Some educated debate would be welcome, but more than anything I challenge you to prove that I am wrong on any of the above four points.