The U.S.'s new commander for the Mideast, Gen. John Abizaid, was asked about recent criticism by active duty soldiers of the Secretary of Defense. He reminded GIs, "None of us that wear this uniform are free to say anything disparaging about the secretary of defense or the president of the United States. It's our professional code." This according to
the New York Times. Boy, as a Navy vet I certainly recall that our 'Freedoms of Speech' were certainly limited when in uniform, but this really puts the kabosh on any supposed ability to speak one's mind.

Now I haven't read a copy of the Uniform Code of Military Toughness...er, Justice in years, but I don't recall that being one of the areas covered. It was enforced that you could NOT take part in political events (unless authorized) while in uniform and you also had to emphasize that any statements you might make were your own and did not necessarily reflect 'official Navy policy', etc. When I was working for the McGovern campaign (he was a Democratic candidate for President, for you young folks who may not have learned that in school yet ;-) I had to be very careful in never wearing my uniform or identifying myself as a member of the Navy when talking to potential voters.

Of course, this never seemed stop some officers from putting up Nixon election stickers on their stateroom doors or for more portraits of our Commander in Chief at the time from showing up in almost every corridor and ship's office.

It is well known that for years the members of the military have voted and registered overwhelmingly Republican, still it is scary that a field commander would make such a statement. Remember, we're fighting for democracy for Iraqis, just don't expect any for our men & women in uniform.

Sorry! Had to get that off my chest.