(Marine Corps Times) Op-Ed: Free speech has limits

[unhappycamper]

Free speech has limits

Retired Gunnery Sgt. Jesse Nieto understands the price of freedom.

The former infantryman gave the country and the Corps 25 years on active duty, serving two tours in Vietnam. He also gave his son, Engineman 2nd Class Marc Ian Nieto, who died during the Oct. 12, 2000, attack on the destroyer Cole.

But on Nov. 10, Nieto filed a federal lawsuit against Col. Richard Flatau, the base commander at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Lt. Col. James Hessen, base magistrate, claiming they violated his rights to freedom of speech and due process.

A 14-year civilian employee at Lejeune, Nieto sued because of a ruling barring his car from the base because it is festooned with anti-Islam bumper stickers.

A base order prohibits vehicles from displaying extremist, indecent, sexist or racist messages. Most people would agree that messages on Nieto’s maroon Scion fit the bill: they equate the entire Muslim faith with terrorism, and include vulgar messages and images.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/community/opinion/marine_editorial_freespeech_112408/%2e

[BOSSHOG]

1. The Military is not a democracy

and if the base CO says no such bumperstickers, so be it. It isn't a first amendment issue. Gunny Nieto didn't lose any rights, he just has to comply with base instructions. I occasionally visit the Navy Base in New Orleans and love the big electric sign inside the main gate, DO NOT USE YOUR CELLPHONE WHILE OPERATING A VEHICLE ONBOARD THIS INSTALLATION. Its not a rights issue its a compliance issue. God Bless Gunny Nieto but I hope he loses his suit.

[zbdent]

2. suddenly, you're going to hear the Repukes screaming about how

military people can't complain about the POTUS ...