iReporters Cliff Olney, Melissa Fazli, Egberto Willies shared their views on the military code and how McChrystal did or didn’t act in accordance with it.
An interesting conversation developed on CNN.com about First Amendment rights versus the military code of conduct following Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s resignation.
Comments on a story about McChrystal’s resignation have come from people who identify themselves as veterans and current members of the military – a majority of whom said they were shocked and embarrassed by McChrystal’s conduct.
AFGChuck said, “It was a complete breach of military protocol.” Several others agreed and referenced the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Deezy007
Non-military don’t realize that the UCMJ is law in the military. When your [sic] in uniform not only do you represent the troops you represent a whole country.Article 88 of the UCMJ states that any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the president, the vice president, Congress or the secretary of defense shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
In another article about the controversial remarks, readers with an opposing view felt that McChrystal had a right to express himself.
Oberdan
goldenbear2K, before you tell people to read history, you yourself should read the Bill of Rights, starting with the 1st Amendment. Everyone has freedom of speech, can voice their opinion without fear of reprisal.Liberalh8r
As a former military man, you do not give up your 1st amendment right. It is your obligation to report derelict of duty and Obama and his staff are derelict. The General has every right to report what he sees. This information is not classified. U need to get your facts straight.Key political figures stepped forward in support of President Obama. Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John McCain of Arizona gave a a joint news conference with independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut in which they said that Obama had no choice but to replace McChrystal.
CNN viewers are also voicing their opinions on iReport. Frequent iReporter Liberty1955 said the situation between Obama and McChrystal mirrored the conflict between President Eisenhower and Gen. George Patton during World War II. He said that McChrystal is a good leader and his apology should have been enough.
EWillies1961 said McChrystal needed to be removed so that Obama could reassert leadership and reinforce the ideal that civilian and government leadership portray a united front.
CNN will continue following this story and the reactions to the decision.
Readers sound off: Military code and McChrystal – This Just In – CNN.com Blogs