Where in America is free speech illegal?

Why, in the U.S. military, naturally.

From fellow Floridian Bryan at Why Now? comes this timely reminder:

If you are wondering why the generals don’t say anything until after they retire:

Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

This is something that people have to keep in mind - you can’t bitch about the boss when you are an officer or you will be subject to a court martial. Remember, active duty officers, by military law, can only give you the good news, which makes their testimony rather worthless.

It's definitely worth remembering this whenever the wingnuts throw their shit around the cage about how it's only retired generals (who supposedly have an ax to grind) who criticize the Bush crime syndicate. That's because it's the law.

Don't worry ... if the fucking criminals have their way, free speech will be a thing of the past anyway ...