Double standards, or It's OK [to exploit the military] If You're A Republican

"IOKIYAR." It's OK If You're A Republican.

We've heard it over and over again. But rarely have I seen it so blatantly applied as in this story of an anti-war protestor facing punishment for wearing his Marine uniform at a protest.

Marine Cpl. Adam Kokesh participated in the protest in March, clad in a uniform that had his name tag and other insignia removed. After he was identified in a photo caption in The Washington Post, a superior officer sent him a letter saying he might have violated a rule prohibiting troops from wearing uniforms without authorization.

After a hearing Monday before an administrative separation board at the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, the panel decided not to recommend a less-than-honorable discharge, choosing instead the general discharge.

The general discharge is described as a "nonpunitive discharge," which may be technically true, but by refusing Cpl. Kokesh an honorable discharge, the Marine Corps clearly is punishing him.

Here's the crux of the matter:

Kokesh is a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, which consists mainly of those who have left active duty but still have time remaining on their eight-year military obligations. His service is due to end June 18, but the Marine Corps is seeking to let him go two weeks early with a less-than-honorable discharge.

That could cut some of his health benefits and force him to repay about $10,800 he received to obtain his undergraduate degree on the GI Bill.

His attorneys said Kokesh was not subject to military rules during the protest because he was not on active duty. They said the protest was a theatrical performance, which meant wearing a uniform was a not a violation of military rules.

The military considered it a political event, at which personnel are not allowed to wear their uniforms without authorization.

The general discharge would not result in the loss of health benefits or the reimbursement of educational expenses. So the issue boils down to whether officers will accept the Board's recommendation of a general discharge or opt instead for the less-than-honorable discharge.

There can be little doubt that Cpl. Kokesh would have received an honorable discharge upon separation in two weeks, but for the protest. Therefore, even a general discharge is a punitive measure designed to sanction him for exercising his First Amendment rights.

Oh, and military personnel are not permitted to wear their uniforms at political events without authorization? Are you telling me they were "authorized" at all of these? (Don't even tell me these weren't "political" events.)






Well, you get the idea. Remember, kids: It's OK If You're A Republican ... to do just about anything.