Fun with Justice!

AFN has been broadcasting commercials about UCMJ Article 88, one of the Punitive Articles of the UCMJ (meaning, you can get punished for violating it). Article 88 covers Contempt Toward Officials, and only applies to commissioned officers, making it punishable by up to one year imprisonment for “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 Transportation, 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.”

About a year-and-a-half ago, one of my former commanders, Maj. General Paul D. Eaton (ret.) was one of the former generals who spoke out against Donald Rumsfeld, offering astute opinions as to why he should resign. I kinda’ wondered why he hadn’t spoken out about this sooner, but now understanding Article 88, I see why.

A pity… Paul Eaton was probably the best goddamn officer I ever had the good fortune to serve under.

Anyhow, while Article 88 doesn’t apply to Enlisted personnel, we get the exact same coverage under DOD Directive 1344.10 which basically states the same restrictions. While I couldn’t be prosecuted under Article 88 for blogging (just as an example) “George Bush is a f***ing idiot,” I could instead be prosecuted under Article 92 – Disobeying a Direct Order or Regulation. So, for a while, I have to keep almost all of my political opinions to myself.

“…the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present…”

Hmmm… I don’t see the Attorney General on that list… hehehehe…

Alberto Gonzalez is still the antichrist, dammit!!!

Take ‘er easy, people.