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  1. #1

    The Army Is Investigating The Pro-Communist West Point Grad In This Viral Photo

    http://taskandpurpose.com/army-commu...oint-graduate/


    The Army is “looking into” the West Point graduate and Afghanistan combat veteran who appeared to endorse communism in social media posts, the U.S. Military Academy announced on Sept. 26.

    A photo of 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone in a West Point uniform with a paper sign reading “Communism Will Win” tucked into his cover went viral with the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick on Sept. 24. A self-described “commie/space cowboy,” Rapone identifies himself as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America on his Twitter account.

    #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/3jnCtawvHc

    — Commie Bebop������ (@punkproletarian) September 24, 2017

    The photo of Rapone — who earned a Combat Infantry Badge as an enlisted grunt in Afghanistan before his appointment to USMA — went viral amid President Donald Trump’s war of words with the National Football League over players’ decisions to kneel in silent protest against police brutality and systemic racism during the pre-game national anthem. On Sept. 25, Rapone posted a second photo of himself wearing the infamous image of communist guerrilla Che Guevara under his uniform.

    In case there was any lingering doubt, hasta la victoria siempre pic.twitter.com/0XrW38wcCk

    — Commie Bebop������ (@punkproletarian) September 25, 2017

    The controversy has sparked a national conversation among both civilians and the military community regarding respect for military service and free speech. But West Point took pains to distance itself from the recent grad’s social media posts.

    “Second Lieutenant Rapone’s actions in no way reflect the values of the U.S. Military Academy or the U.S. Army,” USMA said in a statement. “As figures of public trust, members of the military must exhibit exemplary conduct, and are prohibited from engaging in certain expressions of political speech in uniform.”

    That the Army takes this seriously is no surprise. As we noted after the violent clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville in August, the branch’s equal opportunity manual explicitly states that “participation in extremist organizations and activities by Army personnel is inconsistent with the responsibilities of military service.” And the DoD’s longstanding policy on service members’ politicking, Directive 1344.10, bars “partisan political activity” — which includes serving “in any official capacity or [being] listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.”

    The full extent of Rapone’s political activities is unclear, and it seems unlikely that the branch would discipline the second lieutenant simply for holding political beliefs; just consider beloved NFL star turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who called the invasion of Iraq an “illegal and unjust” war despite his combat service and death under fire. On the other hand, even a simple photograph of women of color at West Point with raised fists triggered an investigation into the propriety of the cadets’ “political” activity last year.

    But Rapone could face disciplinary action for his digital broadsides against the chain of command, a potential violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 88:

    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, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

    In a June 7 tweet, Rapone referred to Secretary of Defense James Mattis as “the most evil, vile fuck” in the Trump administration:

    @ByYourLogic Was so pumped for you to go in on Mattis on the latest ep. Definitely the most vile, evil fuck in the current administration

    — Commie Bebop������ (@punkproletarian) June 8, 2017

    The Army did not immediately respond to request for comment from Task & Purpose.
    A communist has no place in the U.S. military, how sad that he has ended a otherwise distinguished career in such a way. He will probably be discharged for violating art 88 of the UCMJ and be made to pay back the USMA for his education.

    How disappointing.
    Last edited by Theinquisition; 2017-09-29 at 07:19 PM.

  2. #2
    The Unstoppable Force Orange Joe's Avatar
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    The full extent of Rapone’s political activities is unclear, and it seems unlikely that the branch would discipline the second lieutenant simply for holding political beliefs; just consider beloved NFL star turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who called the invasion of Iraq an “illegal and unjust” war despite his combat service and death under fire. On the other hand, even a simple photograph of women of color at West Point with raised fists triggered an investigation into the propriety of the cadets’ “political” activity last year.

    But Rapone could face disciplinary action for his digital broadsides against the chain of command, a potential violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 88:
    Why are we talking about a army dress code violation?

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by Orange Joe View Post
    Why are we talking about a army dress code violation?
    Well thats just one violation, insulting his SoD is by itself enough, as a officer, to have your commission revoked.

  4. #4
    The Unstoppable Force Orange Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by supertony51 View Post
    Well thats just one violation, insulting his SoD is by itself enough, as a officer, to have your commission revoked.

    What other violation did he commit?

  5. #5
    Immortal Zelk's Avatar
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    Imagine calling yourself a communist and being in the fucking US Armed Forces.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Orange Joe View Post
    What other violation did he commit?
    Are you joking or did you seriously read that and think "Uniform Code of Military Justice" actually refers to the dress code?

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Orange Joe View Post
    What other violation did he commit?
    Expressing anti American views, holding extremist views, insulting CoC, behavior unbecoming.....list goes on and on.

    It's the same as being a open Nazi.

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    I Don't Work Here Endus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by supertony51 View Post
    Well thats just one violation, insulting his SoD is by itself enough, as a officer, to have your commission revoked.
    So why is this story about his political views, and how they're insufficiently in lockstep with the American right wing?

    Because there's absolutely nothing wrong with him being a communist.


  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Knadra View Post
    Are you joking or did you seriously read that and think "Uniform Code of Military Justice" actually refers to the dress code?
    He's baiting.

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Endus View Post
    So why is this story about his political views, and how they're insufficiently in lockstep with the American right wing?

    Because there's absolutely nothing wrong with him being a communist.
    Actually there is when in the military.

  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Orange Joe View Post
    What other violation did he commit?
    Being a communist should not automatically prevent someone from serving in the military. It's true that officers are obligated to toe the line more than enlisted people, but he's still allowed to be an avowed communist, so long as he does not speak out against the President, or his command.

    As for uniform violations, we all broke them. I wore UnderArmor shirts before they were allowed, and I never wore my full uniform under my dress blues (which we were supposed to do).

  12. #12
    The Unstoppable Force Orange Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Knadra View Post
    Are you joking or did you seriously read that and think "Uniform Code of Military Justice" actually refers to the dress code?

    Not a military person no lol. And yes, seeing as the "offence" had to do with his uniform I assumed that is what it was about.

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Jettisawn View Post
    Why not? This isn't 1950 McCarthyism. There are American citizens who are communist. They have every right to fight for America as much as a Conservative.
    Because they don't believe in upholding the constitution. Like I said, it's interpreted the same way as a Nazi being in the service.

    Personally, I think these cases should be investigated on a case by case basis.

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    Legendary! TZucchini's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by supertony51 View Post
    A communist has no place in the U.S. military
    What? That's a ridiculous statement. Political views should have no bearing on whether someone is capable of serving in the military.
    Eat yo vegetables

  15. #15
    The Unstoppable Force Orange Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by supertony51 View Post
    Because they don't believe in upholding the constitution. Like I said, it's interpreted the same way as a Nazi being in the service.

    Personally, I think these cases should be investigated on a case by case basis.

    You honestly think that everyone that serves believes that? I have friends that served and can tell you thats bullshit.

  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Orange Joe View Post
    Not a military person no lol. And yes, seeing as the "offence" had to do with his uniform I assumed that is what it was about.
    The pic is just his cadet uniform taken after he graduated. I don't think he can be punished for doing anything with it. Calling the Secretary of Defense "an evil, vile fuck" while being a military officer is a pretty stupid thing to do though, it's like joining a company and calling the CEO that.

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Endus View Post
    So why is this story about his political views, and how they're insufficiently in lockstep with the American right wing?

    Because there's absolutely nothing wrong with him being a communist.
    there is something wrong with preaching partisan politics in uniform and insulting people above you in the CoC

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by supertony51 View Post
    Because they don't believe in upholding the constitution. Like I said, it's interpreted the same way as a Nazi being in the service.

    Personally, I think these cases should be investigated on a case by case basis.
    A communist can still agree to uphold the United States Constitution.

  19. #19
    Quote Originally Posted by PRE 9-11 View Post
    What? That's a ridiculous statement. Political views should have no bearing on whether someone is capable of serving in the military.
    So Nazi's should be able to serve?

  20. #20
    The Unstoppable Force Orange Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Knadra View Post
    The pic is just his cadet uniform taken after he graduated. I don't think he can be punished for doing anything with it. Calling the Secretary of Defense "an evil, vile fuck" while being a military officer is a pretty stupid thing to do though, it's like joining a company and calling the CEO that.

    They also mentions him wearing a chevo(whatever his name is)? shirt under his uniform.

    Also look in the hat on that pics. Thats where the communism will win comes from.

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