People are up in arms about reports of companies firing their employees over Facebook posts — but what if someone makes derogatory comments about their boss, and their boss happens to be the president of the U.S.?  That’s exactly the case for Sgt. Gary Stein, a Marine who may be dismissed from military service after criticizing President Barack Obama on his Facebook account. A Marine Corps administrative board suggested Stein be released on an other-than-honorable discharge for his posts, according to the Associated Press. Such a discharge would strip Stein of his military benefits.  Stein posted several jabs at the president, including an image of a Jackass movie posted edited to feature Obama’s face. Stein also posted that he would not follow the president’s orders, but he later backtracked somewhat, saying he would not follow unlawful orders — including arresting U.S. citizens, taking their lawfully-owned weapons or violating their constitutional rights.  According to Stein, who’s served nine years in the Marines, his comments came during a debate about allowing NATO to put American soldiers on trial for the burning of Muslim holy books in Afghanistan last month.  The Marine’s lawyers argued that Stein’s actions are protected under the First Amendment.  “We’re truly surprised and disappointed but it was an honor to fight for a hero like Sgt. Stein and every other Marine’s right to speak freely,” said Stein’s defense attorney.  However, members of the military are subject to stricter rules concerning free speech than civilians. Military men and women in uniform are barred from joining political clubs, for instance. All members of the military are expected to follow the orders of the president, who serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.  Capt. John Torresala, the prosecutor in the case, also warned that Stein’s postings might’ve had a negative impact on the behavior of younger Marines.  Stein told the Marines board that he loved serving in the military and that he was planning on re-enlisting when his current tour of duty ended six months from now. His case is to be considered by a Marines general, who may agree with the board and dismiss Stein or send the case to the secretary of the Navy.  Do you think Stein should be kicked out of the Marines for his anti-Obama postings? Sound off in the comments below.  Image courtesy of iStockphoto, MivPiv
Prosecutors accuse Sgt. Gary Stein of creating a Facebook page that shows off insulting images of the Presiden, including Obama’s face transposed onto a poster for the movie “Jackass.”