Last week Sgt. Gary Stein of the United States Marine Corp was given an "other than honorable" discharge for a comment he posted on Facebook about President Obama. Stein's message on Facebook read, "Screw Obama. I will not follow all orders from him." He later remarked that he meant that he would not follow unlawful orders from the president. Stein served the country for nine years and said he no one could take the title of "Marine" away from him. Stein seemed most troubled by how just a few words ended his military career as well as affected his military benefits. His lawyer is now trying to appeal the judgment.
When one serves for the armed forces of the United States they take an oath stating that they will follow as well as respect all given orders by the Commander in Chief. However, this situation really has issues with Stein's First Amendment rights. Stein should be allowed to say whatever he wants about the president as long as it isn't life threatening. I think the major problem and why Stein was discharged was because he did not make these comments among a group of friends but instead posted it on a social media site for the entire world to see.
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