Heard back from CW3 Hauger:
Quote:
As a former 11M It doesn't offend me or any of my peers I've shown this to.
You and I are charged with defending their right to do just this without
fear of reprisal. She wasn't shouting for real and she was not 'flipping
off' the soldiers. She took a picture that I've seen hundreds of soldiers
take similar pictures in front of the Ammo Supply Point sign that says no
open flame pretending to use cigarette lighters. Didn't intend to upset
you, just letting an American citizen know that not everyone finds a joke
offensive all the time.
My reply:
Quote:
I served at The Old Guard for 4 years...did thousands of ceremonies there
never once saw or heard of such an offensive picture being taken. That kind
of "I've seen others do this stuff" is how photos like the ones at Abu
Ghraib get taken...looking the other way on pictures like this gets us photo
collections like the ones collected by the "kill team" in 5/2 ID.
Laugh at that all you want...but giving photos like that you
mention...civilian or soldier a pass is how it all gets started...baby
steps.
And if you haven't noticed...her employers didn't find it funny. Her and
the person who took the picture are now unemployed.
Funny joke huh?
His retort:
Quote:
Looks like freedom of speech is no longer so free. Now you and I are wholly
non-productive consumptionist.
And the last word on the subject:
Quote:
Even free speech has responsibility tied to it.
Don't believe me...go yell fire in a movie theater or talk about having a bomb in your suitcase at the airport.
I mean you SHOULD be able to joke about that...right? Freedom of speech and all?