If the person in question has done anything wrong, it was not in endorsing a call for the US to withdraw from Iraq, but rather that he included his affiliation to the Coast Guard in the endorsement. I am not familar with the specific regulations that apply, but there may very well be a rule against that.
I don't understand why you assume that because someone holds a political view at odds with the Administration of the day they are somehow traitorous or untrustworthy? As you so eloquently said .."You learn very early that you may have a political opinion, but your job is to follow legal orders and do your job defending this nation."
I recall that many in the U.S. military held a very low opinion if Pres. Clinton (to say the least)and many felt that the missions that they were sent on in Bosnia and Somalia were ill advised. Quite a few were vocal on these points. Were they "actively engaged in undermining the troops"? No, they were exercising their 1st Amendment rights, and continued to serve their country with professionalism and honor. If they could could do so why do you assume that others can't?
"ANSWER wants to destroy our way of life around the world. They want to destroy our military. They want the men to shoot their officers."
Hmmm... I didn't know much about ANSWER until I read this thread but I would be curious about your sources. Where you get that they want soldiers to shoot their officers? There's nothing like that on their website ;-)
SOURCE: FRONT PAGE MAG EXCERPT:
"We have to prepare to continue the struggle," cried Richard Becker, a member of both the steering committee for International A.N.S.W.E.R. and the communist Workers' World Party. Although the A.N.S.W.E.R.-organized crowd at the March 15th rally in San Francisco was smaller than in previous demonstrations, the cries from the podium were much sharper. Becker called for direct action, civil disobedience all over the city, should the United States begin a war with Iraq. But the anti-war demonstrators hadn't waited for Becker. Plans for direct action on the day of the war have been in place for weeks.
EXCERPT:
This Saturday in San Francisco, the 'class war' contingent was out in large numbers, keeping to the back of the rally at their pre-announced mobilization point. Besides the 'No War But The Class War' banner, they also favored one that read "We Support Our Troops When They Shoot Their Officers." This is more 'support' than their New York counterparts, who wrote the following message to soldiers: "Considering the common practice of talking about "supporting the troops" in times of hostilities, I should let you know how I feel. With all due respect, I want you to know that if you participate in this conflict, you are not serving me, and I don't support you."
PICTURE FROM ANOTHER FRONT PAGE MAG STORY:
