Army asks Palin not to give speech at book signing

The AP ^ | 9:05 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2009 | The AP

[Dacula]

FORT BRAGG, N.C.

[bgill]

The Army worried Palin's appearance would prompt political grandstanding against President Barack Obama.

In other news, Obama squelches investigation of the Ft. Hood jihadist the army was protecting. Gee, seems like this would be a good time for the army to man up on the side of America, but then what do I know.

[gura]

Maybe she should bring her powerpoint presentation on how wonderful Jihad against the nonbelievers is.

[Allegra]

Then WTF was “O”doing trooping around the world and shooting off his mouth, while “W” was still President???

I loathe and detest Obama, but I will say that when he made his little campaign (photo op) stop in Baghdad in July 2008, he didn't mention President Bush or bash anything connected with the war.

He probably had to be cautioned about that prior to his visit, but he did refrain. This was billed as a standard senator visit, but we all had to go on lockdown while he was nearby, when we never even had to do that when the President was in town, let alone other senators.

[Let's Roll]

I bet she wouldn’t refer to the troops as ‘photo ops’.

[Sarah-bot]

This is what I am trying to say. I can see the Army telling Sarah not to give a political speech, but why would the Army prevent her from giving a troop morale pep speech, a USO style speech. I’m I wrong in believing the famous personalities give pep rallies through the USO? Are USO affiliates the only one allowed to give pep speeches. I just see the Army as handling the situation in an overtly hostile manner. The Army could have asked Sarah not to make a speech with out the fact leaking to the press.

[bgill]

Seeing Gen Casey on TV saying that loss of diversity would be worse than the Ft Hood lives that were lost told me that we are screwed.

WHAT?!? He #$%&^*$% said that?!?

[Kickass Conservative]

The Army is making this Political. They are making an issue where none exists, unless they subscribe with the Obama Doctrine of silencing any potential critics before they open their mouths.

How ironic that someone promoting the American Values of Freedom and Patriotism with our Troops is now Persona Non Grata.

If President G.W. Bush visits Fort Bragg when his book comes out, will the Army tell him what he can say and do while he is there? I think not...

This is nothing but the usual PC crap that got fourteen people murdered in cold blood.

[leapfrog0202]

This isn’t political ~ she’s going as a private citizen. I for one, even if my husband was still active duty, would be pretty upset if I couldn’t get a personalized note from Sarah in my book!

It’s no different than allowing members of congress to travel to a war zone, make speeches and take photos with the troops IMHO.

[bgill]

I didn’t see anywhere that Sarah ever had plans to make a speech so I suspect this is political spin and another slam at her.

[skr]

Were they afraid she’d criticize Obama in an autograph or in a speech?!

[CedarDave]

Palin will not make a speech, pose for photos, or personalize notes in the books she signs.

The first I agree with. The rest is political BS UNLESS that's her usual practice due to the large number of people waiting in line. I've gone to book signings by both Colonel North and Mark Levin and both took time for photos and to personalize a book, especially for us veterans.

[HereInTheHeartland]

“pose for photos, or personalize notes in the books she signs.”

Why not???!!??

[pollywog]

oh my!! That brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t agree with many policies from President Bush but all I can say is I MISS YOU PRESIDENT BUSH!!!!!

[Vermont Lt]

If they want pictures, get out of uniform and go the barnes and noble off the base.

The army needs to play this right down the middle.

[mojitojoe]

What happened to FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ________________________ This thing:

[Sarah-bot]

Why did the Army leak the fact that Sarah could not make a speech to the press? Why wasn’t the issue handled behind closed doors?

[wolf78]

What happened to FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It doesn't apply to the military. Never has.

I have had hope that at some point the military might step in to save us from the obamination - sort of like Honduras - but obviously they’re too busy being PC to lift a finger.

There's something seriously wrong with that sentiment. What's next? Taking away guns so that military intervention gets easier the next time around? Fortunately Obama's mistakes can be undone by the next administration.

[Vermont Lt]

Well it is different. The congressmen are not in the military.

Do you think a uniformed officer in the Army can just go stand on a corner and spout political thoughts.

The army is pretty good about keeping its political thoughts to themselves.

This is NOT PC, its the way the Army operates.

[Brit]

My guess is that by coming to her book signing the military men will show how they feel and who they respect without a word or a photo being done.

Other than throwing Palin off the base entirely there is no way the high muckymucks can stop what will happen...the military men and women will speak with their feet!

[Lion Den Dan]

Political speech making on Federal installations is and has been a violation of Federal Regulations. The president can make information presentations on a military base but can not give a “Vote for -—” presentation.