I have no idea what this publication is (a mainstream German newspaper, a party organ, or what?), but it’s not only the enlisted men. I read about 4 days ago that many very senior officers were extremely opposed to it...but they were actually afraid to voice these opinions except in private to trusted sources (trusted not to identify them).
Officers under Bush not only felt free to express their concerns, but were encouraged to do so and to give their viewpoint. And even if they weren’t consulted as diligently as Bush did, I’m not sure any of them have ever been “afraid” under any president before Obama.
Its name translates to “German of economic news.”
I was recently at a meeting where a senior JAG officer made two points:
1) You do not disparage your Commander in Chief. You do not criticize your government leadership. This is long-standing policy.
2) Something new -- you do not speak about political issues. Everyone has an opinion on various policy viewpoints, but you do not talk about that. Expressing your opinion about pending legislation or court cases can get you into trouble.
On the first point, the guy was strong and definite. Nothing new there; it's just the way it is. Sure, it might be a First Amendment thing, but just let it go.
On the second point, he was very nervous. Kept saying it was a new approach. Kept saying that some people disagreed with it. Kept saying that it was started by the current administration. Said more than once that -- in his opinion -- it violated the First Amendment pretty badly. But [big sigh] it's what you should be aware of if you want to stay out of trouble.
I was under the impression that the senior officer corps had been gutted of any who were not Obama "yes" men.