Marine Booted From Corps For Facebook Comments About President Obama

Sgt. Gary Stein (credit: CBS)

DENVER (CBS4) A Marine from California claims he was just exercising his rights to free speech, but his comments on President Obama led to his discharge.

Sgt. Gary Stein posted the comments on Facebook. The Marine Corps didnt buy the free speech argument. They say they dont let anyone in the military do anything that might give off the perception that they support any political cause or party.

Stein called President Obama a coward and said he wouldnt follow orders from him. He even touted he was a proud member of Obamas enemy list.

I look back on them saying, I wish I didnt say those statements, Stein said.

Political activism in the military isnt tolerated. The Marines say Stein had even been warned about his postings by superiors.

Were in the military and we have to follow the directives and the uniform code of the military justice, thats about as simple as I can make it, Maj. Michael Armistead said.

Steins lawyers say its a violation of his free speech.

Sgt. Stein did nothing but engage in political speech that is protected by the First Amendment, his lawyer said.

The military doesnt put up with that, Denver lawyer David Lane told CBS4.

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Marine Booted From Corps For Facebook Comments About President Obama