Squadron Commander making rude comments about President

[Simplex]

Way back in the early 60's the Army drilled into us 'you salute the rank' not the man. Same goes for respect of the office, no matter what that person may do, or not do, while in that office. From squadron CC's up to prez, though not directly in our chain of command, we salute say 'yes,sir' and carry on.

[Eclipse]

There was a time when basic etiquette dictated that religion and politics were never discussed in polite company. 

These days the culture of me insinuates that not only is every opinion "equal" (hint, it ain't), but that not only is everyone interested (hint: they aren't),
it's your duty to share (hint: it ain't).

The only upside it that it makes it easier to identify people to place on the "do not call" list.

[docbiochem33]

As CAP members we are to maintain a professional appearance when in uniform or when at a meeting in civilian clothes.  It is unprofessional for anyone to speak bad of an elected/ appointed official when at meetings, functions, or in uniform, PERIOD.

I was in a unit where the commander and I disagreed about the former president's policy and who would be better in office, but we would never bring it up in front of cadets, even when they said something.

Even a local school board would keep this policy.  Two of our cadets came in and told us that a teacher was given her last warning about saying bad things about President Bush.  The school said that they were to maintain a balanced approach since the district had more liberal teachers and conservative parents.

They did not allow groups that were far right or left in.  This is how CAP needs to be when in uniform and when at a meeting.

[Майор Хаткевич]

During some flooding years ago, the local Congressman was on hand to help out alongside the community and CAP. He was also at one of the units annual dinners I believe.

While I do not support the man due to his party affiliation, I had the chance to talk to him on a few occasions when I was in high school, and when he was running for President Obama's previous Senate seat. I even took a picture with him on election day and wished him luck, even though I voted against him not 20 minutes prior. When he had a medical emergency, I wished the man luck and recovery.

I didn't like George Bush, but I also had little skin in the game (being 14 during his re-election). I was hoping Kerry would win, but once it was obvious that he lost, I wished President Bush the best and hoped he would lead the nation well in his second term.

There's nothing wrong with not liking policy. Nothing wrong with voting against someone because you don't agree with them on some/most/all issues. But there is nothing WORSE than making it personal.

[Eclipse]

During some flooding years ago, the local Congressman was on hand to help out alongside the community and CAP. He was also at one of the units annual dinners I believe.

He was actually there to present the DR-V's for the flooding.  He was also inducted as a Legislative Member.

[Майор Хаткевич]

During some flooding years ago, the local Congressman was on hand to help out alongside the community and CAP. He was also at one of the units annual dinners I believe.

He was actually there to present the DR-V's for the flooding.  He was also inducted as a Legislative Member.

And I'm betting no one batted one eye as to his party affiliation.

[Eclipse]

During some flooding years ago, the local Congressman was on hand to help out alongside the community and CAP. He was also at one of the units annual dinners I believe.

He was actually there to present the DR-V's for the flooding.  He was also inducted as a Legislative Member.

And I'm betting no one batted one eye as to his party affiliation.

I don't believe it ever came up in conversation...

[ZigZag911]

This is inappropriate for any CAP member in their public role in CAP, whatever their function or assignment.

The same applies to members of Congress, state legislators & governors, local officials, and for the matter serving personnel of the Armed Forces.

We are all entitled to express our opinions, but a public, volunteer organization (especially in the presence of cadets or seniors subordinate in rank/position) is not the place to do this.

These discussions should be reserved to times when in the company of one's peers; in addition, even then, if someone is made uncomfortable by it, the conversation should be re-directed.

This is simple courtesy.

If anyone wants to call radio talk shows, write letters to editors, post on political blogs or forums, or become actively involved in partisan politics, then that's what they should do.

CAP, however, is not the place for it.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

It may not be a violation of the UCMJ for us, like it is with military personnel, but it's still very bad form.

It's even worse to insult another CAP member because of their political leanings (if known).

[Private Investigator]

There was a time when basic etiquette dictated that religion and politics were never discussed in polite company. 

+1

Most people in America do not understand the concept of "manners".

[RNOfficer]

My Squadron Commander frequently makes rude comments about the President during meetings. Regardless of your political opinions I think this is inappropriate because he is the Commander-in-Chief.

What can I do about this? He's notorious for retaliating against criticism as is the Group Commander.

Not many helpful suggestions for dealing with this. Yes, I understand that most folks in CAP are politically conservative but I believe it is inappropriate to discuss politics at a meeting, particularly by the squadron commander while acting as commander.

[RogueLeader]

My Squadron Commander frequently makes rude comments about the President during meetings. Regardless of your political opinions I think this is inappropriate because he is the Commander-in-Chief.

What can I do about this? He's notorious for retaliating against criticism as is the Group Commander.

Not many helpful suggestions for dealing with this. Yes, I understand that most folks in CAP are politically conservative but I believe it is inappropriate to discuss politics at a meeting, particularly by the squadron commander while acting as commander.

Tell that it is against the Core values, not appropriate behavior, document it, and prepare an IG case, if he retaliates.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

I posted a thread similar to this before the last election.

The way I generally deal with it is:

If the instigator(s) of the conversation are of senior rank to me, I say respectfully "Sir/Ma'am, this is not the place for political discussions."  If they persist, or especially if they belittle me, then I become somewhat less polite.  If I end up with a 2B out of it...well, perhaps it's not an organisation I need to be part of any more.  Fortunately, that hasn't happened (yet).

If the instigator(s) are of junior rank to me, I say politely, "this isn't the place for political discussions, new topic."  If they persist I will say "Alright, you want to talk politics, don't do it in CAP uniform and on CAP time.  I don't care what your politics are, but discuss them on your own time."