When you become part of the U.S. armed forces you agree to obey the rules and regulations that govern our military.
That includes a restriction on personal political activities, especially when in uniform. It looks like those restrictions will soon be tested.
A recent U.S. Military Academy graduate named Spenser Rapone, now a second lieutenant with the Army's 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, attracted attention when he tweeted a photo of himself in his uniform as a West Point cadet with the words "Communism will win" written inside his hat. His tweet was accompanied by the hashtag "#VeteransForKaepernick," which is, of course, a reference to the former NFL player who initiated the whole kneeling during the national anthem controversy.
Rapone has, over several months, posted images of himself sporting a a shirt under his uniform featuring communist revolutionary Che Guevara, made statements on social media supporting convicted document leaker Chelsea Manning and made disrespectful comments criticizing President Donald Trump-who is also his commander-in-chief-and other administration members.
Needless to say his Army superiors are aware of all of this and have said an investigation is ongoing. Rapone could face a range of punishments, including prison time if the case goes to court martial.
And this week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., sent a letter to the acting secretary of the Army calling for Rapone's dismissal from the service and revocation of his diploma from West Point. Rubio also wants Rapone to repay the government for the cost of his four years at the academy.
Sounds good to us.
This young man has a right to his views. But he has an obligation to adhere to the military's code of conduct. He chose to accept his West Point education and the Army commission that came with it. He knew from the start what he was getting into. If he can't keep up his part of the bargain, then he should reap no benefits.
We should also point out as well that the military exists to keep this country safe. Having someone like Rapone, with his views and reckless disregard for good order and discipline, in a position of responsibility detracts from that mission.
We think Sen. Rubio is on the mark here. Rapone should face the consequences of his actions. And soon. He has forfeited the honor of serving his country as an officer in theArmy.