Army Soldier Politicking for Ron Paul




(Washington) As a former serviceman, I recall being told specifically to stay away from political events, in uniform or out.

An Army reservist who appeared in uniform on national television in support of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul during Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses could face harsh penalties from the Defense Department for violating military rules against politicking.

Service officials confirmed Wednesday that they are looking into possible violations of the department’s rules governing troops’ political participation by Cpl. Jesse Thorsen, an Iowa-based reservist.

Thorsen was interviewed on CNN, speaking in support of Paul’s campaign. Later, at a post-caucus rally, Paul identified Thorsen as a 10-year soldier who “has been with us in our campaign for a few years,” and invited Thorsen on stage to tell the crowd why he supports Paul’s foreign policy plans.

Thorsen will likely face consequences from his command.

Incidentally, it's strange that Ron Paul, a candidate for the job of Commander in Chief, would allow a soldier in uniform to participate in a political event and actually summon him to speak, contrary to military rules.