<p>I'm curious as to what extent there are "politics" on campus at the USNA. Many civilian schools have group after group of political organizations. I know that can't be true at a Service Academy, but what about just the normal college banter - kids reading the newspaper and debating (informally) about current events. I hope there is enough diveristy, and enough talk, that this part of the college experience is not missed.</p>
<p>Plebes, in particular, are expected to be aware of news events. One of their "rates" is to be prepared to talk about three newspaper articles each day. The articles can't be about things like divorces of famous people; they need to be important current events. Of course, the Super Bowl was, no doubt, an important current event this week!</p>
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Many civilian schools have group after group of political organizations. I know that can't be true at a Service Academy, but what about just the normal college banter - kids reading the newspaper and debating (informally) about current events. I hope there is enough diveristy, and enough talk, that this part of the college experience is not missed.
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<p>Mids are acutely aware of current events. When something goes wrong in the world, it's usually the military that's first on the scene and that has to mop up the mess. </p>
<p>In my day, there was typically not much debate at USNA or in the USN about current events involving US policy because your job as a military officer is to do what your Commander-in-Chief directs you to do. Thus, it doesn't work very well to be openly criticizing decisions your superiors make. IOW, you don't want to come out and say that President Bush (when he was president) or President Obama (today) is an idiot, totally wrong, incompetent, etc. Not helpful to your subordinates and not a career-enhancing move. Depending on your political views and who is president at the time, you may feel stifled. But that's life. There's always the next election.</p>
<p>That, BTW, is not to say that everyone in the military thinks alike. Most assuredly not. Or that there is some sort of "clamp down" on legitimate discussion and debate. But if you're looking for the "normal civilian college experience" in this regard, you should probably attend a civilian college and stay out of the military. Or save your political debates for your non-military friends, your family, etc. Seriously.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input. Just to put my question into perspective - my son is a political and social conservative in a sea of liberal democrat friends. While he is looking forward to being with more like minded people, he very much enjoys engaging in debate with his peers, and for the most part does so resectfully. I think he will miss the debate, and I think he learns so much by defending his own thoughts. (And trust me they are his OWN thoughts, he is NOT parroting me or his father.)</p>
<p>I know it would not be ok to question the commander in chief, or any superior, for that matter, but there are so many other things to discuss - whether it be stem cell research, or the tax code. Are these off limits too?</p>
<p>One more question - I am happy to hear they are required to read the newspaper. Where do they get the newspapers - does everyone subscribe to one or more? Do they have a choice of newspapers?</p>
<p>They can subscribe to newspapers/magazines after Plebe Summer is over if they choose, but there are various newspapers in the company wardroom. My Plebe has mentioned both the Washington Post and NY Times.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that many newspapers from around the world are now available on-line, and they are often free. I do not believe that reading newspapers on-line would in any way be a violation of "use of media" by Plebes, but current or recent Mids may want to correct me.</p>
<p>2012Mom, I can't name a plebe who views news by another means than the internet.</p>
<p>^^^ Even on the internet it is still NY Times and Washington Post. I guess I had an odd Plebe who subscribed to the Economist, New Yorker and Harpers all in print form.</p>
<p>Sail Girl please do not assume that all Mids are conservative and that there in no debate among friends. Mine has had both respectful debates within his group of friends and some not so much in class. Mine would be part of that "sea of liberal, no party affiliation, independents" You would be surprised, obviously not the majority, but there are more than you think - ;)</p>
<p>Thanks again for your input. My own college experience was at a school with NO dissention, we all believed the same thing, but few of us could articulate or defend our positions. Hence, I'd like my children at schools where they must understand their own beliefs, if that makes sense.</p>
<p>One more question on this subject - can they "get away" with just reading the headlines and skimming a paragraph or two, or do the really have to read the articles. I hope it is the latter - I like the idea of my son being required to read the news. (whether online or in print, although I'm old enough to prefer the latter)</p>
<p>Wow--I don't think skimming is sufficient. They (plebes) need to know their stuff.</p>
<p>Good to know, GoNavy.</p>
<p>I have from time to time advised my son to temper his political affiliations on his facebook and other sites. Otherwise I do not think he has any problems voicing his political affiliations. He did mention he thought one of his professors was liberal, but he described the professor as "cool". He likes where he is and respects the system.</p>
<p>Sailgirl, your son is likely to find a wide variety of political viewpoints amongst his peers if he asks, but in all honesty he will find himself becoming somewhat more apolitical than he is now. The sense of service that the Naval Academy will attempt to inspire in him is not limited by red/blue, liberal/conservative, or any other classification.</p>
<p>^^^ Why do you base saying they will become apolitical? Mine has become even more politically informed and vocal since going to USNA.</p>
<p>Politically informed, most certainly. You'd be disappointed in the Naval Academy if he didn't have a better world view wouldn't you? Politically vocal? Maybe in discussions with the family and with classmates he seems more political due to increased awareness, but as far as being politically active... ask him.</p>
<p>^^^^ know him very well and the answer is yes - not afraid to voice an opinion to friends, acquaintances, in class, and on face book. And yes he has said so much and has indicated others do too.</p>
<p>Normally, it is proper etiquette to leave politics out of "wardroom" discussions. Talking about politics in small groups or one-on-one is encouraged! </p>
<p>Straight from the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which is "written" by the President. Remember that because you are in the military, you do retain certain rights (a limited Freedom of Speech, in this case):</p>
<p>"Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.</p>
<p>If not personally contemptuous, ad-verse criticism of one of the officials or legislatures named in the article in the course of a political discussion, even though emphatically expressed, may not be charged as a violation of the article.</p>
<p>Similarly, expressions of opinion made in a purely private conversation should not rdinarily be charged.</p>
<p>Giving broad circulation to a written publication containing contemptuous words of the kind made punishable by this article, or the utterance of contemptuous words of this kind in the presence of military subordinates, aggravates the offense. The truth or falsity of the statements is immaterial."</p>
<p>In no way am I implying that if you say something contemptuous you would even go to a court-martial. My point is, that political discussions, in small groups, in appropriate locations, and respectful in nature, are encouraged.</p>
<p>I can't tell you how many times the last segment (saying how bad one presidential candidate, who was a MOC, in front of military subordinates) was violated during my plebe summer. The 1/C be-rated anyone who was against their belief. I don't care what party you vote for, this was a bad lapse in judgment on behalf of certain cadre. 2013, you will be leading the next plebe summer when an election is going on....please ensure that you do not repeat what my cadre did. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.</p>