<p>With God on our side: one man’s war against an evangelical coup in America’s military.</p>
<p>I assume some of you have read this book - maybe your parents have or you did before accepting your appointment. What are your opinions about his allegations?</p>
<p>He rants against evangelical Christians certainly but also past and (then) current, ongoing cover-ups of sexual scandals and other honor abuses.</p>
<p>Any opinions?</p>
<p>Mr Weinstein, and his son's are graduates of USAFA. Because of the Academies nature students come from all walks of life. His family hold very liberal veiws, and he has waged a personal campaign for the separation of church and state at the Academy. His veiws (IMHO) are very harsh when it comes to prostelization, and he has used other "Scandals" to advance his agenda (IMHO).</p>
<p>That said there is still value and truth in some of his messages. In order to educate our Cadets a safe environment must be provided. The sexual assualts were real, and a culture had been allowed to develop in years past that was not good. You have to be able to see your warts in order to fix them, and Mikey Weinstein has been very good at pointing to them. (IMHO).</p>
<p>You are echoing my opinions on this book, ds. The problems need to be out in the open, and resolved... but wow - he's got some issues.</p>
<p>I have not read it...but...</p>
<p>Mr. Weinstein seems to be on a crusade against USAFA, at times.
He and his supporters have raised two of the three recent major scandals here (the other was raised internally). Perhaps USAFA has radically changed...From what cadets who were here at the height of the religious intolerance scandal say, the whole thing was blown way out of proportion.</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't see "an evangelical coup in America's military." Perhaps, I am shortsighted (being a Christian), but I have seen many instances of people trying to stay PC or correcting themselves. "Merry Christmas" is not something the staff at USAFA say, for example.</p>
<p>Please don't think my second paragraph above was an endorsement of his practices. I believe he has been a very destructive force, and tremble each time I hear his name in association with the Academy. I am also sorry to hear that staff avoid saying Merry Christmas.</p>
<p>I'm not debating that sexual assaults have and still do occur. Fortunately, Mr. Weinstein's accusations lead to changes in sexual assault reporting and prevention (even if I do hate getting briefed on it 10 times a year). USAFA needed some changes, and he was successful in bringing some of them about. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, his (and other's) zeal in attacking percieved abuses has lead to overreactions in some areas ("uber-PC" culture by much of the academy staff would be one, IMO). Then again, I hate much of what political correctness has become/done in society. I am biased against PC, so take that with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>I have not read the book - I certainly will seek it out.</p>
<p>There have been quite a few documented issues with proselytizing in the military. The Air Force academy has had issues with this in the recent past.
just google proselytize and air force academy.</p>
<p>Now - you all who are believers (and I am one too, btw) are wondering what is wrong with that. The problem is the military adheres to a chain of command.
Our military is made up of US citizens - not US Christians. When the superior officer of a Jew or Muslim or Catholic - asks if you went to church on Sunday or if you would like to "visit" my church - that can be construed as an order.
If cadre asks a cadet why he didn't get up for church on Sunday then the cadet feels pressure from the cadre to attend. </p>
<p>BTW - this happens in the Army as well.<br>
There is much to read on this subject. While some airmen/soldiers don't mind being "encouraged" to attend church - others find the "encouragement" disturbing.
A book I just read is "Soldier's Heart" by Elizabeth Samet who is an English professor at West Point. An excellent book by the way on teaching literature to those who are going to go to War. She devoted a whole chapter to this very subject.
Do some research - read some articles before you make a quick judgement.</p>
<p>Also - if you read the Air Force Times online - they have posed this very question and asked to hear opinions on evangelism in the Air Force.</p>
<p>we live in and serve the United States of America.</p>
<p>WOW. it sure does feel great to be free.</p>
<p>i find it interesting that a few years back... (this is the short version)</p>
<p>at the United State Military Academy there was a big cheating scandal...
and when the chain of command did an investigation... they asked all the cadets involved what motivated them to cheat OR why did they... what happened to their conscience/integrity ?! </p>
<p>and roughly 45% of the cadets asked said that the "removal" of manditory chapel influenced them in negative manner.</p>
<p>wow. from that you conclude that cadets cheated because they were no longer forced to go to chapel?
as far as I know optional chapel has always been available</p>
<p>Ramius I am right there with you in regards to the PC culture. It has become the modern method of silencing speech you disagree with.</p>
<p>JustAMomOf4,</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
wow. from that you conclude that cadets cheated because they were no longer forced to go to chapel?
as far as I know optional chapel has always been available
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>i didn't conclude those cadets at the USMA did.
but, i agree they should of went to chapel.</p>
<p>Be careful with saying those things if you get here....</p>
<p>Honestly, that doesn't make sense. Honor violations and mandatory chapel (ruled to be in violation of the 1st Amendment, IIRC) are not exactly in a cause and effect relationship!
Having mandatory chapel attendance would be wrong. People are free to believe/not believe in whatever faith they want.</p>
<p>I have seen some of the "proof" of 1st Amendment violations here, part of which included a civilian commenting on the "missionary duties of cadets." The video was filmed in an area open to the public and was in no way sanctioned by USAFA (it broke several rules relating to press coverage, as well).
I know that Fisher DeBerry was a bit too outspoken about his faith, and he was eventually reprimanded because of it. In my time here, I have not seen proselytizing or promotion of any religion. I might see cadets being annoyed by other cadets inviting them. Seriously though, if you have a problem with someone inviting you to church, tell them...not the Gazette!</p>
<p>It is a shame the pendulum swing has gone as far as it has. I agree it is a lot easier to say "Sorry I don't really want to go to church with you". No one should be pressured to attend, but you shouldn't be afraid to say Merry Christmas, or Amen when something goes right. I am sure even the most critical have whispered that silent prayer after a USAFA Chem test or Physics test. Just a shame we have arrived at this place.</p>