U.S. Troops Punished After Refusing to Attend Evangelical Concert - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**Jadykeery** · 08-21-2010, 09:16 PM

Truthout:
http://www.truth-out.org/troops-puni...l-concert62504

Pvt. Anthony Smith is the type of guy who stands up for what he believes in. That's why he decided to hold his commanding officers accountable for punishing him and fellow soldiers after they refused to attend an evangelical Christian rock concert at the Fort Eustis military post in Virginia.

After a day of training at Fort Eustis, Smith and other trainees were normally released to have personal time, but on May 13, Smith and dozens of others were "required" to march in formation to a concert headlined by an evangelical Christian rock band. Smith spent six months training at Fort Eustis before moving to Arizona to serve on active duty with the National Guard.

...

Once outside the concert, Smith and the other trainees were finally given an option and told to split into two groups: those who wanted to attend, and those who did not. Smith and about 80 others decided not to attend, even though they were obviously being "pressured" to do so. Smith and the others were sent back to their barracks on "lockdown," a punishment that Smith said withholds even basic freedoms like using their own electronics.

...

The concert was part of a series of "spiritual fitness" music events at Fort Eustis and nearby Fort Lee instituted by born-again Christian Gen. James E. Chambers, according to an article on the Army's web site.

"They call them 'spiritual' events, but the vast majority of spiritual events are Christian-based," Smith said.

Smith said that the events often involve Bible readings and testimonies from evangelicals.

**Kneedycrype** · 08-21-2010, 11:37 PM

Exactly what Constitution are our troops serving to protect?

**paydayus** · 08-22-2010, 01:48 AM

As I've often said, fundamentalism of any form is a bigger problem than the ideology attached to it.

**Kneeniasy** · 08-22-2010, 06:57 AM

Agree, Liberal Fundamentalism has time and time again for the last 100 years has been caused disasterous problems.

**unfolaReemoma** · 08-22-2010, 06:59 AM

What is the Administration's either the President's or Defense Secretary Gates' position on this General? Will the media even ask them?

08-21-2010, 09:16 PM	#1
Jadykeery Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 394 Senior Member	U.S. Troops Punished After Refusing to Attend Evangelical Concert Truthout: http://www.truth-out.org/troops-puni...l-concert62504 Pvt. Anthony Smith is the type of guy who stands up for what he believes in. That's why he decided to hold his commanding officers accountable for punishing him and fellow soldiers after they refused to attend an evangelical Christian rock concert at the Fort Eustis military post in Virginia. After a day of training at Fort Eustis, Smith and other trainees were normally released to have personal time, but on May 13, Smith and dozens of others were "required" to march in formation to a concert headlined by an evangelical Christian rock band. Smith spent six months training at Fort Eustis before moving to Arizona to serve on active duty with the National Guard. ... Once outside the concert, Smith and the other trainees were finally given an option and told to split into two groups: those who wanted to attend, and those who did not. Smith and about 80 others decided not to attend, even though they were obviously being "pressured" to do so. Smith and the others were sent back to their barracks on "lockdown," a punishment that Smith said withholds even basic freedoms like using their own electronics. ... The concert was part of a series of "spiritual fitness" music events at Fort Eustis and nearby Fort Lee instituted by born-again Christian Gen. James E. Chambers, according to an article on the Army's web site. "They call them 'spiritual' events, but the vast majority of spiritual events are Christian-based," Smith said. Smith said that the events often involve Bible readings and testimonies from evangelicals. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

08-21-2010, 11:37 PM	#2
Kneedycrype Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 383 Senior Member	Exactly what Constitution are our troops serving to protect? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

08-22-2010, 01:48 AM	#3
paydayus Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 545 Senior Member	As I've often said, fundamentalism of any form is a bigger problem than the ideology attached to it. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

08-22-2010, 06:57 AM	#4
Kneeniasy Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 435 Senior Member	Agree, Liberal Fundamentalism has time and time again for the last 100 years has been caused disasterous problems. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

08-22-2010, 06:59 AM	#5
unfolaReemoma Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 444 Senior Member	What is the Administration's either the President's or Defense Secretary Gates' position on this General? Will the media even ask them? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

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