Should the JROTC be able to participate in the NWIP rally?

I would think the answer to whether or not the JROTC is legally allowed to participate in the Northwest Indiana Patriot (NWIP) rally would be no. The Cadet Command Regulation 145-2, on page 145, clearly states:

JROTC Cadets are prohibited from wearing the Army uniform in the following situations:
(1) In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian employment.
(2) When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by the Commander, USACC.
(3) When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.
(4) When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army.
(5) When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.

Jones urges to her tea party members to attend the Republican Party meetings in Porter County, urging tea party members to become precinct committee persons and state delegates which clearly puts the NWIP under #1. The NWIP event is a rally that the JROTC would be participating in which falls under #2. #3 Is up to a matter of opinion but I find the signs "Got rope?" and "Our forefathers would have been shooting by now" as extremist and these signs have been seen and photographed at prior NWIP rallies so this would be reason number 3 to now allow the JROTC to attend the NWIP rally. I will leave it up for you to decide as to whether or not "wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army" is another valid reason to prohibit the JROTC from participating in the NWIP rally.

Sources:
https://www.usarmyjrotc.com/jrotcRes/downloads/CCR145-2.pdf
http://www.post-trib.com/news/porter/2141768,new-ptgrotc0406.article
http://nwipatriots.com/blog/2009/12/10/center-township-gop-meeting/

Health Care Rally September 2 at the Porter County Courthouse

From 6:30-8:30 health care supporters are gathering at the Porter County Courthouse. more info

DANWI Meeting

The August monthly meeting of the Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana wasn't unique due to a town hall style meeting with Congressman Pete Visclosky. A crowd of over 300 Porter County residents that arrived dawning bright orange shirts supporting health care reform, NWI Patriot gear, or waving signs supporting or protesting the health care reform in the House created the buzz that was about the Westchester Library at 6:00 Monday night. Although discussions were heated and protesters were vocal outside, the meeting went as smoothly as could be expected from such a charged atmosphere.

The night began with an eventful start, after a short explanation by DANWI describing why a crowd of "tea baggers" had come to disrupt a town hall meeting, the initial question of the evening came from an elderly that wanted to explain what tea bagging meant which, thankfully, was cut short by an official with DANWI who promptly announced another DANWI member who finally announce U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky.

The majority of questions came from the NWI Patriots who were upset that Congressman Visclosky hadn't read the proposed health care bill even though it just been released Friday. A CPA asked how the proposed programs would be funded so the Congressman pointed out that the CBO had put the cost at under the 1 trillion mark but no specifics were discussed. In addition Visclosky used his parents, at ages 92 and 87, as examples of Medicare benefits as well as the downfall which involves the multiple and complex plans that seniors are forced to choose from. When asked if he believes health care is a right or a privilege, he answered that he believes health care is a right which was met by boos and applause and then he went into examples of Health care that isn't health insurance related like OSHA and putting in sidewalks in South Haven since 3 children have been run over and killed on those very roads.

An excellent point made by a resident is that many union workers, such as steel workers, won't retire due to the lack of health care and preexisting conditions. If there were a public option and no preexisting condition discrimination, more of these workers could retire, allowing for a younger generation to be employed and therefore contributing to society.

Overall, everyone survived. No punches were thrown and the Congressman did an excellent job in responding to concerns and clarifying misconceptions that were revealed by the crowd.

Public Option Health Care Rally

Around 75 public health care option supporters rallied outside Senator Richard Lugar's regional office in Valparaiso, Indiana at noon today. People wore orange shirts with the website healthcare-now.org and signs supporting a public health care option currently being hashed out in Washington D. C.

This rally is one of over 150 rallies occuring across the United States sponsored by MoveOn.org.

Taking Action

I am so proud of Indiana for turning Blue. I am even more proud of Porter County for turing blue. For the first time since 1848, Porter County has voted for a Democratic President, Barack Obama.

In addition, the Porter County Council holds the majority of seats in the Porter County Council.


I have taken it upon myself to take action and take responsibility for Porter County, Indiana and their action in politics. I want all Porter County residents to vote no matter who they vote for. Of course, I will promote the politicians I support but this doesn't mean I would want to supress votes. After all, this is America and majority should rule.

With that said, I am impressed with how many Porter County volunteers that came out for the primary and general election to get out the vote and talk issues with fellow Hoosiers. Thank you Porter County!