Your help determines our political future

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  It seems at times as though our government is full of twists and turns as democracy plays out each day here in America. The Founding Fathers of our American government shaped it very similar to the British system, a triad of shared power between the King, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. They designed complex checks and balances to ensure equal power is shared amongst our three branches of government, the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. Did you know that last year of the 11,500 proposed bills in Congress just a little more than 500 actually were written into law? Our elected officials are in a full contact sport called American democracy, as they each fight for their constituencies' desires.

As you know, the beginning of our election season is upon us. With it emotions will fly, new policies will be proposed and people will form their steadfast opinions of where our country should go. As members of the military, we swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and serve our commander in chief, the President of the United States, and follow his or her orders. As members of the military we do not, and should not, take a political stance on any government policy. Doing so, could be a conflict of interest and would show defiance against our elected leaders.

As citizens of the United States however, you are free and highly encouraged to demonstrate your right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You are asked to participate in the elections and are even provided an expert to help with your absentee ballots. You are allowed to, pursuant to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, lawfully engage in certain political activities while off duty and out of uniform as a resident of an off-base community. In other words, while you are allowed to participate in activities specifically permitted by statute, you are prohibited from using your rank, position or membership in the armed forces at any time or in any fashion.

Exercising our rights as free citizens coupled with the rules and regulations we have agreed to uphold can be a tough balance. I encourage everyone to participate in as much or as little as you wish this political season, but keep in mind that it is your future this year will determine. We all have a responsibility to take an active role in selecting the most appropriate leaders of our country and of the world.

If anyone has any questions or need clarification regarding participation in the political arena, call your Public Affairs Office or the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!