"Of course my military career is dead in the water. Theyre designed to be profitable. He was an idealistic teenager from the rural Rust Belt town of New Castle, Pennsylvania (literally the . Spenser Rapone, the former second lieutenant whose Communism will win photos went viral in 2017, has received an other than honorable discharge from the Army. Throughout this whole process, the military has certain ways of coercing you, so there was always athreat of morepunishment. [6], Members of Democratic Socialists of America's Socialist Punk Caucus closed Facebook group, accessed November 24, 2017, included Spenser Rapone. (Via Twitter). The Intelligentsia, the caption read. A review of Rapones Facebook page shows that over time, since 2014, his posts became increasingly anti-racism, anti-Israel, pro-Muslim, pro-Communist, anti-military, and anti-police. And those views only hardened during his studies of history as one of the academys Long Gray Line.. In fact, Ididnt really find what we were being told in America to be reflective of what was really going on in Afghanistan. Leo Gerard, United Steelworkers President, 125 Years After the Pullman Uprising, We Could Be on the Verge of Another Sympathy Strike Wave, Barbara Ehrenreich on Science vs. Mysticism. According to photos on Rapones Facebook page, he became close to Hosein, a Ph.D. in Islamic history from the University of Chicago. Iwas just using all of this expensive equipment in one of the poorest places on earth to serve the interests of acapitalist class. Due to privacy act restrictions, we are limited in what information we can provide, Lt. Col. Nina Hill, an Army spokeswoman, told reporters. No matter what you did in these imperialist conflicts, theres arole you can play in ending them and try to help emancipate and liberate people. It will give them aplatform so they dont have to do this anymoreso they dont have to be acog in the imperialist machineanymore. Id have to file aFOIA request to figure anything out, but Ithink he may have moved the needle alittle bit. [1] Go to the main page of ISO Socialism Conference Rasheed Hosein, a professor of Middle East history was in charge of Second Lieutenant Spenser Rapones development at West Point. Even on nights when we didnt have kinetic engagements, we would just roll up to villages and ransack them; wed separate women and children, put bags over peoples heads, lock them up in flexcuffs. Spenser Rapone is a former Army Ranger and Infantry Officer who resigned his commission in June 2018 due to his opposition to United States imperialism. WATCH LIVE: Retrial for Florida man Eric Robinson accused of brutal love triangle murder, Law&Crime Looks Ahead to 10 Remarkable Criminal Trials Scheduled for the First Half of 2023, 9 Shocking Times Defendants Testified at Trial, 10 Most Memorable Law&Crime Network Trials, Former Christian missionary convicted of sexual abuse and incest after victim under the age of 12 contracts gonorrhea, Im sorry. West Point Knew the Commie Cadet Was an Avowed Marxistand Graduated Trump and other right wingers also still trot out Pat Tillman as asymbol. New cadets are outfitted with their initial issue of military clothing, receive haircuts and get their first lessons in marching, military courtesy and discipline. Local man, West Point grad talks about ouster from Army But Iwas kind of stuck at that point because after your second year, you have to do whats called affirmation. If Idropped at that point, Iwould either be kicked back into the enlisted ranks or be forced to find away to pay for West Point. [emailprotected]. West Point first admitted women in 1976, with 62 women graduating in the class of 1980. Rapone is shown here during graduation ceremonies at the United States Military Academy at West Point with the phrase "Communism will win" written on the inside of his hat. Of the incoming class, 180 were African American, 145 were Hispanic Americans, 99 were Asian Americans and 19 were Native Americans. Although Im not apacifist, Inever called for any explicit violence. Are walking blood banks coming to a field hospital near you? Local man, West Point grad talks about ouster from Army, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. We have one of the most technologically advanced militaries of all time and all we were doing is brutalizing and invading and terrorizing a population that had nothing to do with what the United States claimed was a threat.. After amission, wed have adebrief and, if something particularly violent would happen, officers would say something like, That was kickass! They said if we didnt like it, we were in the wrong place. or anything. An other than honorable discharge means Rapone will not be entitled to VA benefits or the GI Bill. (Source: Twitter). And U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, called on the secretary of the Army to remove Rapone from the officer ranks. Spenser Rapone, 26, became notable a bit faster than most graduates. The letter begins to address many concerns about what has taken place at West Point in light of revelations about 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone, who is an apparent socialist and communist spreading those doctrines; as well as a letter from a former West Point professor that alleges . S5: Episode 31 - Mike Prysner & Spenser Rapone (Podcast Episode 2018) Parents Guide and Certifications from around the world. Spenser Rapone was accepted to West Point in 2012, graduated in 2016 and received an "other than honorable discharge" in June. Idont want people saying that because they are volunteers, theres no room for resisting. They're also given 60 seconds to say goodbye to their families, who they may or may not contact during Cadet Basic Training. Prysner stands at a height of 5 ft 11 in (Approx. From there, Ispent along time in limbo because Iwas under investigationthey were waiting for me to make another screw-up in their minds. Later that year, on August 19, 2014, Rapone posted a picture that showed them in a classroom with another soldier. In an interview with In These Times, Rapone tells his story of his journey from GI Joe to an anti-war activistand why Rubio got himwrong. Inspired by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who famously took aknee to protest police violence, Rapone wore aChe Guevara T-shirt to his West Point graduation in May 2016 and turned his cap over to reveal the hand-scrawled message, Communism willwin.. Many other military personnel also tweeted in favor of Kaepernick, although most were supporting free speech, not communism. A recently retired CIA officer remarked to SOFREP that right now our counter-intelligence is so bad that we are only catching the dumb ones, the people stupid enough to out themselves on social media or who mail classified documents to news outlets, Mr. Murphy continued. Officially, the Army said in a statement only that it conducted a full investigation and "appropriate action was taken. He didnt want all these honorifics. This public. So, for me, Iwas trying to resolve this contradiction because no one over here was threatening freedom or democracy or anything like that. A Soldier's Tale of bravery and morality - The Greanville Post Iremember one time it achaplain said we were about bringing wrath upon these people, and Iwas like, Wow, these people have some kind of crusader fantasy. It was prettyunsettling. Mike Prysner Podcast, Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Salary, and Net Worth "We Were Terrorizing Some of the Most Exploited People on Earth" West Point graduate and now former Army infantry officer Spenser Rapone has been processed out of the U.S. Army and received an other than honorable discharge from the military after a photo he posted with his West Point cap and the words Communism will win went viral. WATERTOWN, N.Y. The images Spenser Rapone posted on Twitter from his West Point graduation were intentionally shocking: In one, the cadet opens his dress uniform to expose a T-shirt with a blood-red image of socialist icon Che Guevara. At West Point, Hosein had mentored Rapone. Occupation: Organizer: A Critical History of Community Organizing in America, Breaking the Impasse: Electoral Politics, Mass Action, and the New Socialist Movement in the United States, Bigger Than Bernie: How We Can Win Democratic Socialism in Our Time. Its a program for Indigenous liberation, life, and landan affirmation that colonialism and capitalism must be overturned for this planet to be habitable for human and other-than-human relatives to live dignified lives. At the end of this Convention, the GNDCC will be tasked with initiating a more direct working relationship between DSA and The Red Nation. He was an honors student, an athlete, a model citizen who volunteered in the community, recalled Altmire, a Democrat. The saga of the commie West Point graduate took a rather strange twist yesterday when the officer who achieved a degree of fame for his scorching sworn statement about then-Cadet Spenser, with an 's,' Rapone's epic insubordination and disrespect, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Robert Heffington released a letter calling into question what is actually being instilled in young men and women . Richard L. Rapone explained that Spenser tried to join West Point straight out of high school but was not accepted. accounts, the history behind an article. As figures of public trust, members of the military must exhibit exemplary conduct, and are prohibited from engaging in certain expressions of political speech in uniform. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contactlicensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. We can confirm, however, that the Army conducted a full investigation and that appropriate action was taken., 2nd. The military website SOFREP reiterated on Thursday that Mr. Rapone was an advocate for the long march through the institutions of power., This [philosophy] entails burrowing inside the institutions of society, including the military, and subverting them from within and ultimately setting the conditions for a communist revolution, wrote Jack Murphy, a former Army Special Operations veteran. In another, he raises his fist and flips his cap to reveal the message: "Communism will win." The Army Times reports in 2018: They dont care about veterans outside of serving their politics for aparticular right-wing vision. But yet theyre still an abstraction and not not allowed to have individualopinions. On March 18, 2014, Hosein posted on his Facebook page, Back from the Taj [Mahal] and it delivered. Two days later, on March 20, 2104, Hosein posted a picture of himself, wearing a long tunic, and Rapone, wearing a turban and a long tunic, with the caption: The brothers are gonna work it out., Two days later, on March 20, 2104, Hosein posted a picture of himself, wearing a long tunic, and Rapone, wearing a turban and a long tunic, with the caption, The brothers are gonna work it out.. A spokeswoman for the 10th Mountain Division confirmed that Rapone had started Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia near Columbus in February 2017 but did not complete the course. Whatever happened to that communist lieutenant? The Army won't say. Prospective Students; Undergraduate Students; Graduate Studies Most importantly, you'll the knowledge that you are part of keeping independent, progressive journalism alive and accessible for everyone. The so-called Commie Cadet was anything but acommunist at the start of his militarycareer. New room decor until its flying proudly in the streets. The GNDCC will make direct connection with The Red Nation, dedicate one person to serve as the main point of contact, and collaborate with the comrades on joint actions, statements and local, national and international campaigns around indigenous liberation and climate justice. West Point graduate who wore Che Guevara T-shirt discharged Copyright 2023 by the Institute for Public Affairs (EIN: 94-2889692). The day after Iposted the pictures, my chain of command approached me, read me my rights, and told me Icould talk right now or wait for an attorney, so of course Iwaited for an attorney. Take the story of Gas Turbine Systems Technician 3rd Class Peter Mims an E-4 whose disappearance sparked a massive man overboard search last year. #AntiFa, he wrote, according to a picture obtained before he took down his account. 'Commie Cadet' Spenser Rapone Leaving Army with 'Less Than Honorable Could you explain the type of discharge they gaveyou? pic.twitter.com/PP5lvIR8Pp. Hosein began teaching at West Point in July 2011. Communist Army LT, prior enlisted Ranger, receives punishment for West He ultimately resigned his commission, and was separated from the Army in June 2018 with an Other Than Honorable discharge., Spenser Rapones bio on Socialism 2018 (Socialism 2018 Website), Fanning wrote that their conversation will be called Resisting Within the Ranks.. Less than a year after Rapones images drew a firestorm of vitriol and even death threats, the second lieutenant who became known as the commie cadet is officially out of the U.S. Army with an other-than-honorable discharge. Spenser Rapone, Author at - Truthdig: Expert Reporting, Current News West Point Communist Spenser Rapone Leaving Army | Law & Crime Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. Later, he served as an Army Ranger and was deployed to Afghanistan on special mission. Another figure whos had abig influence on me was Stan Goff. In this case, it came from Altmire, who served as a membr of Congress in Pennsylvanias 4th congressional district from 2007 to 2013. endobj Army." Mar 29 Damascus is under attack. Whatever happened to West Point's Commie Cadet? Nearly a year ago, the story of Army Lieutenant Spenser Rapone was a big item. But Ididnt say too much afterthat. He ultimately resigned his commission, and was separated from the Army in June 2018 with an Other Than Honorable discharge.. West Point Superintendent responds: We're investigating Spenser Rapone Iwasnt quite asocialist yet, but Iknew Iwas against the war. There are a lot of veterans both active duty and not that feel like I do.. Hosein brought Phi Alpha Theta members, including Rapone, to Orlando, Florida, for a national conference in February 2016. US report shows China taking steps toward space dominance, Biden to allow Afghans to stay longer in US, sources say, Michigan expands absentee voting for military members, Some companies charge hefty fees to help vets with disability claims, Meet 12M+, the new community app for military spouses, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? Deciding he could no longer stomach the immorality of US imperialism, he spoke out against the reprehensible actions of the military in September 2017. The former West Point cadet who called himself Commie Beebop on Twitter rejoined civilian life without an honorable discharge. West Point Commie May Have Been Radicalized by His Mentor at the He then deployed to Afghanistan, where he earned a combat infantryman badge. % Rapone had also posted a second photo of himself in uniform, and he is seen wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt underneath his uniform jacket. Rapone has admitted being a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and has even posted pictures showing his membership card alongside his military name patch. Rainmixing with snow overnight. "Several years ago, I met Spenser Rapone when he was a high school student seeking an appointment to West Point," Altmire said. I have no doubt that the U.S. Army will take appropriate action, Altmire said. WvLUTTTkJX5SK's?:aBe".0X~m41aT`Z""%&QR6&; Even while still a cadet, Rapones online postings alarmed a West Point history professor, who wrote Rapone up, saying his online postings were red flags that cannot be ignored. Rapone was disciplined but still allowed to graduate. When those three elements combine, thats what makes it sodifficult. Of course my military career is dead in the water. Resolution to DSA National Convention Atlanta Georgia July 2019. Previously, he served as the director of Public Education for the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago. (Chicago), Nazir Khan (Twin Cities). Greg Rinckey, an attorney specializing in military law, said it's rare for an officer out of West Point to receive an other-than-honorable discharge. His father, a local official for Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, issued his own statement, disavowing his sons political views. Spenser Rapone | The Nation Over the course of the next six weeks, new cadets will be complete physical training, as well as small-unit tactical training and rifle marksmanship. He posted January 18 on Facebook, May we all learn from her example of what integrity and strength of conviction truly entails.. U.S. Army spokesperson Valerie Mongello stressed this point to American Military News, noting, Both the Department of Defense and the Army have long-standing policies encouraging Soldiers to participate in the democratic process. At the time, he was an outstanding, well-rounded student who came from a good family. The Superintendent of West Point Military Academy, Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr., released a letter on Wednesday. "While in uniform, Spenser Rapone advocated for communism and political violence, and expressed support and sympathy for enemies of the United States," Rubio said Monday, adding "I'm glad to see that they have given him an 'other-than-honorable' discharge.". Two weeks later, they issued me my discharge papers and Ileft. While I strongly support the rights of American citizens to express their opinions, the actions of 2nd Lieutenant Rapone are abhorrent and appear to be in clear violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, in addition to being inconsistent with the values of the United States Military Academy. Looks like the Commie Cadet is well on his way to become the first Army General who advocates the overthrow of the American Government. Former Commie Lieutenant Spenser Rapone Shows the Radical-to - RedState Chance of precip 90%. Lt. Spenser Rapone is under investigation after tweeting photos of himself support communism while in uniform. Ifigured if he could put his skin in the game on anational stage, then Icould do my small part and it kind of took off fromthere. University of Texas History Department Hires The West Point "Commie Spenser Rapone (@SpenserRapone) / Twitter "We have one of the most technologically advanced militaries of all time and all we were doing is brutalizing and invading and terrorizing a population that had nothing to do with what the United States claimed was a threat.".
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