UPDATE: West Point has responded, saying they’re looking into this matter, that Rapone’s chain of command is aware, and that his actions do not reflect the values of West Point or the U.S. Military:
The U.S. Military Academy strives to develop leaders who internalize the academy's motto of Duty, Honor, Country, and who live the Army values. Second Lieutenant Rapone's actions in no way reflect the values of the U.S. Military Academy or the U.S. Army.
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. Second Lieutenant Rapone's chain of command is aware of his actions and is looking into the matter.
The academy is prepared to assist the officer's chain of command as required.
USMA statement in response to social media posts by West Point graduate, 2nd Lt. Rapone - https://t.co/tUd6QOWDCU
— US Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) September 26, 2017
UPDATE II: Rapone graduated from West Point in 2016. He was deployed to Afghanistan as well.
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So, while the nation has to deal with “take a knee” syndrome that’s infested sports, the last bastion of apolitical entertainment—there’s something going on at West Point. Second Lt. Spenser Rapone is an infantry officer and a member of Democratic Socialists of America. He sent some support for Colin Kaepernick via Twitter, showing him in uniform, with “communism will win” etched inside his officer’s cap. He also tweeted a photo of himself wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt under his uniform.
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#VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/3jnCtawvHc
— Commie Bebop?? (@punkproletarian) September 24, 2017
In case there was any lingering doubt, hasta la victoria siempre pic.twitter.com/0XrW38wcCk
— Commie Bebop?? (@punkproletarian) September 25, 2017
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and his national anthem antics have reached new heights since last year. Almost 150 NFL players took a knee for Sunday’s games after President Trump went after those who engage in such antics in professional sports; Trump was at an Alabama rally last Friday when he made these remarks. Law Newz was able to verify the identity of the West Point cadet, who isn’t able to answer specific questions due to him “being currently in the field.” Still, I’m pretty sure that you cannot be political while in uniform in the U.S. Military.
Rapone posts under the handle @punkproletarian and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Under the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick, he tweeted an image of himself raising the left clenched-fist of solidarity, support and resistance as well as the message, “Communism Will Win” taped inside of his West Point uniform cap. Also visible in the photograph is Rapone’s Combat Infantryman Badge–meaning he has fought in active ground combat.
Rapone followed up his initial post with retweeted images of other #VeteransForKaepernick in their combat uniforms. LawNewz verified the legitimacy of the photograph with Rapone himself.
The site also linked to a Medium post by Rapone. Also, doesn't Rapone's cause pretty much call for the overthrow of the U.S. government and our Constitution?
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