IndependntLogic
Senior Member
- Jul 14, 2011
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I've been reluctant to express my feeling that this fellow's appearance and demeanor do not reflect any Marine Corps standard I'm familiar with, whether active, reserve, or former, but my frame of reference is the mid-1950s and I know things have changed a lot since then. So hopefully you're right and Shamar Thomas is some sort of poseur or misfit.As a civilian, Mr. Thomas has a right to assemble and speak at a public protest. I don't know if he tried to pass as an active duty Marine, but others that have identified him as such need to bone up a bit on America's Marine Corps. He is way too chubby with weird facial hair. No way could he be mistaken for a Marine. A former Marine maybe.
Also, I'm not sure as to why he would wear the uniform in such a manner. It has brought too much negative attention to himself. On a couple of military forums I visit, and one Marine specific site, the general opinion is that he presents himself as a douche. There are also people digging into his actual service because some of his story isn't adding up. Personally I don't care one way or another. The First Amendment allows great latitude in self-expression.
Because if he isn't the Corps has gotten really sloppy.
I don't see anything about him that would make me think the Marines "have gotten really sloppy". He's passionate about the American right to peaceful assembly. He expresses his convictions strongly but is not disorderly. He talks about honor and fighting for America. He obviously has pride in his country but not in what he saw happen last week (which I don't think anyone would defend).
Oh, and other than an officer's, anyone can wear cami's or whatever once you're out of reserve status. Otherwise, there would be no surplus stores. Officers are allowed to keep our uniforms even after the commission and reserve but not to wear them.
So while I still know very little about what the heck OWS wants, I wish more Americans were like this sergeant. I'd love to see millions of Americans talking about honor and country to our politicians.