Atheist quits West Point before Graduation in protest.

A West Point student only 5 months away from graduation is quiting in protest of what he calls "criminal" behavior of his commanding officers.


from Huffington Post
by Blake Page Cadet, United States Military Academy at West Point
"Why I Don't Want to Be a West Point Graduate"

The title West Point Graduate carries a great deal of weight in this world. Those who earn it are given a "golden ticket" and wear a "ring of power" which will certainly carry them to successful careers with doors flung open in the military, in business, even in personal relationships; as so many are seduced by the historic prestige of the United States Military Academy. All of these things seem enticing, but for me personally they are not worth it. As I write this, I am five months from graduation. After nearly three and a half years here, there is no reason to suspect that I would be in any way incapable of completing the final requirements and walking across the stage in Michie Stadium with diploma in hand in another 174 days. Choosing to resign at this point also carries significant risk. The Army may seek recoupment in the form of about $200-300k which I will personally owe, or an additional term of up to 5 years of enlisted service. What could possibly compel me to pass over this incredible opportunity in exchange for such harsh penalties?

...

The following is an excerpt from my resignation letter from West Point:

"I do not wish to be in any way associated with an institution which willfully disregards the Constitution of the United States of America by enforcing policies which run counter to the same. Examples of these policies include mandatory prayer, the maintenance of the 3rd Regiment Shield, awarding extra passes to Plebes who take part in religious retreats and chapel choirs, as well as informal policies such as the open disrespect of non-religious new cadets and incentivizing participation in religious activities through the chain of command."

As the President of the West Point Secular Student Alliance (SSA), a Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF) affiliate, and first Director of Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) Affairs at West Point, I have been in a position to hear countless cadets recount their personal stories of frustration in dealing with the ongoing oppressive and unconstitutional bigotry they face for being non-religious. Cadets often come to me to seek assistance, guidance and reassurance in response to instances of debasing harassment. Many here are regularly told they do not deserve a place in the military. They are shown through policy that the Constitution guarantees their freedom of, but not from religion. Many are publically chastised for seeking out a community of likeminded people because it is such a common belief that Humanism and other non-religious philosophies are inherently immoral and worse.

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full story at:
[link to www.huffingtonpost.com]

Supporting story on ABC OpEdNews Site:
[link to www.opednews.com]

Video of Blake Page at huffpo:
[link to www.huffingtonpost.com]

As a Christian, I find this very troubling. It would appear that those who follow Jesus have become the new acceptable "boogyman". In on of the supporting articles about the 3rd regiment shield this kid goes on at length about how the cross on the shield shows that the Military supports and condones the actions of Christians during the Crusades. What? Are you kidding me?

At some point atheists are gonna have to realize that no one alive today who truly follows Jesus supports what happened during the Crusades. Atheists need to understand that the actions of the church during that time period does not in ANY way shape or form show the true nature of Jesus. The Crusades were evil and not of Jesus. I am not a member of a Church nor am I religious. I am a follower of Jesus, that's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Do not try to lump me in with all those to try to wield a sword that was never theirs to wield.

It would seem that we are producing soldiers that worry more about fairness and making sure not to offend another culture then they are about doing the job that has been given to them.