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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Sunday, April 14, 2024

The presence of individuals who appeared to be U.S. Marines in full uniform at a recent Mar-a-Lago fundraiser for Donald Trump, the presumed 2024 GOP presidential nominee, raised eyebrows for some online, who pointed out that it could constitute illegal behavior.

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"The images first surfaced on Saturday and were said to have been taken at the former president's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

In it, three women in dress attire can be seen posing alongside four men wearing full Marine Corps uniforms, two of them carrying the U.S. and Marine flags, while the other two appear to be holding rifles of some kind.

As the image circulated, several people chimed in, noting that the men's presence at the political event in full uniform could be illegal. Some also raised the possibility that the men were not, in fact, real Marines.

"It's either illegal per UCMJ [Uniform Code of Military Justice], or they aren't marines which would be weird," former Representative Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, wrote in a post.

"reply and pos
6h
It would be special if Trump hired undocumented migrants to play the role of the soldiers.
flyonsomewall

6h
Actors dressed as Marines posing with Russians dressed as Americans
minxiv7

7h
Those are fake --- "Marines". Not a single set of commendations, no stripes, no indication of rank in full dress,
BULLSH@T. Stolen Valor:"

'

Looks like Russian hookers and GOP Crisis Actors, rofl!

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2024-04-13 09:20 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"Stolen valor is also a third-degree felony under Florida state law, which bars individuals from "[misrepresenting] himself or herself as a member or veteran of the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Coast Guard, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Space Force, or National Guard."

#2 | Posted by Corky at 2024-04-13 09:26 PM | Reply

Laws are for suckers

#3 | Posted by truthhurts at 2024-04-13 09:36 PM | Reply

Actually it's kinda hard to tell Russian Hookers from GOP wives... often they are the same.

#4 | Posted by Corky at 2024-04-13 09:37 PM | Reply

@#1 ... "It's either illegal per UCMJ [Uniform Code of Military Justice], or they aren't marines which would be weird," former Representative Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, wrote in a post. ...

Is there a third option to the question fmr Rep Kinzinger proffered?

I ask because the I do not like (understatement) either or the two options he notes.


#5 | Posted by lamplighter at 2024-04-13 09:38 PM | Reply

Jack Nicholson was not available? They couldn't handle the truth!

#6 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-13 09:42 PM | Reply

@#3 ... Laws are for suckers ...

Fmr Pres Trump's theme song?

Skinny - Failure (1998)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt...

genius.com

...
Why have I always been a failure?
Why have I always been a failure?
Why have I always been a failure?
What can the reason be?

Talking to myself at stations
Slipping in the pouring rain
Ripped my new shirt
Pocket with a hole and
Chasing all the coins
Rolling down the drain
Everything you said was hazy
You called me sad, lost and lazy
Scratched my records and slapped my face
You left no clue
I'm blue

(I'm blue)

Why have I always been a failure?
Why have I always been a failure?
Why have I always been a failure?
What can the reason be?
You might also like
Walkin' on the Sun
Smash Mouth
Buzzin'
Asian Dub Foundation
Karma
JoJo Siwa
Why? Why? Why? Why?
Why? Why? Why? Why?
...


#7 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 09:44 PM | Reply

Here's the pic....

twitter.com

click on it to, um, enlarge it

#8 | Posted by Corky at 2024-04-13 09:46 PM | Reply

Yo no soy marinero.

#9 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-04-13 09:50 PM | Reply

@#8

OK, if they are/were not Marines, I have an issue.

Has there been any confirmation that they people in uniform in that picture are or are not Marines?

#10 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 09:51 PM | Reply

click on it to, um, enlarge it

It's fake as ----. Look at the shadows... only 2 tones? The blonde on the right looks like she was pasted in with a glue stick.

#11 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-13 09:55 PM | Reply

The question is, was this a public event?

If so there is a way to have the color guard show up.
www.centcom.mil


Has there been any confirmation that they people in uniform in that picture are or are not Marines?
#10 | POSTED BY LAMPLIGHTER

No confirmation, but there should be some record of the request.

This isn't some random group, but a color guard ergo if real they had to request it.

#12 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 10:07 PM | Reply

Actually it's kinda hard to tell Russian Hookers from GOP wives... often they are the same.

If you say so Corky.

#13 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 10:08 PM | Reply

@#11 ... It's fake as ----. Look at the shadows... only 2 tones? The blonde on the right looks like she was pasted in with a glue stick. ...

Yeah, that's my current view.

The two women on the left, and the woman on the right of the pic seem to be in a different dimension than the rest of the pic.

And why would the second Marine from the right be behind that flag?


My opinion, at this point, fmr Pres trump needs to get better A/V people.


Jus' sayin'.


#14 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 10:11 PM | Reply

#14 if it's fake why do you think Trump authorized it?

Imo it would be people that didn't like him, so they could complain.

#15 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 10:17 PM | Reply

@#12 ... This isn't some random group, but a color guard ergo if real they had to request it. ...

There's that "if real" aspect. Thanks for raising that aspect.

Why is the first Marine from the left in front of the American flag, but the second Marine from the left behind the flag?

And why is that second Marine from the left behind the American flag, but in front of the other flag?


Sloppy image editing?

That's my current view.

What does your current alias think?



#16 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 10:19 PM | Reply

if it's fake why do you think Trump authorized it?

Because fake is his trademark.

#17 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-13 10:21 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

@#15 ... Imo it would be people that didn't like him, so they could complain....

Two comments...

1) so, your current alias admits it is a faked image?

2) your current alias says that fmr Pres Trump would actively denigrate Marines in such a manner for his own political purposes?

#18 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 10:22 PM | Reply

@#15 ...if it's fake why do you think Trump authorized it?

Maybe because of fmr Pres Trump's history.

That is, fake = lying.

So the question becomes, how much does fmr Pres Trump, I'll be kind, prevaricate?

#19 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 10:25 PM | Reply

- If you say so Corky.

Obviously that wasn't you standing in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square.

He had a sense of humor.

#20 | Posted by Corky at 2024-04-13 10:36 PM | Reply

so, your current alias admits it is a faked image?
- lamplighter

This alias has no idea, and neither do you.

Your current alias says that fmr Pres Trump would actively denigrate Marines in such a manner for his own political purposes?
- lamplighter

Well did he pose every one?' did he post this image? Idk I only saw corky post a Twitter link.

Sounds like you have information you are withholding. Links on your assertions would go along way in clearing up your confused posts.

#21 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 11:43 PM | Reply

#20 you seem to infer alot about people of various ethnicities.

It's what racist do I suppose.

#22 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 11:44 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 2

Maybe because of fmr Pres Trump's history.
That is, fake = lying.
- lamplighter

That's not reason.

#23 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 11:45 PM | Reply

Because fake is his trademark.
#17 | POSTED BY REDIAL

Do you have other photos that are fake?

If it's his trademark there should be tens of examples.

#24 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 11:46 PM | Reply

This isn't to support Trump , but to dissuade idiocy of claims without evidence.

#25 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-13 11:47 PM | Reply

The orc-loving pissant seems triggered.

#26 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2024-04-13 11:49 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

If it's his trademark there should be tens of examples.

I never said fake photos are his trademark. I said "fake" is his trademark. Everything about him is fake. The most honest thing he ever did was play a fake "bidnessman" on TV.

#27 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-13 11:52 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

@#26 ... The orc-loving pissant seems triggered. ...

You noticed that also?

That current alias seems to have a mission, or a directive, here.

So many comments, so little to actually state.


#28 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-13 11:55 PM | Reply

@#21 ... This alias has no idea, and neither do you. ...

I was responding to a comment that led off with, "imo."

An opinion, not a statement of fact.

Do try harder.

And ditto for the other comments your current alias has posted.

#29 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-14 12:01 AM | Reply

In a statement provided to Newsweek by the Marine Corps on Saturday evening, a spokesperson clarified that the photos had been taken at a non-political event at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, with the Marines' appearance approved ahead of time
www.newsweek.com

You two are idiots.

#30 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-04-14 12:35 AM | Reply

A non-political event at Mara Pedo? What a load of Santorum.

#31 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2024-04-14 12:38 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

@#30 . ... clarified that the photos had been taken at a non-political event at Mar-a-Lago ...

A couple of questions...

1) "non-political event at Mar-A-Lago?" That statement alone raises questions.

and

2) yeah, maybe the photos of the individual Marines in the photo are real. But is the composite photo, with the quite obvious issues real, or fabricated?

From the article your current alias cites...

... clarified that the photos had been taken at a non-political event at Mar-a-Lago ...

One thing I note that the article does not say, that the composite photo is real. And another that the article does say, "photos."

So, multiple photos were taken.

... and assembled, albeit poorly, into a composite photo?

And, btw, thanks for posting the link to that Newsweek article. But, I have to comment, the link does little to bolster your prior comments. Indeed, it looks like it may raze them.






#32 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-04-14 01:58 AM | Reply

1Nut obviously missed the multiple question marks in the thread headline... and all of the humor.

And as far as Trump's opinion of Military servicemen, everyone else knows what that is.

#33 | Posted by Corky at 2024-04-14 10:41 AM | Reply

OneTinyNut should be worried about DHS busting down the "door" of his hut.

#34 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-04-14 12:09 PM | Reply

@#15 ...if it's fake why do you think Trump authorized it?

Because he gets off on the notion that Marines respect him.

#35 | Posted by morris at 2024-04-14 04:30 PM | Reply

#30 | POSTED BY ONEIRONAUT

It's a shame the Marine Corp allowed it. There's no such thing as a "non-political event at Mar-A-Lago".

#36 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2024-04-14 05:20 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Are the Marines suckers, losers or both?

#37 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2024-04-14 06:34 PM | Reply

Those guys are Marines as much as I am. Which isn't at all.

And that's formal dress for women these days? Lawd.

#38 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2024-04-14 09:07 PM | Reply

And that's formal dress for women these days?

Makes me wonder who they are supposed to be, and why they are supposed to be posing with the "Marines" like they were Disney mascots.

#39 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-14 09:45 PM | Reply

"Those are fake --- "Marines". Not a single set of commendations, no stripes, no indication of rank in full dress, BULLSH@T. Stolen Valor:"

I can see the rank on 3 of them. Looks like 2 sergeants and a lance corporal. But definitely no medals etc. Not even their shooter badges or good conduct medals. Which all sergeants definitely should have. The others should have had on their shooting badges at a minimum. All Marines are required to qualify on the shooting range.

Marine uniforms with insignia can be purchased on eBay.

Definitely suspicious.

#40 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-04-14 09:57 PM | Reply

Funny how everyone gets a medal in the armed forces

#41 | Posted by truthhurts at 2024-04-14 10:04 PM | Reply

Funny how everyone gets a medal in the armed forces

There are a lot of them. Some are awarded to people who do incredible things, but a lot are just participation trophies.

#42 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-14 10:22 PM | Reply

Funny how everyone gets a medal in the armed forces

#41 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS

Do they?

I don't think that's actually true.

#43 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-04-15 10:38 AM | Reply

Not sure about all other branches but as a Marine you definitely have to serve honorably to get a good conduct medal.

You definitely have to qualify as a marksman to get a marksman medal.

You have to meet certain requirements specific to each medal and each campaign to get those medals.

Not qualifying as at least a marksman means you could be kicked out of the marines as every marine is a basic rifle man (well regulated!). So you definitely need to qualify to get that medal. It's definitely not a "participation" medal.

#44 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-04-15 10:47 AM | Reply

You have to meet certain requirements specific to each medal and each campaign to get those medals.

I suppose so. Ron DeSantis got a Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal for being a JAG advisor in Iraq for 6 months.

#45 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-15 11:06 AM | Reply

"Ron DeSantis got a Bronze Star"

It takes all kinds to win the war on terror!

Checking all your friends and comrades urine for drugs and then trying and convicting them is hard work (and a bit disgusting).

I am surprised they didn't throw in a yellow heart (and a pink clover).



#46 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-04-15 01:00 PM | Reply

You could always just read the article:

In a statement provided to Newsweek by the Marine Corps on Saturday evening, a spokesperson clarified that the photos had been taken at a nonpolitical event at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, with the Marines' appearance approved ahead of time.

"On April 11, 2024, a Marine Corps Reserve unit, 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, supported a nonpolitical event hosted by a civic organization at the Mar-a-Lago Club by providing a color guard and static display," the spokesperson explained. "The civic organization, Grey Team, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit based in Boca Raton and they submitted an official request for military support to a community event."

The statement continued: "The request was reviewed by Marine Forces Reserve Community Relations and deemed eligible for support. The event was open to the public and helped raise awareness about military and veteran suicides. The event was neither a political fundraiser, nor was the 45th President of the United States in attendance."

#47 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-15 01:14 PM | Reply

The rest of the US military services always thought that the marines were the dullest of the services. I saw this in action a few times while I was in the US Army. Especially, when we cross trained with them in the Special Forces. I expect no less from these morons showing up at that traitor's home. Jarheads may be really good at killing but that part about critical thought process eludes many of them.

#48 | Posted by Wildman62 at 2024-04-15 01:19 PM | Reply

"Those are fake --- "Marines". Not a single set of commendations, no stripes, no indication of rank in full dress, BULLSH@T. Stolen Valor:"

I am going to go with this perspective.

#49 | Posted by Wildman62 at 2024-04-15 01:21 PM | Reply

They're good at killing because they're smarter than they look. The crayon eating is just a show.

#50 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-15 01:22 PM | Reply

" Not a single set of commendations, no stripes, no indication of rank in full dress"

So ... cosplay.

#51 | Posted by Danforth at 2024-04-15 01:24 PM | Reply

Real marines. Reservists. Confirmed by the United States Marine Corp.

#52 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-15 01:37 PM | Reply

At a non-political event that happened to be hosted at a place that hosts non-political events as a major source of income.

#53 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-15 01:37 PM | Reply

For all this slander of the USMC and their soldiers, they didn't do anything wrong, some of y'all are over the top lol.

#54 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-15 01:38 PM | Reply

Supporting Trump is wrong, but that only applies if you swore an oath of office and plan to honor it.

#55 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-04-15 01:51 PM | Reply

"The event was neither a political fundraiser, nor was the 45th President of the United States in attendance."

It was a Grey Team fundraising event. They build.. wait for it...

Safe Spaces for Veterans.

The focus is suicide prevention.

"Implementing solutions for U.S. military active-duty and veterans to reduce and eliminate suicides. Voted one of Florida's top Veteran Service Organizations/Nonprofits that have drastically reduced the veteran suicide epidemic. "

#56 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-15 03:16 PM | Reply

"suicide prevention."

Republicans support veteran suicide.
That's why they made it illegal to ask veterans about guns at home.
You sure this isn't a fake charity?

#57 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-04-15 03:45 PM | Reply

Two wore the rank of E-5 Sergeant, and clearly are wearing a complete uniform. In the movies, if one looks, one can see that either the rank is missing, or some other part of the official uniform is missing, so that no one assumes they are on active duty in any way.

#58 | Posted by Hughmass at 2024-04-16 07:37 AM | Reply

THERE IS NO SUCH THING as a "non-political" event at Mar-a-Lardo.

#59 | Posted by e1g1 at 2024-04-16 11:14 AM | Reply | Funny: 2 | Newsworthy 1

Quick, somebody tell their sponsors at MSNBC and the Associated Press! How dare they have a non-political event there!

#60 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-04-16 01:22 PM | Reply

This is a pretty serious event. Whether they are 'fake actors pretending to be military'
and thereby illegally impersonating military officers and personnel, OR if they are
'real servicemen who wore uniforms devoid of personal identifiers (rank insignia, unit information, etc...),
and thus are illicitly showing favor towards one candidate over the other', such actions
warrant further investigation.

As a member of the govt for almost 25 years, we are expressly forbidden towards showing
political allegiance in any official capacity as a fed. I am almost positive the same laws and
restrictions apply to military personnel...

#61 | Posted by earthmuse at 2024-04-16 01:31 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"and thus are illicitly showing favor towards one candidate over the other"

Republicans are pro Veteran suicide.

This event was meant to paper over that fact by "raising awareness."

A Marine Corps color guard that was recently photographed at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida was attending a non-political event that was meant to raise awareness about veterans suicides, a lead spokesman for the Marine Corps said in a statement.
taskandpurpose.com

#62 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-04-16 02:13 PM | Reply

#61

This was a non-political event. No different than having a color guard at an NFL game or other public, non-political event.

If it had been a campiagn or fundraising event, then yes. That would be a violation of the UCMJ. It would appear that, since they are a color guard, the Marines assigned them to the even...whether they wanted to go or not.

#63 | Posted by madbomber at 2024-04-16 02:56 PM | Reply

The color guard doesn't wear ribbons or medals because the straps would catch on them. The non flag bearers don't wear them for uniformity.

#64 | Posted by willowby at 2024-04-16 09:53 PM | Reply

Picture still looks fake. "Grey Team" posed a bunch of pics from their MaL gala but this was not one of them. Even had a pic of 4 Marines, but it wasn't these guys.

#65 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-16 10:35 PM | Reply

#65

Might be fake. Ribbons and medals missing, SOP. Alleged Marines like donner should know that. Of course he says he's a former Marine, which doesn't exist.

#66 | Posted by willowby at 2024-04-16 11:04 PM | Reply

Might be fake. Ribbons and medals missing

Marines at the gala from Grey Team:

www.facebook.com

#67 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-04-16 11:13 PM | Reply

Of course he says he's a former Marine, which doesn't exist.

POSTED BY WILLOWBY

LOL. I guess then I don't exist (which will eventually be true) But it seems I do have some rent free space in your head!

Yes. I am a "former" marine. It was a phase of my life. A pretty important phase but not the end all or be all or even the biggest or longest or even most important anymore. I am many former things. I think being a father and a husband beats being a marine hands down (though being a marine did help!).

Now I am just me. Former lots of things. And though I am still "always faithful" now it is to my country my constitution and my family and not to any particular organization or individuals (except my family o course!).

While I still have my ID card somewhere and my DD214 and I might even be able to shoot your eye out at 500 yards (with some practice) I'd rather not. And I am Pretty sure they won't let me eat at the chow hall any more or pick up my weapons at the armory. Nor can they call me up for military duty. And I am not going to stand guard duty anywhere (thank Gawd) except for guarding my house and my stuff (until I don't need it anymore) .

So yes. Realistically I am not a Marine. I am a former Marine. It's cute to think or say that once you are a marine you are always a marine (and It's true I will always have those basic skills and memories) but actually life goes on and we all change and grow and become many things before we die and eventually we put behind us childish things ( well most of us).

Many will choose the military as a career. But there is no way I could be a soldier for life. Yes, while I do not disparage those who choose a military career, for me, blindly obeying orders and fighting wars for old rich people and the MIC is a foolish game to me now.

I am so very am proud of what I did in choosing the marines as my first real job and surviving for those 4 years of my life and service to my country and they are my brothers in arms and I will always be fond of the ones who served with me but I don't do "lawful orders" anymore. But I do take requests. And may even respond to them. For a small nominal fee.

And I now have a beard. So technically I cannot even wear the uniform anymore (assuming it would even fit!) .

#68 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-04-17 10:58 AM | Reply

"This was a non-political event."

Republicans politicized veterans suicide when they made it illegal for VA doctors to ask veterans about guns in their home.

But yes, I agree the event itself was technically not a political event.

It was virtue signaling for Republicans.

#69 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-04-17 11:19 AM | Reply

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