Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Soldier says military muzzled him for speaking out

An Afghanistan war veteran says the military muzzled him and launched an investigation after he spoke to CTV News about proposed cuts to mental health services for soldiers.

Cpl. Steve Stoesz said that veterans now face major obstacles accessing treatment for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder.

He was speaking in response to proposed job cuts at the Department of National Defence and the proposed closure of a mental health facility in Ottawa, which opposition MPs say will make it harder for soldiers with PTSD to get help.

While Stoesz suffered several physical injuries during combat, it's the emotional and mental toll of war that plagues him most days.

"This is totally unacceptable," said Stoesz, referring to the cuts. "I had a pretty positive outlook on life and other guys don't have that. I'm wondering how many guys gave up, how many guys have committed suicide because of this?"

Stoesz on Friday told CTV that National Defence has put him "under a gag order" and he is "under investigation" for speaking out.

He could face two charges -- conduct unbecoming, or disobeying lawful command. The penalties range from a fine up to $800, time in a military jail, or both.

"This is psychologically devastating for any solider to be muzzled by the very organization that he's willing to die for 24 hours a day," military advocate Sean Bruyea said. "It sends a horrible message of disrespect and indignity to these gentlemen."

In another surprise move, National Defence backpedalled on its plans to make the cuts, with officials saying the cuts are only being considered for now.

"It's more an advisement there may be changes. It's not a hard determination of changes. It remains under reviews, and we're going to continue to study it going forward," said Rear Admiral Andrew Smith, chief of military personnel.

The union representing military medical professionals said the cuts will mean closing the Deployment Health Unit, a unit charged with monitoring the mental health of soldiers.

Also on the chopping block are a host of civilian jobs, including cooks, secretaries, weapons technicians and mechanics.

According to the union, the proposed cuts include:

    the closing of DND's Deployment Health Unit, eliminating four jobs including those of suicide prevention specialists -- one of whom is the co-chair of the Canadian Forces Expert Panel on Suicide Prevention
    15 of 25 jobs in the unit overseeing the issues of soldier suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder
    the closure of a trial injury surveillance program at CFB Valcartier
    8 of 18 DND epidemiology experts, including the experts who analyze soldiers' mental health issues

Original Article
Source: CTV
Author:  ctv staff

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