Join

Opinion: Knarr posting ads with photos himself in military uniform is disgraceful and immoral campaigning

[Photo: Markus Winkler/Unsplash]
Dear Editor,

I served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps for 22 years, retiring in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel and making Prince William County my home. I am offended by the blatant appeal of Kenneth Knarr through photos of himself in uniform in campaign advertisements.

If that wasn’t bad enough, he’s using these tactics on many of his materials without the required disclaimer by the Department of Defense. This is both disgraceful and immoral campaigning.

Generally, the military discourages the use of military uniforms, including pictures of oneself in uniform, for political campaigning or partisan activities. Retired officers may wear their uniforms on formal, ceremonial, or veterans-related occasions, but not for activities that may imply endorsement or involvement in partisan political affairs.

It’s important to distinguish between personal use and use for political campaigns. Personal use, such as displaying photographs in private settings or sharing memories, is generally acceptable, as long as it does not imply endorsement of any political candidate or party. Using official military photographs or images in a manner that suggests endorsement of a political candidate or party is generally prohibited.

Kenneth Knarr has used photographs of himself in uniform in digital ads, Facebook, and campaign emails. Such misleading and improper tactics not only insult the intelligence of the electorate but also tarnish the reputation of the political system as a whole. As citizens, we deserve accurate and transparent portrayals of those seeking our votes, allowing us to make informed decisions based on the truth.

In addition to the issue of misleading visuals, it is also crucial to address the absence of a necessary disclaimer on the candidate’s campaign advertisements. Finance laws in the Commonwealth of Virginia require that all advertisements should clearly contain the disclaimer, “paid for” or “authorized by.” The omission of this required information raises serious concerns about Knarr’s campaign, whether he is blatantly disregarding laws and regulations, or has made no attempt to understand and follow them.

Prince William voters deserve better than candidates that use offensive tactics, attempt to mislead voters, and simply disregard, or have no care to understand, the laws that apply to them. As we approach the Republican primary, it is incumbent upon us, the voters, to carefully scrutinize the candidates and their campaign practices. Let us support those who uphold transparency, honesty, and a genuine dedication to the values we hold dear.

Sincerely,

Bill Card
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret)
Dumfries

PLN accepts letters to the editor on issues of local importance. Submit your letters to [email protected].

Author

Recent Stories

Some images of the 2023 Veterans Day ceremony. [Photo courtesy of American Legion Post 10] [Photo courtesy of American Legion Post 10] [Photo courtesy of American Legion Post 10] [Photo…

The Rose Gaming Resort celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in its newly built multi-story parking garage. Local and state leaders, including Mayor Derrick Wood, Virginia Delegate Luke Torian, and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, joined senior officials from Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the company behind The Rose.

President-elect Donald Trump (R) made major gains in Prince William County in the recent presidential election, making it one of the 124 counties in the Commonwealth that leaned more Republican than the 2020 election.

The Prince William County School Board examined its cell phone policy on Wednesday, weighing options for a new approach to managing cell phone use in classrooms.

Established transportation company has immediate part-time position open as a back-up driver transporting military personnel from the Woodbridge area to Baltimore and Richmond. No CDL required but must be able to pass DOT physical and drug test. Must good driving record and pass criminal background check. Send resume with references to [email protected] or call 606-594-7018

Job details

Employer: Bfs Transportation
Position: 15 Passenger Van Driver
Employment type: Part-time
Workplace type: Fully in-person (in Woodbridge)
Compensation: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Contact for application questions: Not specified

Submit your own Community Post here.

Mozart’s Don Giovanni thrillingly explores the passions and perils of love, morality, and the inevitable fallout of reckless choices, all centered on the daring exploits of Don Giovanni. His seductive adventures ignite intense encounters and fierce conflicts with unforgettable characters like Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, and Zerlina. The electrifying drama pulls audiences into a world of intrigue, where every action has thrilling consequences. Join us at the Embassy of Austria, September 13th at 7:30 pm for what will be an exhilarating night of opera!

Maestro Julien Benichou, Conductor

featuring:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Sing a Song of Christmas!!!

Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise

Sell Your Home the Modern Way. Sell for More.

Bob Mathew, founder of Snapdoor, will show you how to sell your home the modern way and make more. Snapdoor’s platform incorporates top agent best practices and lets you sell your home directly to home buyers through an online, transparent, step-by-step

×

Subscribe to our mailing list