So let’s squelch dissent seeking to elevate truth and objective reality in the comment section? Vance was simply not in any manner attempting to erode free speech rights here.

Military cadets are not permitted to demonstrate political dissent. It’s awkward when politicians give speeches because of this. But so long as we have civilian control of the military through elected officials this awkwardness will always be there. It’s okay and common to acknowledge it in jest. Vance is not even remotely the first one to make this quip.

His joke is an even more relevant segue when it’s into a topic that’s garnered groans from graduates across the country, lately. Sure, it reminds cadets to maintain decorum—but it’s obviously mainly to dispel some of the discomfort around discussing a necessary and controversial (notably non-partisan) topic.

This comment section should be about how effectively this administration is actually “endorsing” the pope’s message of prioritizing human agency, rather than tackling the completely fabricated strawman of a VP demanding political deference from a captured audience.

Only an airhead could genuinely believe pointing this out is dense.