Whatever happened to beating them up? (Which they deserve).
My concern with a mere lie being a crime(as opposed to fraud, which is theft-by-lying) is “who gets to decide what is true?”
I see the harm these fake vets cause; but the same could be argued for “climate deniers” (gag) or “people who lied about Obama not being a citizen,” and the like.
Once mere speech is criminalized, even lies, a slippery slope is created.
I, for one, don’t want Obama’s Ministry of Truth decided what is, and what is not, a “socially harmful lie.”
>>My concern with a mere lie being a crime(as opposed to fraud, which is theft-by-lying) is “who gets to decide what is true?”<<
You either served honorably in the military or you weren’t. You either were awarded certain commendations or you weren’t. You either went on certain missions or you didn’t.
These are not subject to interpretation. They are wither true or false. All your other examples are opinions.
I’m with you. Unless they cause real damage with their lie, we should go back to the way we used to handle this. Ass kicking and derision.
What would you prescribe be done to the active duty (as well as past or never served) military member who never saw combat outside of field exercises and falsely claims and wears medals awarded for valor as demonstrated by documented actions in combat? Should they just be kissed on the other cheek and say lying to those who went before them and gave their lives for their country and fellow soldiers and just say all is forgiven and go on ye merry lying way thus desecrating the actions and memories of those who gave their lives so bravely and selflessly? </sarcasm>