[Old Teufel Hunden]

"The Framers of the Constitution would disagree that protecting lies falls under a constitutional right."

And you can point to what founder's writings to back up your assertion? I agree that they would not want to protect lies that have the intent to defraud someone or lie to benefit monetarily. However, show me where the Founders would say that lying to impress someone should be outlawed. That's all he did. As someone who is a retired Marine who has been in combat, I think it's despicable someone would lie about that. But I don't think it's criminal.

I've met CMH and Navy Cross recipients. I'm in awe of them and have the highest honor and respect for them. The greatest thing about this country is you have the freedom to be an idiot. That's why I revel in the fact that we allow occupy wall street to go on in this country. There are many countries that would send in the military to crack skulls. Not here. I have faith in the majority of the American people that they can see these dufuses for who and what they are. Just like Alvarez. He was found out and put to shame for his actions. Have more faith in your fellow American. There are plenty of us veterans out here to still uncover these frauds.

[SoldierDad]

Besides the Constitution itself, try reading the Federalist Papers for a better understanding of what the Framer’s intents were. Also, take a moment to reflect upon what the Colonies were facing at the time the Constitution was written, and the extremely dim view given to people who lied in those days. Trying to apply the Constitution to cover any and every word spoken (or written) in order to “grant” rights which were never intended is wrong headed, and is a huge part of the problems this nation faces today.

[SoldierDad]

The greatest thing about this country is you have the freedom to be an idiot.

Here is where we really disagree. The "freedom to be an idiot" is not a great thing, and is hardly worth aspiring to. The fact that we tolerate mediocrity by "using" the First Amendment to protect that which the Constitution was NEVER intended to protect is a huge failing, not a great thing.

[SoldierDad]

There are plenty of us veterans out here to still uncover these frauds

. You identify his actions as fraud, yet, defend those actions? Pity.

[microgood]

As someone who is a retired Marine who has been in combat, I think it's despicable someone would lie about that. But I don't think it's criminal.

Exactly. We used to put people in jail that were a threat to society. Now we also put people in jail that make us mad. That is why we have the world's largest prison population.

As a red-blooded American male, I should be able to go into a bar, tell some girl I got my scar from a firefight in Vietnam (and a Purple Heart) - without having to go to prison (All is fair in love and war).