Yes under the circumstances I wouldn't believe the mayor either but if you look at the article, the newspaper had access to his military record. His service is described through several paragraphs. It involves two decades of honorable service, two tours in Vietnam, and assorted decorations.
If someone determines the record was faked, this becomes a different matter. Until then I'm seeing the mayor as more fool then evil.
On Oct. 10, The Press, Simmons and others received Levy’s military record. After several experts reviewed Levy’s file, including former members of Special Forces, a reporter gave Morici the records on Oct. 16.
A reporter told him that Levy’s military record seemed to indicate Levy had not served with Special Forces. Within an hour, Morici was on the phone. “You better open up your ears, now, OK?” Morici told the reporter. “Legal action will be taken if you proceed with this story, by our office.”
Later that day, Atlantic City Solicitor Kimberly A. Baldwin faxed a two-page letter demanding that the newspaper “cease and desist from printing any article alleging or implying that Mayor Levy’s military service did not include an assignment to Special Forces. Should such article appear in your newspaper, the mayor is prepared to take swift legal action, including but not limited to a defamation action seeking monetary damages.”