[timm22]

Likewise, IMHO there is no right to deceive, which is what thieves of valor attempt to do.

That's an interesting way of looking at it.

In your opinion, could the government legitimately impose criminal penalties on me if I falsely claimed to be a marine biologist to the guy sitting next to me on the bus? Let's say I'm only making that claim because I want his (brief) admiration, and not for any other reason.

[Jacquerie]

I say there is no God given, Constitutional right to deceive, which is the issue before the court.

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

In your opinion, could the government legitimately impose criminal penalties on me if I falsely claimed to be a marine biologist to the guy sitting next to me on the bus?

The Constitution does not give Congress the authority to regulate marine biologists. It does give Congress the authority to regulate the Military.