Posted on 01/28/2012 4:17:11 PM PST by george76
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday that a federal law making it illegal to lie about being a war hero is constitutional and making false statements is not always protected free speech.
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The Colorado case involves Rick Strandlof, who was arrested after claiming he was wounded in Iraq as a Marine and had received military medals. His lawyers have acknowledged the claims were false.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I have combat veterans in my immediate family; I just don’t see the rationale for a law like this. I understand the logic of people disgusted that some POS would do this; it is only the beginning of a slippery slope we don’t want to go down.
I’ll take it a step further: I don’t want anyone fabricating any experiences to me upon pain of incarceration. No more supermarket security staff or EMTs posing as cops, nothing! Where is the line drawn? Where the military draws it?
Do we include REMF who drive LMDs (large metal desks) who go on to claim combat experience? The biggest perps of this crap I’ve met were former servicemen claiming overseas combat when they never left NJ. Do they get the brig?
Like I said, you don't get it. The fact that you equate the two activities shows just how much you don't get it. Is cheating on your spouse a resume enhancer in most places besides the Dems?
Can't beat the shit out of them, that's part of the problem.
Sorry pal, making that analogy shows just how clueless you are. The dirtbags claiming military honors when in fact they were not awarded them and many not even being in the military should not be a "protected class."
Without the millions who sacrificed (died and bled) for our freedom, you and I wouldn't be here enjoying it.
If they weren’t stealing something of value, they wouldn’t do it. Just like the cheaters in school, they are stealing grades or scores they don’t deserve. If you don’t understand this, then you are probably in the same class as the Food Stamp President who does not understand the illegal part of illegal immigrant.
“The bottom line is that modern conservatives, like liberals, believe government is the solution to all problems.”
Apparently you’re right; sad state of affairs. There really is just one party with two heads; they just pick their own pet projects...
Tough. Others do. Live with it.
“Tough. Others do. Live with it.”
I’ll be just fine; thank you for your concern.
“If they weren’t stealing something of value, they wouldn’t do it. Just like the cheaters in school, they are stealing grades or scores they don’t deserve.”
Can I have a job applicant locked up for claiming they’ve earned a degree that later turns out to be fictitious? I’m curious as to who is included in our new “protected” class.
Impersonating an officer of the law is already illegal in most places. Which is a good thing because in NOVA/Md there was a string of cases where guys were driving police cruiser clones while dressed as cops......oh yeah, they were flashing lights and pulling cars over in order to rape women.
In my opinion, the rationale, is that medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation by competent authority. Their presentation on a military uniform is such that other military personnel and the citizenry recognizes the bearer of those accomplishments.
An imposter defrauds the military and citizenry.
I wouldn't want someone to pretend to be my surgeon, my lawyer, my electrician, or a fireman. Impersonating these people can cause great damage. How is there not damage to good order in discipline in the military if these phonies are not punished? How is there not damge to to the credence of these medals. How is there not damage to the reputation of others that actually are serving and took the oath?
You get shot or get your ass blown off and you get a medal for your troubles....maybe you get a license plate to display it on. And it's ok to cheapen that? Why bother awarding them if there not worth anything, America?
I'm glad to know that I will suffer for the rest of my life on behalf of my country and instead of wearing my medals with pride, they are regarded as little more than yarn and tin.
“I wouldn’t want someone to pretend to be my surgeon, my lawyer, my electrician, or a fireman. Impersonating these people can cause great damage.”
Then let’s apply this equally to everyone; I don’t want anyone misrepresenting their experience in any field when they’re doing any work in any capacity.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.
And thank you for your comments. Very well and truly said.
As far as I’m concerned, they deserve at least a punch in the mouth.
I’ll second that from little jeremiah.
Both your posts are extremely well said, thank you for your service.
“As far as I’m concerned, they deserve at least a punch in the mouth.”
At the very least; you’re being charitable.
Then, yeah, the brig.
“Claiming military medals does benefit the liar with an enhanced reputation that may afford them benefits or opportunities not otherwise available, so it should NOT be protected speech.”
I have no problem with jailing someone for claiming this status on a legal document that has ramifications for hiring preferences or the like; outside of those circumstances, this is opening a Pandora’s box of trouble.
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