Let’s see, Mitt likened (doubtless with hyperbole) being a campaign worker with being a hero in a larger venue?
I think the latter heroes COULD take that as a kind of compliment. Which is why I’ve never understood why, say, Marines have proudly told stories of assaulting citizens who’ve bought Marine stuff in some surplus store and were wearing it without the “full appreciation.” It’s a compliment, for gosh darn sakes. Why can’t you accept it.
“Which is why I’ve never understood why, say, Marines have proudly told stories of assaulting citizens who’ve bought Marine stuff in some surplus store and were wearing it without the “full appreciation.”
It’s called “stolen valor” and is against the law.
I, a former Marine” met a man outside of a government office who claimed to have been a “Second Lt” in the Navy flying “fighters” and “dropping bombs” in support of Marines in Vietnam to any and all who would listen.
After listening to this jerk brag about his service to others in line I finally told him what for. “There are no Second Lts in the Navy” He told me I was full of it and that his son was a “Second Lt” in the Navy too, also flying a “fighter” on bombing missions for the Marines.” He then offered to kick my butt for daring to dispute him......lolololol.....
Intent counts and I realize some people really don't know what they're doing. If somebody’s desire is to honor servicemembers by wearing something military, some veteran needs to politely but firmly explain the problem to them. As conservatives, let's admit that honest ignorance exists, and it's getting worse because large numbers of people have never met someone currently in the service, they don't have any family members or friends who have served in the past, and the result is some people do things who really don't know any better.
The problem is not people wearing a Marine T-shirt or putting an Army bumper sticker on their car. The problem is that, as Forty-Niner pointed out, some people are claiming something they have not earned. We don't tolerate people claiming college degrees they have not earned or putting jobs on their resume where they have not worked. What other “training” or “job” has the requirement to write a blank check to the United States for any amount up to and including your life?
Occasionally I run into people who don't realize that Army Public Affairs today is mostly civilians, so I go **WAY** out of my way to correct misunderstandings in the rare cases when I learn that someone thinks because I spent time working in Army Public Affairs after 9/11, I wore the uniform. I'm not entitled to the respect our veterans have earned for their service, and as a non-veteran, I'm not happy when I see others claiming things they have not earned.