With an increasing number of “Beltway Patriots” running this country and our military defense budget- lying about past military service had become sport. So, Congress decided to do something about it with the “Stolen Valor Act” back in 2006.
Problem was- it made lying punishable by imprisonment- which if it had been extended to Congress – they’d be meeting in prison.
A federal appeals court on Monday upheld an earlier ruling by three of its members that a law making it illegal to lie about being a military hero violates free speech.The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision strikes down the so-called Stolen Valor Act passed by Congress in 2006.
via Federal court: Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional – San Jose Mercury News.
As a veteran, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run into jerks telling me they were in Special Forces- and when confronted with my unit coin- I’ve drawn a blank stare.
The reality is- our country doesn’t value integrity or military service anymore. We reward CEOs who destroy our economy, we elect idiots who embarrass us, and we pass a lot of laws that we don’t enforce- including one requiring 3% of all government contracts are supposed to go to Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses- and then ignore it.
Lip service is the best we can do these days- military service has been trivialized.
If you want to “Thank a Vet” – start here: Buy Veteran. It’s a voluntary program.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
How about a new “stolen valor” act that makes it illegal to question any veteran’s awards or service unless the allegations are in the form of a court affidavit under oath? Those inspired by Rove and his swift boaters would benefit from some down time.
Brilliant or Bozo?
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David,
Is “unit coin” a euphemism?
Brilliant or Bozo?
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@concerned- please read the link provided to “unit coin” before asking stupid questions.
Brilliant or Bozo?
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We were having this conversation last night about all these people saying how they were in Special Forces or whatever (it usually doesn’t take more than a little math to figure out they’re full of B.S.). Never thought of asking to see a unit coin.
Brilliant or Bozo?
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