Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Will we ever get it right when it comes to our veterans?

We don't demand the wars we send them to fight are worthy of risk to their lives.
We don't demand contractors live up to the best standards possible instead of the highest dollar amount they can get.
We don't demand the plans for the way the war is fought is not only the best, but adapted by they brightest minds to respond to the enemy.
We don't demand the wounded are taken care of with no "and, if, but, excuses or long waiting lines or denials of claims.
We don't demand the law protect the families of the fallen from being besieged by Westboro Baptist Church members protesting at military funerals because of "free speech laws."
Now it seems we won't even get it right when it comes to fakes and frauds claiming to have earned what real heroes are reluctant to accept from this grateful nation, medals to prove how brave they were and how worthy they were of being honored.
I just don't get it.
If you take money from someone else, then you go to jail but if you take away an honor you did not earn, it's free speech. Well then, please to meet you. I'm Lady Godiva and the chocolates are mine.

Man Who Wore Fake Military Medals Challenges Stolen Valor Law
Veterans Say Lying About Military Medals Is Not a Free Speech Issue as Claimed in Court
By SARAH NETTER
Feb. 9, 2010

At a time when returning soldiers are regarded as national heroes and the number of war dead continues to rise, lying about medals affixed to a military uniform is seen as a lie so foul, it is criminal.

It is being challenged now in federal court. Xavier Alvarez, a California man convicted in 2007 of falsely claiming to be a decorated Marine, is asking the U.S. Court of Appeals to overturn the conviction and rule the Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional. A ruling could come at any time.

Most legal experts think he will lose. But he argues that his right to free speech -- even his right to lie -- is protected by the First Amendment.

"It's no more free speech than yelling 'Fire!' in a crowded theater is free speech," Georgetown University law professor Gary Solis told ABCNews.com.
read more here
Man Who Wore Fake Military Medals Challenges Stolen Valor Law

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