Posted on Jan 22, 2019
SSgt CASS Test Station IMA Advanced Maintenance Technician, IMA
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Given a recent discussion; I would like to hear opinions on whether the U.S Government can and should criminalize false verbal or written statements by veterans, retirees, or civilians concerning military service; or do you consider it a form of free speech and just boorish. I am specifically leaving out conditions already defined by the stolen valor act.
Posted in these groups: 524395 331088503647420 191451722 n Stolen ValorFreedom of speech logo Freedom of Speech
Edited 6 y ago
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Responses: 8
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
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Edited 6 y ago
A lot of people embellish stories or tell tall tails. Someone that has to pretend they are something they aren't may have some other issues and perhaps not much of a life. Kind of a Walter Mitty. On the other hand if its being used for fraud or to get things You are not entitled to then I see it as a crime. Stolen Valor is in a category by itself, I see that is pretty poor but usually they don't fool anybody and its pretty apparent. Often it seems there may be mental health issues involved and in some cases that probably should be taken into account. I'm not defending any of these thing as being right, they aren't but keep in mind other issues may be involved.
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SSgt Cyber Transport Systems
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Great point SMSgt. If they aren't hurting anyone, or doing it for material gain then let them say what they want. Love the Walter Mitty reference, and I'll throw in a Don Quixote too.
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Maj Wayne Crist
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Claiming something that you have done is wrong both morally and ethically. If used to gain an advantage than yes it should criminalized.
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Cpl Rc Layne
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I believe that falsification of a federal document is already illegal. And should be enforced.
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