Should we criminalize falsifying military service?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:41:03 -0500

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.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Jan 22 at 2019 8:07 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:07:15 -0500

Yes!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 8:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:55:18 -0500

if they are doing it as a fashion statement then let them wear what they want.
if they are doing it to fake military service they are probably mentally unwell and should be treated like anyone you meet with a mental disability. smile at them, and talk to them like a 7 year old.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 12:13 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:13:06 -0500

Sure. But I would also like to make falsely accusing a veteran of lying about their service a crime.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Jan 23 at 2019 6:43 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 06:43:39 -0500

EVERY Sailor that ever told a sea story would be in jail.....

Response by Maj Wayne Crist made Jan 23 at 2019 12:33 PM

Maj Wayne Crist — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:33:14 -0500

Claiming something that you have done is wrong both morally and ethically. If used to gain an advantage than yes it should criminalized.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 23 at 2019 1:59 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 13:59:41 -0500

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.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 2:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 14:52:21 -0500

I don't quite agree, but my point is that false accusers of "stolen valor" that I have observed have known quite well of their own ignorance yet proceeded to slander others. For example, if one's sum total knowledge of the military comes from movies, video games, and poorly rendered TV reenactments narrated by the guy who does the Monster Truck Jam radio ads, then that person knows they have no clue. Same for a vet who levies such accusations without possessing any personal experience upon which to found such accusations.

When someone is making claims to steal benefits or get a job for which they are unqualified, then the govt can charge them with fraud. If they are making such claims for fame or political aims, you can discredit their claims by presenting directly relevant factual, verifiable evidence that refutes their claims.

But if we are going to lock them up for having a lack of respect via false claims, then I want disrespectful slanderers that I have encountered here and there to share a cell with them.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jan 24 at 2019 2:49 AM

Cpl Rc Layne — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 02:49:36 -0500

I believe that falsification of a federal document is already illegal. And should be enforced.