New York Weighs State Ban On Stolen Valor

I don't know about a felony, but there should be some repercussion. I'd support a fine and plastering the fakes in the paper under the court reports like they used to with traffic fines and other criminal acts. It was a strong deterrent at least in small town America where everyone know you.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the military is a unique society not subject to all of the protections of the Constitution such as free speech. This is so in the interest of maintaining good order and discipline. That being the case it seems logical that seek to identify with our unique society be subjected to the same rules. If Stolen Valor is an expression of "free speech " and the military has forfeited that right in the interest of good order and discipline then there is no free speech protections for the Thief and it should be a felony offense. Those who would steal in this manner are low life dregs who need to be dealt with in a most severe manner. It's not funny, it's a crime perpetrated against ever Veteran who did their duty honorably. Especially those who did not return. I really hate quoting the French but I will make an exception in this case and say:"Off With Their Heads" ... Harsh but deserved.

The thing is that stolen valor for the purpose of someone gaining a tangible benifit as it sits now is a federal law. By making it a state law it increases the chances. Most states do have some sort of laws that address theft by deception but by specifically addressing military phonoes it would give prosecutors a better chance of getting a conviction.