that’s a crime?
Via Billy Beck, comes this:
Yesterday, Manhattan federal prosecutors used a brand new law to charge McGuinn with posing as a war hero – making the Flushing, Queens, man one of the first in the New York region to face prosecution under the Stolen Valor Act.
The law, which took effect in January, makes it a felony to falsely claim to have received an award authorized for members of the U.S. armed forces.
Now, I’m with Billy and wouldn’t mind seeing this guy get his ass kicked. Or even seen him thrown in jail for fraud.
But that is a crime? I mean, that is such a pressing need that someone has to pass a law making it illegal? Fraud is fraud.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Now if we could just get John Kerry to repeat the claims about his medals…….
April 4th, 2008 at 11:18 am
As far as I know, claiming rank and awards while not in the employ of the military (or the police) was not illegal and could not be considered for the determination of fraud. So I could have bumped myself up to Lt. Commander and purchased ribbons for my uniform and use that image to improve my chances for favorable treatment. While such actions might have gotten me into trouble with the military, as far as fraud went, legally it would be no different from dressing up in a nice suit and claiming I had education credentials I didn’t to win favorable treatment. Proving fraud would require proving more than just the fact that I presented a false face.
The stolen valor act just adds another tool for DAs to use, which is good since few civilians would investigate the claims of a decorated vet, and no one wants to doubt such people.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Everything is a crime, or enough things that you could charge and try anyone for SOMETHING. That gives the police and government more TOOLS to keep order and keep us safe from criminals, which turn out to be everyone out of the government or police.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I wonder just how many “laws” we could repeal by instituting a blanket “you deserved an ass-kicking” amnesty bill…
IOW, no flag-burning amendment needed – if a bunch of WWII marines take offense and kick the ever-lovin’ snot out of you, no harm no foul.
If some lowlife slaps my sister around and I put him in the ICU, no charges.
If someone uses military credentials they didn’t earn, and winds up the recipient of a blanket party, tough titties.
The possibilities are endless!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Is it just me or does that sound like the name of an 80’s big hair band?
April 5th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Jay,
I always thought that was what the jury trial was for.