After reading this article Im a little worried about myself, a person who takes the first amendment and holds it above all else(for better or worse). I am struggling to not be okay with this Stolen Valor Act. My liberal senses are going off; saying this bad, this infringes on the 1rst amendment somehow or somewhere in the future. But what I dont have a problem with is prosecuting people who make these calculated lies to further their own ambitions and increase the size of their bank account. I mean we do it in a court of law don't we call it perjury. In the interest of full disclosure yes they do have to swear to tell the truth before they testify changing the rules. But what about faking our own death? Its not illegal unless we gain something out of it. So why cant we fake our lives, it shouldnt be illegal and it is not. Unless we gain something from it?
The question asked us by Professor Ellerman was if you were in charge what speach would you prohibit? A huge part of me wants to say none, but there is a piece of me that wants to say that those who go on record and lie for their own selfish gain should too some point be prosecuted (I feel dirty just saying that, I think I need to go shower).
Although I agree with Shaun that it is wrong and despicable to lie about serving our country I don't agree in this Stolen Valor Act law because it does interfere with our first amendment right. Not only does it interfere, but I believe it is the responsibility of society, and the organizations representing this individual to check out the facts. We can not always rely on the government to keep us honest; instead we should rely more on ourselves and our curiosity as people to keep us honest and above board! We definitely need less government and a more involved electorate in this process.
ReplyDeleteThese persons are lying about their service in our armed forces... and some believe that they should not be punished? So should I teach my child it is okay to lie about what he does? If you lie about knowing where a fugitive is, you will be charged with aiding and abetting. But if you lie about serving our country, for your own personal gain.... That's okay? Yeah Right!!! I am totally in support of this act!!
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