[Calpernia]

From Ray Funderburk, MOPH

The greatest threat to the sanctity and significance of the Purple Heart comes from the medal's easy availability. Anyone can buy one at flea markets, pawnshops or on the Internet, where Web sites offer the decoration, no questions asked, for as little as $35. An accompanying certificate on onion skin parchment and personalized with your name and any rank you choose costs about $25.

Such commerce in the symbols of American courage and sacrifice would be outlawed by a measure spearheaded last July by Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo. His "Stolen Valor Act" would make it a federal crime to falsely wear the Purple Heart and other top military decorations, or to even list them on a resume if they were not officially earned.

But the proposed bill now sits in the House Judiciary Committee, and its fate remains unclear. "We're waiting for the committee to act," said Salazar

[Calpernia]

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[MNJohnnie]

With all due respect, there are more important things for the Congress to be doing. Seen their schedule? They spend MORE time out of Washington then in it! Going to be worse since this is an election year. Sorry this is just one of those feel good PR ploys Democrats throw out so they can go home and claim "See we support the troops too". Actually I would be MORE impressed with a bill to increase pay and benefits like the Republicans passed LAST year or if a Salazar would offer up a bill to increase the size of the active duty military then this meaningless feel good PR stunt. OR how about this. OUTLAW the selling of medals. That ANGRERS me greatly that these symbols of honor earned can be SOLD at a flee market.

I respect all the very good work you do Cal, but this is a minor matter