I have to admit I’m concerned about freedom of speech. Especially when someone like obama is president. This was my concern with the Patriot Act. Bush pushed it. And then look who followed Bush.
The freedom of speech also means the freedom to not be truthful. Slim Whitman sang “It’s a sin to tell a lie”. He didn’t say it was against the law unless you’re under oath. Just expose them for the frauds they are and hope they’re shunned by society. And maybe get the crap kicked out of them by a REAL hero.
Suppose someone claims to be a doctor or a federal judge? Is that also free speech?
I get your take ... I don’t think the Stolen Valor Act should be interpreted so broadly that other forms of speech are restricted.
For example, would it be a crime for an actor (say Jack Nicholson playing a decorated Marine Corps officer in a movie) to don military medals and decorations for a role in a film or play? Of course not.
Nor should there be an issue if a teenaged kid dressed up for Halloween as a soldier zombie and had some military decoration pinned on his costume.
I think the act should be used to prevent fraudsters from using their fake “status” to obtain something of value, say a free VFW dinner for recognition of implied military service, or a job, or school tuition help, or political office, etc.