The Supreme Court determined that falsely claiming military medals constituted free speech, and thus deemed the Stolen Valor Act’s restrictions unconstitutional. Still, the high court also mentioned in their 6-3 decision that a more narrowly defined law in the future might perhaps survive a First Amendment free speech challenge. To read the court’s opinion, click here.
“The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is greatly disappointed in today’s Supreme Court decision that overturns the Stolen Valor Act of 2005,” said VFW Commander-in-Chief Richard L. DeNoyer in a statement yesterday.
DeNoyer went on to say that the VFW will continue to challenge and publicize the exploits of false heroes to serve as a deterrent to others who wish to usurp the valor of America’s military men and women.
Now we want to know what you think. Take a few moments to answer our poll on the Supreme Court’s Stolen Valor Act ruling, and please leave your comments.
This wrong decision is exactly why we should have veterans on the supreme court and as many in congress as possible. It's way to liberal up on the hill in our country, God help us all.
ReplyDeleteBarry as a 100% combat disabled Vietnam veteran who has been listed on the Wannabe wall for over 20 years I agree totallly with you but Lets alow the VFW and all Veterans organization deal with this issue. In 20 years I have been insulted, called a wannabe,had latters written by veterans of Low chaacter and yet even after total VINDICATION by the VFW and being a life Member of DAV from injuries as a result of my time in the Nam they wont quit with thier lies , fake wrtings and ims you anme it they have done it. To the point of taking my letters and ims and changing them to make them differant from my orginal ,meaning . LAETS ALLOW THE VVFW and american LEGION to out ALL Wanabes ina professional manner so we kow a handful of idiots can't be allowed to try and ruin a true disabled combat vets life David M rennie
DeleteI beleive that the Supreme Court has lost sight of the true intentions of our fore fathers. We should have put liberals in their place in the 60's. They have and will continue to completely reconstruct the U.S. Constitution.
ReplyDeleteA complete authorization for pewople to steal legally. We, the Vet gave life and limb for the accolades of this country, whereas a lying, cheat can steal with impunity the honors that have been bestowed on others. At times I ask myself what was my and others selflish acts of duty, honor and country about?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.examiner.com/article/what-the-stolen-valor-act-means?cid=db_articles
ReplyDeleteCheck out this article..
I would have liked to see the Act upheld...but I'm not really surprised it was overturned. I mean if flag burning is protected under free speech (I wish it wasn't) then making false claims about a service record would reasonably have to be.
ReplyDeleteDid any of the Court Justice's ever serve in the military?
ReplyDeleteThey don't seem to understand the value of Honor and Military Awards for service and sacrifice.
According to their ruling, lying to a Judge, police, Congress, IRS, or anyone, is within the boundries of free speech and can no longer be considered contempt or illegal. It is now your right to lie about everything to everyone!!!
This ruling continues the trend toward a complete erosion of basic integrity and honesty by our court system. How can I justify this to my grandchildren? We are on a slippery slope.
ReplyDeleteI have been told I can't wear my military ribbons with my fire department uniform! I think that violates my First Amendment rights.
ReplyDeleteThe ones who have been there and earned the awards know it when they see a want-to-be. The Court's ruling doesn't matter to me as a VFW Life Member
ReplyDeleteI can now legaly insert in my resume that I was the President of the U.S. and also served in the highest court of the U.S!!! Oh, I forgot, I was also a senator and congressman!!! WOW, that was the worst decision ever made in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteTo me, it should not be protected as free speech, making false statements about an Official Personnel Record should be looked at as fraud. As far as trying to impress someone with false information about what a Veteran did in the line of duty...just be truthful, any Honorable Service is enough...my highest awards are two Army Commendation Medals and I'm proud of them!
ReplyDeleteThe court now sucks ! Obama care and now this .
ReplyDeleteIf I receive just one benefit from my military service and my family receives just one benefit for being a legal American citizen I would wish for good inexpensive health care.Thanks to our President Obama this dream is coming true.I and my family have had alot of medical problems and some have been quite expensive.Ive seen young families being rejected for affordable health care.I do see in the future that all Americans can have the same quality care that the rich and elite enjoy now.This is why I support my President and his efforts for the common citizen.
DeleteWell Anonymous, think beyond you and your family, and all the crap obumer care is going to cost Americans. If he, and you want to be socialists, then move to mother russia and you can have it all...
DeleteThis being an official VFW site displaying the emblem of the organization, name calling (socialist), or suggesting someone to move to Russia is not in keeping with the mission, vision, or core values of the organization.
DeleteI hate what the supreme court did, but it's done. So now we need to go back to the drawing board and write a law that meets the first ammendment and the supreme courts tests. Those of us who earned anything in the military know what we did. Until a new law is enacted, we must work hard to expose the frauds out there... And we need to work hard to get Veterans elected and appointed to government positions, to help protect the rest of us...
ReplyDeleteThis is not about the right of free speech. Free speech has noting to do with someone stealing the vlor of others. What the Surpreme did by making this decission is too allow anyone the right to impersnate a veteran and possbily steel his identiy. Wrong decission. We need too wrok extra hard in in getting adefine decission as to what freedom of spreec really menas.
ReplyDeleteLets face it the folks that "steal valor" fall into one or two categories, each having somewhat diminished mental capacity, either they totally believe that were there or beleve what I've accomplised is so inspriational that they should tell my story in any case I'm honored because long after my time I will live through thier legends. Imitation is the highest form of praise and the only time it is malicious is when the benifit from the "Big Fish" story that denies the true recipient an equal reward.
ReplyDeleteTo prove how stupid the decision is, I suggest that everyone start claiming that they are some type of lawyer, justice, or judge. Then maybe their decision will start ro ring home!
ReplyDeleteTo advocate that everyone become liers is playing right into the hands of the offenders. It's time for all the lawyers in Congress (the legislature) to pass a more narrow law that will pass muster in the Supreme Court. The Court has even suggested how the Congress should draft such a law. Get a move on Congress!!!
ReplyDeleteVFW - Instead of attacking the mentally challenged for living in a fantasy world how about investing in spell check...i.e. liars instead of liers. I work for one of the largest corporations in the world and had a colleague claim to have pulled my duty...when I casually mentioned "yep, I was there" he was so embarrassed he gave up an six figure job and has disappeared from my industry.
ReplyDeleteI do amazing multi-million dollar deals, when I fail I stand alone facing a thousand enemies, when I succeed - I have a thousand allies.
Point is this issue isn't an issue it's just a story of "BIG FISH" please use OUR resources prosecuting folks that are committing harmful crimes. I'd venture to say that the loudest folks sounding off merely have time in service and no valor to steal but I do thank my comrades for their contribution to my liberty afforded to me constitutionally, now let's continue protecting it.
The same law would make Howard Stern a criminal for his entertaining Vietnam Stories. Yep most veterans I know appreciate his show as a reflection of freedom of speech.
Please focus and fight crimes and not freedom.
Please, forgive me for my misspelling. Now your quote, "When I casually mentioned "yep, I was there" he was so embarrassed he gave up 'AN' six figure job and has disappeared from my industry." Correct English usage would be 'A' as the following word begins with a consonant. I'm glad this is not a spelling contest or English usage issue as I'm not as PERFECT as you are.
DeleteForgiveness granted but not required...you missed my point there a bigger issues than "BS Artist, Big Fish and Snake Oil Slingers". However, spell check wouldn't have caught my error.
DeleteI do have a better idea...lets help homeless veterans but only if the haven't told a BS story as they battle and endure insanity. Better yet...why don't we ban Michael Buffer from boxing since he has never been capable of being "Ready to Rumble". Johnny Depp throw away the key because you have never been in Vietnam.
Have we forgetton the real stories play out best in the news in real time. Movies and stories are entertainment...like magic. Case in point the movie "Act of Valor" starred real heroes but should they be punished for claiming to be actors? Read the reviews that acting was horrible.
why is it against the law to impersonate a police officer or doctor but not a true hero. I think it is a disgrace. if someone can pretend to be a member of the military or claim to have received a medal in the service then anyone can claim to be whoever they want without any consequences. so I guess someone can walk into a court room and pretend to be a lawyer, start defending people and that is ok because it is freedom of speech.
ReplyDelete