Week 5: EOC: Stolen Valor

Fraudulent claims of receiving metals of honor is disrespectful to those who have served in the military and have not received metals. Although it is not a crime under the First Amendment. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

So under the first amendment, by claiming you have received a metal of honor in the military, and have not, you are not punishable under a crime. In 2005, Congressman  John. T Salazar introduced The Stolen Valor Act. The Act states  “Whoever knowingly and fraudulently wears and/or represents him or her self as having received a Metal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Force Cross, except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned nor more than six months, or both.”

Being a business owner or manager I would feel that my duties as a citizen would be to tell the appropriate officials of the fraudulent act and remove all privileges specific to veterans and veterans that have received honorary metals. I would not be able to fire or suspend them under law so removing specific privileges would be sufficient to the crime.