US appeals court: Wearing unearned military medals is free speech – IOTW Report

US appeals court: Wearing unearned military medals is free speech

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Stars&Stripes: SAN FRANCISCO — A federal appeals court on Monday tossed out a veteran’s conviction for wearing military medals he didn’t earn, saying it was a form of free speech protected by the Constitution.

A specially convened 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the First Amendment allows people to wear unearned military honors.

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h/t Doc.

32 Comments on US appeals court: Wearing unearned military medals is free speech

  1. So, claiming you’ve earned something you haven’t is free speech?

    OK then. I’m now a JD, with a law license in all 57 states. Anyone who tries to prosecute me for practicing without a license is violating my free speech rights.

  2. So once again the non-elected select few, takes a shit on the many.

    This time they not only shit on the veterans, but on their uniforms and all that It stands for.

    Assholes always pandering to those of “less” character.

  3. It’s going to be tough to practice your “free speech” after you’re dragged from your bed at night, driven out into the middle of the desert, beaten to a pulp, and left out there… naked. Let’s see you get out of that tight spot you “hero”.

  4. It’s not as bad as it seems (it may be worse).
    I disagree with the wearing of unearned medals, the same as I would disagree with burning the American flag.
    BUT – – when you wear those awards and medals, and lie about your phony service – – and start receiving monetary benefits (free shit of ANY kind), you have crossed the line from “free speech”, into FRAUD, and are worthy of being pounded into the ground like an orange military tent stake. Anyone remember the SOP on orange military tent stakes? “Pound into the ground until it can’t be seen and there is no danger of anyone tripping over it”.

  5. talk about a slap in the face and stolen valor to boot. How anyone can justify this as freedom of speech, is beyond me …It’s almost as bad as those who use other people’s VA card for military discounts at certain retail stores. you didn’t earn it, you have no right using it.. period!

  6. “Wearing” is not “speech.”
    “Burning” is not “speech.”

    “Wearing” is “wearing” and
    “burning” is “burning.”

    Only a disingenuous fool could confuse the issue.
    Or a group of disingenuous fools.

  7. In my view beating the crap out of someone wearing unearned metals is free speech too.

    The only ones I have of any value are my Dolphins (submarine qualified) and my SSBN Deterrent Patrol pin. But by gawd I earned them and someone who never took a single step inside the pressure hull Did Not.

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