Stolen Valor / Disrespecting the American Flag

[bkess8]

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Would love to kick all their asses in this video. Stolen valor and stomping the flag really piss me off and I wish it would stop!

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I was stationed onboard the USS Green Bay with Gunnery Sgt Hernandez and he was a great Marine, so sad that this happened to him.

Just wanted to share these videos, and see what your thoughts are?

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I don't watch Tosh.0 but he is really funny.

As to the people pretending to be soldiers, they should get in trouble but I don't have a burning urge to "kick their asses".

Disrespecting the flag is sad and should be criminally punished. It's a shame they didn't capture who did it.

 

[irishff1014]

I don't watch Tosh.0 but he is really funny.

As to the people pretending to be soldiers, they should get in trouble but I don't have a burning urge to "kick their asses".

Disrespecting the flag is sad and should be criminally punished. It's a shame they didn't capture who did it.

Your right it isn't criminal but they should still have their ass beat. If you don't like our flag pack you bags and go to a country that has a flag that meets your pleasure.

 

[AvesEvo]

Your right it isn't criminal but they should still have their ass beat. If you don't like our flag pack you bags and go to a country that has a flag that meets your pleasure.

It is not as if this country is static.

 

[dales5050]

Your right it isn't criminal but they should still have their ass beat. If you don't like our flag pack you bags and go to a country that has a flag that meets your pleasure.

I could be called out for this but I don't agree.

Don't get me wrong. I hate seeing people burn the flag but I like more that we live in a country that someone can do it. Not being able to do something like burning a flag is a little too close of a comparison to what exists in other nations for my comfort.

When I viewed Mexican students burning flags in California, I did not want to punch them. I simply became indifferent to their concerns. I feel no sympathy when someone gets deported...regardless of the sob story that goes along with it.

As for the stolen valor, I have never served so I can't speak to the feelings of someone who has. That said, I say thank you when I see someone in uniform and do things like buy them a drink when there is an opportunity. If someone is pathetic enough to trick me, and they could because I don't know jack about what a uniform should look like, I just chalk it up to them being pathetic. I just keep on saying thanks and buying drinks to ensure that the men and women who do serve are shown the respect they deserve.

If you served and this offended you...I'm sorry. No offense is intended.

 

[irishff1014]

I could be called out for this but I don't agree.

Don't get me wrong. I hate seeing people burn the flag but I like more that we live in a country that someone can do it. Not being able to do something like burning a flag is a little too close of a comparison to what exists in other nations for my comfort.

When I viewed Mexican students burning flags in California, I did not want to punch them. I simply became indifferent to their concerns. I feel no sympathy when someone gets deported...regardless of the sob story that goes along with it.

As for the stolen valor, I have never served so I can't speak to the feelings of someone who has. That said, I say thank you when I see someone in uniform and do things like buy them a drink when there is an opportunity. If someone is pathetic enough to trick me, and they could because I don't know jack about what a uniform should look like, I just chalk it up to them being pathetic. I just keep on saying thanks and buying drinks to ensure that the men and women who do serve are shown the respect they deserve.

If you served and this offended you...I'm sorry. No offense is intended.

I did not serve and not offended. I understand that you have your opinion and I have mine. Very good deed that you do and I am sure that everyone you have done this for is thankful for it.

I just don't believe in burning your country's flag. That is supposed to be our pride and our special colors. A lot of people died protecting the Red,White,blue. It didn't matter if they agreed with it or not they did what they were supposed too. So burn a our flag or disrespecting that in any to me would be like me spitting in your face. And too me that's the most disrespectful and disgusting thing you can do to anyone.

 

[Wingman Ray]

With a country that bans God, what do you expect? When you turn your back on the true meaning of love and devotion, what do you expect?

 

[kmoose]

I could be called out for this but I don't agree.

Don't get me wrong. I hate seeing people burn the flag but I like more that we live in a country that someone can do it. Not being able to do something like burning a flag is a little too close of a comparison to what exists in other nations for my comfort.

The flag is a symbol of the United States of America, the most successful country in the world over the course of time. Like any other symbol, it means different things to different people. To me; it stands for all of the great ideals of this grand, but certainly flawed, country. People need to stop acting like burning or otherwise desecrating the flag is the only form of political speech available to folks, and that banning it is tantamount to banning all political speech. You don't have to be able to burn the flag to make a political statement, so banning burning the flag is not keeping you from exercising your right to free speech. On the other hand, one of the issues that (in my opinion) has led to the current state of American society is that nothing is held sacred anymore. We have slowly chipped away at everything that is supposed to be held above petty political and social whims. The sanctity of marriage, the protection of children (see NAMBLA), the value of a life, and now the flag, are all things that used to be set above our personal differences and held in the greatest of esteem. Now? Not so much.

 

[dales5050]

I did not serve and not offended. I understand that you have your opinion and I have mine. Very good deed that you do and I am sure that everyone you have done this for is thankful for it.

I just don't believe in burning your country's flag. That is supposed to be our pride and our special colors. A lot of people died protecting the Red,White,blue. It didn't matter if they agreed with it or not they did what they were supposed too. So burn a our flag or disrespecting that in any to me would be like me spitting in your face. And too me that's the most disrespectful and disgusting thing you can do to anyone.

Very valid points. And I agree with them. I am just looking at the entire slope.

Here is my line of thinking;

If you can by law stop people from burning a flag, you can then stop people from doing other things.

We have people who, incorrectly, think the US was founded on Christian ideals. We also have people who are in public office that think that both Christian prayers at meeting are OK and non-Christian prayers shouldn't be allowed.

So when you make the connection that people in elected office incorrectly assert that Christian values are a foundation of Government and then go and silence other religions (I don't feel any prayer should come within 200 feet of a public meeting FWIW)....how long before you have people saying burning the Bible or breaking stones that hold the 10 Commandments is against the law?

In the end, you wind up eventually in a similar place to countries where burning the Quran is punishable by death.



Maybe that's really, really out there but that's why I think the way I do.

 

[Monk]

I did not serve and not offended. I understand that you have your opinion and I have mine. Very good deed that you do and I am sure that everyone you have done this for is thankful for it.

I just don't believe in burning your country's flag. That is supposed to be our pride and our special colors. A lot of people died protecting the Red,White,blue. It didn't matter if they agreed with it or not they did what they were supposed too. So burn a our flag or disrespecting that in any to me would be like me spitting in your face. And too me that's the most disrespectful and disgusting thing you can do to anyone.

Minus the obvious errors, I think this is an excellent analogy. Burning the flag or disrespecting it is like spitting in my face, but spitting in my face is not illegal. There are no legal consequences for this action, but you better run and hide.

 

[Andy in Sactown]

I served to defend every American's right to burn the flag in protest.

I also reserve the right to think you're a piece of shit if you do and respond within the boundaries of my own rights accordingly.

Stolen valor however pisses me strait the fuck off. Like NWA "Strait Outta Compton" pissed.

Hell, I'm pissed at "Weird Al" Yankovic for the marketing material for his latest tour/album. "Weird Al" Yankovic First thing I saw was a Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal in his stack of ribbons. I know he's a satirist, but I couldn't help being miffed and thinking to myself, "He didn't earn that, I earned that, he shouldn't be wearing that."

 

[irishff1014]

Really? Is that considered assault?

Yes in the state of Maryland it is 2nd degree assault.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Really? Is that considered assault?

Yes. Well, battery, but those have become melded in modern parlance.

 

[pumpdog20]

I love that flag. I'm also not going to act tough and say I'm going to beat your ass if I see you stepping on it. I also don't want to make it a criminal offense, but I do want consequences.

I want other people to boycott that persons place of work, causing them to be fired. I want that person to have shamed their family that they no longer are allowed at the house.

Why the fuck are (some) Americans so unappreciated to live in this country. You ever notice athletes who live or come from real shitty places? But you know what they rep their flag to the fullest. They do everything for their country, their people, big time sports stars too. Don't see it here. It's "Obama Sucks" or "white people keeping me down", "1%ers rule the world" etc.

There's no unity in this country, and it's sad. To me this is the greatest place in the history of mankind. You don't like, we don't need to hear you, just leave. Thousands, if not millions, are literally waiting to enter because they believe in this place. But you won't leave, because you know. You know that this is the best place too.

America, Fuck Yeah

 

[Wingman Ray]

How about this? Every time a picture or video is published of someone or a group of people doing it, then their name and work/school location is listed as well? That way they actually gave to deal with the consequences of their actions instead of just being the anonymous offender?

Was quite please to see that idiot woman from subway getting fired after posting about those cops getting shot on facebook. Should happen 100% if the time. If you are big enough to shoot your mouth off or do things that you know are offensive, be big enough to deal with the consequences.

 

[kmoose]

I am just looking at the entire slope.

Here is my line of thinking;

If you can by law stop people from yelling "Fire!" in a crowded movie theater, you can then stop people from doing other things.

Think about that for a while..........

 

[ulukinatme]

Fuck Stolen Valor. Those guys didn't fight for our country, they don't deserve the privileges entitled to those that do.

 

[dales5050]

Think about that for a while..........

I have and your example is a poor one.

Burning a flag does not put anyone in danger. It's disgusting and a horrible thing to do but those are just emotions.


Yelling fire in a theater does put people in danger.

 

[kmoose]

I have and your example is a poor one.

Burning a flag does not put anyone in danger. It's disgusting and a horrible thing to do but those are just emotions.


Yelling fire in a theater does put people in danger.

But the speech itself is not the issue. Both are examples of limiting speech. Your assertion is that limiting speech will inevitably lead to limiting more speech, and more speech, and so on. Well, there wasn't a mad dash to limit other speech after they outlawed yelling fire in a movie theater, so I reject your assertion that banning the burning(or other desecration) of the US flag will lead to a run on banning other political speech.

 

[ACamp1900]

On the flag, it makes me angry when I see people using the freedoms afforded them by this nation to spit on this nation... but it's like the Westboro dips... I think they are hardly worth the oxygen but they absolutely have the right. just like the flag burners... I agree totally with the sentiment of most here on Stolen Valor, I like to cover the check of vets when I see one dining next to me, what a piece of *@&^ to impersonate that and try to get hook ups... smdh.

 

[GoldenDome]

Freedom of speech/expression has already spoken. Perfectly legal. Of course people have a problem with stomping on a flag but not a problem with drawing Muhammad. Oh the irony.

What was the answer? Stop being so sensitive.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Freedom of speech/expression has already spoken. Perfectly legal. Of course people have a problem with stomping on a flag but not a problem with drawing Muhammad. Oh the irony.

What was the answer? Stop being so sensitive.

Freedom of speech? The people in the video stole another person's property, marked all over it then smashed his car window with it.

And so far, most people think they should get an ass-kicking not pumped full of bullets or blown up by a suicide bomber.

So no, not really the same. At all.

 

[GoldenDome]

Freedom of speech? The people in the video stole another person's property, marked all over it then smashed his car window with it.

And so far, most people think they should get an ass-kicking not pumped full of bullets or blown up by a suicide bomber.

So no, not really the same. At all.

Any violence is the same. The person stole the flag, that is the real issue, not the expression correct. I believe Johnson case, the person stole the flag from a building and lit it on fire.

 

[pkt77242]

Freedom of speech? The people in the video stole another person's property, marked all over it then smashed his car window with it.

And so far, most people think they should get an ass-kicking not pumped full of bullets or blown up by a suicide bomber.

So no, not really the same. At all.

I don't think he was talking about the video, he was talking about the flag burning. Also he wasn't arguing that people should be pumped full of bullets. From what I can tell is that when liberals pointed out how insensitive it was to draw pictures of Muhammad, people kept telling them to stop being so sensitive, but when it comes to burning the flag the same people are outraged. He seems to be pointing out the hypocrisy of it.

I dislike flag burning though it should be legal as it is a part of free speech, as long as it is your own flag.

I think dressing up as a member of the military when you are not is despicable and should be a crime (except for things like children on Halloween, etc.).

edit: though I could be wrong about what his point was.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

Freedom of speech/expression has already spoken. Perfectly legal. Of course people have a problem with stomping on a flag but not a problem with drawing Muhammad. Oh the irony.

What was the answer? Stop being so sensitive.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ginman]

I will be spending the next 4 days at the TAPS National Seminar in Washington DC. Two thousand family members of servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives in duty to this country will be in attendance. When I see some losers pretending that they are in the same league as those that have sacrificed so much for this country it pisses me off and I think they should be prosecuted.
Those who do serve, defend the Bill of Rights and freedom of speech. As much as I hate people desecrating the flag that I love, I I feel they have a right to do so, just don't do it in front of me!

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Any violence is the same. The person stole the flag, that is the real issue, not the expression correct. I believe Johnson case, the person stole the flag from a building and lit it on fire.

Tell that to people who are killed, oh wait.

I don't think he was talking about the video, he was talking about the flag burning. Also he wasn't arguing that people should be pumped full of bullets. From what I can tell is that when liberals pointed out how insensitive it was to draw pictures of Muhammad, people kept telling them to stop being so sensitive, but when it comes to burning the flag the same people are outraged. He seems to be pointing out the hypocrisy of it.

I dislike flag burning though it should be legal as it is a part of free speech, as long as it is your own flag.

I think dressing up as a member of the military when you are not is despicable and should be a crime (except for things like children on Halloween, etc.).

edit: though I could be wrong about what his point was.

Yes, people take their country much more seriously than an religion but guess what, they are both still protected. What you and he are both attempting to do is guilt people into believing these two things are equal.

This is our country and some people believe an unpatriotic act deserves an ass-kicking, they feel the same about protestors at military funerals. This has to do with respect for the place in which you live.

Separation of Church and State. People don't give a flying F&*k if you want to draw Muhammad or Christ cartoons, both are permitted and few are willing to dole out an ass-kicking for that free speech.

They are willing to curb-stomp your a$$ if you don't offer the proper respect to the country whose borders you reside in.

Real irony would be a christian blowing up an abortion clinic and everyone jumping on here to say, "they deserved it". Which would never happen so we have to fish for something that fits the narrative of 'Muricans hate other people or some similar line of BS>

 

[GoldenDome]

Tell that to people who are killed, oh wait.




Yes, people take their country much more seriously than an "outsiders" religion but guess what, they are both still protected. What you and he are both attempting to do is guilt people into believing these two things are equal.

This is our country and some people believe an unpatriotic act deserves an ass-kicking, they feel the same about protestors at military funerals. This has to do with respect for the place in which you live.

Separation of Church and State. People don't give a flying F&*k if you want to draw Muhammad or Christ cartoons, both are permitted and few are willing to dole out an ass-kicking for that free speech.

They are willing to curb-stomp your a$$ if you don't offer the proper respect to the country whose borders you reside in.

Real irony would be a christian blowing up an abortion clinic and everyone jumping on here to say, "they deserved it". Which would never happen so we have to fish for something that fits the narrative of 'Muricans hate other people or some similar line of BS>

Abridging peoples right to not be harmed based on freedom of expression is the same, no matter the level of violence.

"Stop being so sensitive."

Do as I say, not say as I do.

 

[ACamp1900]

I would definitely disagree with' all violence is the same'... punching someone in the face for being a jackass is quite a bit different than blasting the life out of them with an AR over the same thing.

 

[Grahambo]

I do not believe people should have a legal right to burn the flag in protest. Plenty of other ways to protest. Burning the flag, stomping on it, etc is beyond disrespectful in my opinion and should punished with a criminal offense.

As for stolen valor, I simply just pray for that person. I'm not gonna turn into some hard ass because somebody is a wanna-be. Not sure if its a crime or not but that should also be a crime. Impersonating a Military Member or something like that.