More than a month after a news report revealed that the Combat Infantryman Badge Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wears on his lapel was revoked since he was never eligible for the award to begin with, the congressman refuses to take the pin off.
Nehls’ stubbornness has garnered growing criticism from veterans and others in the community of stolen valor researchers, who say the issue is simple: The rules for the CIB are clear, and Nehls did not qualify.
“The veteran community is starting to get to the point now where there’s no room for forgiveness at this point because now they see, ‘Hey, this wasn’t an error. He’s doubling down now,’” said Anthony Anderson, an Army veteran who runs Guardian of Valor and was instrumental in uncovering Nehls’ revoked award. “He knows he didn’t earn this award.”
Fascism always manifests through surface level aesthetics. This will become more and more common and you’ll find shamelessness and stolen valor are traits they’ll all share uniformly eventually.
Prosecute him under 18 U.S.C. § 704
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both for an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Navy Cross
- Air Force Cross
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star
- Purple Heart
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Combat Infantryman’s Badge
- Combat Action Badge
- Combat Medical Badge
- Combat Action Medal
- Or any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.
Not that I want to defend the guy, but what’s the tangible benefit? The law doesn’t apply to just being an asshole.
He’s been using it to further his political career and court donations.
Good. So there is a law for that. Now someone has to apply this to him.
In Texas? I’ll hope for it, but I won’t hold my breath.
Best they can do is shooting a black kid in his honor.
Considering this is a federal crime, Texas has to have very little to do with it.
Good point! Of course, some will still call it “weaponizing the justice system” and/or “lawfare”.
This would be a relatively harmless and clear-cut opportunity for another Republican to step up and show they have some standards. Ahem.
Good? I don’t think it’s good that you can go to jail for a year for wearing a colorful ribbon
You can also go to jail for wearing a shiny policeman’s badge when you aren’t one. This is no different.
Only if you claim to be a cop. Per federal law, you can wear one for fun if you want
It is a defense to the prosecution under this section if the badge is used or intended to be used for exclusively— (1) as a memento, or in a collection or exhibit; (2) for decorative purposes; (3) for a dramatic presentation, such as a theater, film, or television production; or (4) **for any other recreational purpose. **
Huh. I didn’t actually know that. Interesting.
Even if you are just doing it for fun though 99% of cops will bag you for impersonating an officer of the law. You might go free later but that isn’t likely to stop the arrest.
Claiming to be a war hero when you’re not is fraud
Is it though? I can claim to be Jesus Christ or sporty spice or Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I can even dress like them. That by itself doesn’t get me thrown in jail.
In this case it also wouldn’t, stolen valor only applies of you do it to “obtain a tangible benefit” IE discounts, or deceiving voters.
[…]with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit[…] [emphasis added]
There’s your problem. You’d have to demonstrate that he claimed the badge in order to receive some benefit. He’s a congressional member of Texas, and Republican; by winning the primary–which likely did not hinge on the medal–he was almost certain to win the general election.
This would be a very, very hard case to make as a prosecutor.
Soooo…. He’s going to resign in disgrace, right?
Isn’t that considered Stolen Valor?
Rules should only be followed by the other side.™ - conservatives
Here, I got you a real ™ since you had a knockoff one.
Is a real™ one better than a Lemmy-computed™ one? Either way, it’s good to have choices you know!? 😃
I didn’t realize that it was supposed to show that way! Boost for lemmy is missing a lot of markup I think.
The immovable object of Stolen Valor meets the irresistible force of It’s OK If You’re A Conservative
I’m a Republican who LOVES this Country and I don’t see what the Problem is!
Classic republican dissonance, I don’t see what the problem is!
\s?
Looking at the post history, you’re correct. This particular comment must have been a little too on the nose
Very clear facts asserting why her should take it off and doesn’t deserve it, backed up by military records over a decade ago, but y’know…“DEEP STATE”.
Try that in a small town
Oh wait hang on, I’m confused now
I never like to curse anyone or wish them ill, but it would be dope if I could somehow sign up to get text alerts anytime something bad happens to this guy. Even small things, would put a smile on my face.
I wear a Texas Congressman pin even though they begged me not to so I can’t get too mad.
Texas: “I’m a big, strong Texas army man!!!”
[Uvalde children trapped by an active shooter being murdered and psychologically tortured]
Texas: “… … …”
The larger issue here is that our society idolizes the military in the first place. I find that much more concerning than “stolen valor.”
https://mynorthwest.com/3960064/rantz-exclusive-semi-bird-reprimanded-stolen-valor-defrauding-army/
Seems like republicans stealing valor is fairly common.
They’re generally whiney cowards who have neither valor or shame 🤷♂️
Just another Tuesday in Republican world.
My first reaction seeing this post is I just want to slap him. And that was before I read the article.
