Fake general: It was free speech, not fraud

[douglas9]

First he donned Army fatigues just months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and convinced an airline he was a military officer and an air marshal.

Houston's Michael McManus acted so strangely that the crew knew something was wrong. He was later arrested, convicted of impersonating a government employee and served time in a prison camp.

Then last year, McManus attended a party for Houston's newly elected mayor, Annise Parker, while wearing an Army brigadier general's uniform and an outrageous array of medals and distinguished service crosses.

Now, as he faces the prospect of again wearing a prison uniform, McManus, 44, argues he never intended to suggest at the mayor's party that he was a true war hero.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7219346.html

[RandomThoughts]

1. I agree with part of that.

"Stolen Valor is one of the most insulting crimes to veterans,"

And I will say this, they will pay. And there will be beer and travel money, and many good experiances that is due to me.


Most don't even know what the real front lines are, however I do have much respect for those on the real front lines, those that do not fight. And honestly, military soldiers that fight to protect, or with best intents based on what they have been told fit in that concept also.

[Possumpoint]

2. BS

Man wants to bask in undeserved glory and respect. Expose him and fry his ass.

[Canuckistanian]

3. Hey, it's a free country

And he has his 1st Amendment rights to do anything he wants, as long as he isn't hurting anyone or destroying property. Is it illegal? No. In bad taste? Yes.

That's what I was told over and over again about Mr. "Koran Burner" in Gainesville.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Then He Should Dress Up Like Napoleon...

It's not what he's saying...it's what he's wearing. It's false representation just as if he showed up in a Police Uniform. It was intended to mislead and defame those who have served and the families of those who lost their lives. While I may think the terms for such an offense may be a bit steep, this is a clear violation of a law that has determined the use of a military uniform trumps the First Ammendment.

[ixion]

4. A Hero in His Own Mind

Like so many intellectually void chicken hawks.