Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Jinn, Baton Rouge, LA on May 30, 2011:

Thanks, good one Randy. Now for my pet Memorial Day peeve, all the jokers out there who wish people Happy Memorial Day, really, really, Happy Dead Soldiers Day...please let's educate the public that like Zero Tolerance this is another really stupid thing. This morning I witnessed a CNN weatherman wish folks a Happy Memorial Day, a few minutes later a young female soldier in Iraq, wished her family in Virginia a Happy Memorial Day. I was taught long ago, that it was a day of rembrance and thanks to those who fought to keep our country free.

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Yeah, that's why I saved these stories for this week -- to help remind people what the day is supposed to be about. Thanks for making the point in another way. -rc

Posted by Will, San Rafael, Ca on May 30, 2011:

How about the shame he brought on the Seals, by claiming to be one of them, when he doesnt have the "honor" to admit he'd lied from the start?

Posted by Mike from Dallas on May 30, 2011:

It's been said that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Typically, most of us who've served in the armed forces did not do it for the glory. In a strange way, it's not so different than sex. Those who are getting it don't usually feel a need to brag about it.

The good reverend's biggest sin was not in lying, nor in purporting to be what he was not. It was his lack of faith in his own calling, a bravery in facing the demons of his soul with only his mind. And it's never too late to achieve it.

For those who have served, the value of their work and sacrifice is not diminished, regardless how they served.

Posted by Gordon / Tacoma, WA on May 30, 2011:

I think it is a mistake not to prosecute Jim Moats, the not very reverent Reverend.

There is a very good reason for laws against scofflaws who claim military honors not earned. This behavior, if not punished, devalues those who earned their honors.

Posted by Neil, Cheshire, UK on May 31, 2011:

First story: the fictional "logo" is obviously based on the real one, which makes the error slightly less ludicrous than it might have been (though just as amusing).

Second story: the minister's deception is reprehensible, but I don't think omitting his own shame shows lack of contrition -- he's listing the innocent/more important parties he's harmed, and his own humiliation goes without saying.

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I hope you're right, but fear you're not. -rc

Posted by Ed, Richmondville NY on May 31, 2011:

It is interesting to note that the real heroes don't go around thumping their chest and boasting of their deeds? I have only met 1 person who made it through BUDs, and he asked me not to tell anyone because they would make him out to be something he wasn't. He said he never did a mission as he was injured in training. Normally I silently roll my eyes at statements like that, but his quiet demeanor over the many months I worked with opposite him in EMS told me he was telling the truth. There is much truth to the statement that there are stories that only are told in hushed conversations after many beers and only with intimates of your profession: be that military, EMS, fire or police, to name some.

Posted by Mike, Sherwood AR on May 31, 2011:

As a disabled Vet, I agree with both Jinn's and your comments concerning the meaning of Memorial Day (Happy Memorial Day, really?). But today is not a day to thank those of us who serve or have served and are still here. Thanks those men and women every day when you see them on the streets, or exercise your rights. Memorial Day is for those whom we cannot thank, now or ever again... or enough... for their ultimate sacrifice. How do you thank someone who is no longer here? We honor their memory.

To "piggy back" on Jinn's pet peeve for Memorial Day, my biggest pet peeve, not just for Memorial Day but also at the Fourth of July and Veteran's Day, are the part-time patriots. When my father passed away last year (30+ years Army veteran, special operations helo pilot, all around awesome guy) I replaced the worn flag on his flag pole and flew it at half-mast through his "going away party" (he said he wanted his life celebrated, not mourned). When I came home, I brought that flag with me and I fly it 24/7 (yes, all weather flag and lighted at night). Dad now rests at Arlington, and seeing those hallowed grounds only strengthened my patriotism. It bothers me to see flags come out for the aforementioned holidays, then disappear afterwards. I hope more people would appreciate the meaning of Memorial Day, and become full-time patriots.

Posted by Louis, VA on May 31, 2011:

Here's a larger image of the Maquis logo. Also notice that the skull is framed by bat'leths, pretty nasty Klingon weapons.

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Thanks! I did notice the bat'leths, but figured I needed to draw the line somewhere! -rc

Posted by Mike from Dallas on May 31, 2011:

I admit that I was a little surprised at the comment about prosecution. Far as I was aware, there is no violation to prosecute. Simply representing oneself as a former anything is not a criminal act.

Sure, there is federal law prohibiting (and punishing) the wearing of a military uniform if one is not an active member of the armed services -- 10 USC Chap 45. The law goes on to describe exceptions to the prohibition. But there is no law against claiming to be formerly a member of the armed services.

There is also Article 134 in the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) which prohibits the active impersonation of a superior rank, but again, it does not cover claims of previous entitlement. Plus, the UCMJ holds no jurisdiction over civilians. As matter of fact, the UCMJ, in cases of conflict with civilian law, will usually defer to the civilian law. (Notable exceptions would be cases of FOREIGN civilian law where a serviceman's rights as a U.S. citizen would not be honored under such foreign law.)

Finally, since it's been many years since I've had inclination to address this issue, I checked to see if any changes had occurred. I was surprised to see that there is the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. However, it only applies to the purchase and wearing of military honors (ribbons, medals), not to false claims of service. Furthermore, the Act was ruled unconstitutional in 2010.

Bottom line, there is nothing to charge this guy with.

And, no; courage, bravery, and sacrifice is not shamed or diminished by the lies of others claiming to aspire to those lofty ideals. As an American citizen, the Reverend has a Right under the 1st Amendment to be a complete jackass, and I defend that Right to the death; lest I be convicted for making a jackass of myself at some time in the past.

I agree with Randy's sentiments on the issue, but not to the point where others would attempt to legislate it. Shame and humiliation toward the liar is sufficient.

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I didn't research the Stolen Valor Act to see if it might apply to such a case, but my assumption would be no. I hadn't heard it was struck down until recently, but I'd guess that battle isn't over yet. -rc

Posted by Tom, Decatur, IL on May 31, 2011:

Jinn and Mike, why can't you remember those who have given all in a happy manner? I know when I think of those who have preceded me into the great unknown, it is generally the good times I remember. I was at a reunion last fall of my old military group (tri-service bunch) and had to put up with one guy that was alternating between being a jerk and a good guy. But I enjoyed seeing him again. Fortunate, that, as he died two weeks later. Maybe your losses are rawer than mine, I don't know.

As for the young soldier wishing her parents a happy Memorial Day, it was one for them; she was still alive, so this Day, at least, was one of joy for them.

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I understand their points, but I like your more positive point of view better -- especially your last sentence. Hear hear! -rc