Fake soldier pleads guilty - what punishment should he get?
- Thread starter Ceiling Cat
- Start date
The guy likes the costume, this should have been thrown out, but as we have some really lame 'laws' that completely lack context. He has done nothing wrong per se and is not a criminal.
For 'impersonating' fine him $500.
This is a nonsense issue and a waste of taxpayers money, and courts time.
For 'impersonating' fine him $500.
This is a nonsense issue and a waste of taxpayers money, and courts time.
He grossly insulted the servicemen who earned those stripes and medals and that airborne beret. 7 days jail and mandatory counseling at his own expense.
You just don't get it. He didn't turn up in the uniform of the War of 1812 or even of 1900, he was making a serious attempt to be taken for a recent veteran or an active duty Sergeant. There is a reason why the law is on the books.
At the same time I believe Oagre is correct as to an appropriate sentence, I also agree with you that he has paid a price in the court of public opinion.
I think an appropriate punishment would be a mandatory $1000 donation to some veteran's fund. Jail time is a bit much just for doing something like this.
Personally, I'm not grossly insulted by this guy.
I was grossly insulted when the Federal gov't dishonored all Canadian meat-bombs when they pulled the colours and disbanded the CAR, due to the actions of a few.
Seemed like guilty by association, or collective punishment, to me. I don't believe any Federal politician was jailed over that insult.
This poor bastard probably suffered quite a bit of punishment, or loss, after this bit of stupidity came to light. Counselling is definitely a good idea, but jail time, IMO, is not.
There's lots of vets currently facing tough times (once again, at the hands of our Federal gov't) - he should perform some community service for their benefit or on their behalf.
I don't care. People should be free to be buffoons. If he was impersonating a doctor or a cop it's a different story. But I don't have a boner for the 2015 CAF.
I want my Canada to permit people to be offensive. The freedom to be offensive must be protected - almost, at all costs.
Whether you or I find what this chap did offensive is not the relevant thing. What is important is that he have the right and the freedom to do it.
The thing I wish were a criminal offense, in my Canada, is those TV ads we're seeing lately, which feature the military, strong and free, protecting our freedoms -- "a message from the government of Canada".
This is simply and solely an attempt to invoke our patriotic sentiments, done cynically for political gain, with the intent of casting "the government of canada" in a favourable light, ready for the next election.
Or perhaps you think the real purpose of those ads is to prepare the public for an unpopular increase in financial support for soldiers and veterans?
Whether you or I find what this chap did offensive is not the relevant thing. What is important is that he have the right and the freedom to do it.
The thing I wish were a criminal offense, in my Canada, is those TV ads we're seeing lately, which feature the military, strong and free, protecting our freedoms -- "a message from the government of Canada".
This is simply and solely an attempt to invoke our patriotic sentiments, done cynically for political gain, with the intent of casting "the government of canada" in a favourable light, ready for the next election.
Or perhaps you think the real purpose of those ads is to prepare the public for an unpopular increase in financial support for soldiers and veterans?
Still don't know why he was prosecuted or why we have such law on the books. I understand prohibition for impersonating a cop- they actually have power, but this? How is it any different than some guy dressing up as a priest or a doctor? Unless he gives an absolution or dispenses medical advice, he's just some harmless weirdo.
