Lying about receiving a medal is protected under the First Amendment

Err — so your argument is apparently that the BYU grad, practicing Mormon, Republican-appointed judge with deep family connections to Republican politics and Ezra Taft Benson in particular, who was appointed by George W. Bush and confirmed 93-0, who has a history of vigorously protecting religious speech . . . is perhaps part of some vaguely insinuated silly liberal conspiracy, because he (along with his Republican-appointed, Idaho-native colleague) came to the conclusion that “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech” really means that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech?

Makes perfect sense to me. If he’s on the 9th circuit, he must be a commie. He’s probably gay, too.

As one who was awarded the Silver Star (twice), the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Spanish Campaign Medal, I like this ruling.

Also he said ‘quelle surprise’ in French. You forgot to include some leaden sarcasm about that too, Kaimi.

Me? Never. I said quelle surprise in English.

Oh, and Kaimi: I suggested no liberal conspiracy. I believe judges are quite capable of making silly decisions independently.

I maintain that lying about and receiving a medal both seem like reasonable things a distinguished veteran might choose to do.

But not at the same time. The preferred posture for medal receipt is at attention.