Phony Purple Heart Taken Off Film Web Site

http://www.salon.com/wire/ap/archive.html?wire=D8BINJQG0.html

July 25,2005 | WASHINGTON -- Following complaints from a congressman, the producers of "Wedding Crashers" on Monday yanked from the movie's Web site a printable Purple Heart advertised as a gimmick to pick up women and get free drinks.

The movie characters -- played by Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn -- use the medals to pick up women. But advocates for a bill introduced by Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., say it's no joke -- impostors also use the fake medals or fraudulent stories of medals to get ahead in business.

"We understand the sensitivity regarding the medals and did not intend to make light of their significance in any way," New Line Cinema spokesman Richard Socarides said Monday. Wearing, manufacturing, buying, selling or trading a Medal of Honor is a crime. Salazar's Stolen Valor Act, introduced Friday, would expand the law to include more medals and would allow prosecution of anyone who falsely claims to have earned a military medal or a Purple Heart. His office drew attention to the Web site. On Monday, he claimed victory.

The movie's Web site included a "Crasher Kit" with instructions on how to win attention at a wedding. "Print your own Purple Heart," it invited. "To get one of these babies, some dudes have to prove their physical, mental and spiritual strength with great feats of bravery on the battlefield. All you need to do is press the button below."

the purple heart lite-ly

But's lets face it; IT'S ONLY A FREAKIN' MOVIE

There are bigger fish to fry

Republicans are pushing their legislation to toughen sexual offender registries, sentences and related laws. They're taking care of things that really harm children, while we're dinking around with video games and movie purple hearts. And people wonder why we have such a mushy image.