Treason, or just really bad taste?

Great Debates
1

I saw this photo and the question came to mind.

Extremely bad taste on the part of those who carried it is obvious, but what are the legal grounds for treason(sedition)? I’m not a lawyer, but this looks like it could be bordering on it.

2

There’s no clear and present danger in merely expressing support for troops being shot, nor does it incite imminent lawless action. Protected speech, no matter how vile you might think it is.

3

Definition of treason from Article III of the US Constitution

I think it’s a stretch to call it treason. They aren’t making war on the US or giving aid and comfort to the enemy. I do think it’s in bad taste, though, and really insensitive considering the recent fragging incident. These guys are assholes but they’re within their legal rights.

4

I suppose one could say that it gives “aid and comfort” to the enemy.

But on the other hand, ANY show of disapproval of the war could be construed as giving “aid and comfort”. I don’t see how pure speech by itself could be treason.

5

I don’t think it’s treason, for the reasons given by other posters. But, it seems like more than “bad taste.” It encourages murder. It’s comparable to a sign reading, “Lynch the N…s” or “Off the Pigs.”

6

I’m pretty sure (although i’m perfectly willing to be corrected) that “aid and comfort” to the enemy has to consist of providing the enemy with some real, material benefit such as money, ammunition, food, information, etc.

This, I think, is basically hate speech. It expresses a wish for violence upon a specific group of people. It’s on a par with KKK garbage or Phelp’s ant-gay bullshit. It’s vile but it’s not illegal.

I think you might theoretically argue that they are inciting the troops to mutiny, but I think that would be really a stretch.

7

DtC

I agree with Diogenes the Cynic.:eek:

8

Okay, I wasn’t sure. Abhorrent, but legal.

9

I think they have the defense of referring to an event which has already transpired. This sign does refer to the recent attack, right? It’s like being the fan of a serial killer, and, ah, putting it on a sign. Legal. Weird.

If it is an organization that e-mails our troops and suggests fragging, then it’s clearly illegal.