The purpose of a "uniform" is to establish that a person has achieved a certain rank within an organization, and then the insignia
on the uniform denotes accomplishments within that framework. Starting with boy scout merit badges to the Order of the Garter worn by members of the British Royal Family, and everything in between - these insignia are earned in some (usually traditional) fashion.
I agree that impersonating a decorated soldier is, IMHO, a rather despicable form of lying and should be treated accordingly. Likewise, the impersonation of a police officer (exception being male strippers, of course
) is a dangerous and unacceptable.
That said, what needs to be addressed is not the costuming itself, but the purpose for which the costuming is being presented. I suspect that I could dress up as the Lord High Admiral (ok, I already have) complete with plumed hat and enough swag to choke a metal detector for halloween and no one would say a word, because my intent is not nefarious. However, don the same getup and waltz into the British Admiralty Office with the intent of launching a fleet or some such...and there might be trouble.
OK (here comes the point) So if someone is dressed as a decorated war hero to defraud someone, solicit donations, etc., it should be treated as a crime. If they are dressed as a decorated war hero (or the pope for that matter) because they are a bit wacky, it should be treated as a mental health issue - and dealt with accordingly.
Mixing the crazies with the scammers has created too large a prison population already!
