Crime
‘Armless’ Vet Caught on Camera…With Both Hands
- Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:06am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
Robert McMahon served in Vietnam with the Marines’ 2nd Division in 1972 and 1973. That service cost him an arm and leg: he can be seen walking around Brooklyn sans a left arm and limping along with a gimpy right leg. He uses his veteran status to garner donations from passers by, and many seem to honor his service and his requests for money.
But all may not be as it seems. An expose by the New York Post upset McMahon so much that he threatened the life of a photographer who recently took his picture: “I’ll put a bullet in the back of your head.”
So what pictures made McMahon so enraged? The Post has the story and the shots.
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 686 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 652 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 524 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 361 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 319 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 190 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 214 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Scathing New Ad Capitalizes on Rep. Ryan‘s ’Fading Obama Posters’ Remark 124 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 190 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (72)
Wenchypoo
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:08amI see this kind of thing all the time: supposed “vets” and other supposedly “homeless” people manning intersections in a wheelchair with a sign: PARALYZED–NEED HELP. People give money, but then at 5:00, something weird happens–a shift change! A whole new homeless man is in the same chair, with the same sign, on the same intersection! If you get there early enough in the morning, you can actually see someone offloading the chair from a car trunk, opening it up, and the “paralyzed homeless guy” getting into it and rolling it to his begging spot.
We’ve also noticed others like him, only without chairs–people cleanly dressed, shaven, clean hair, leather jackets, no holes in any clothes, yet they stand with a sign and beg for money. These people also have shift changes with other bums. Are they for real? My spidey-senses tel me NO.
Being married to a former Navy man, I know the VA would take care of a real veteran–special housing programs, special job programs, free medical–not to mention the already-existing resources of the city with homeless shelters, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army and United Way, and the vast number of churches here in Norfolk that give away clothes, food, and whatever else you may need.
As John Stossel said once: “Give me a break!” These people have found a tax-free source of income.
Report Post »diesel49
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:01amThis is the typeof scum bag the The Stolen Valor act was meant to prosecute, however the libs ruled in court the act unconstitutional and he can continue to steal from anyone he likes. I served in Vietnam in 69-70 and this scum makes me really angry.
Report Post »Awakenow
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:58amThere neads to be a law protecting the honor of those willling to give their lives in the service of our country. Thjs gentleman diminishes us all!
Report Post »IKW
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:39amMy honor cannot be protected by man or by law…it is mine to lose and never to use. Neither is yours Awakenow…no man can diminish what you have done, only you can…keep the faith. :-)
IKW
Report Post »LSX
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:51amProbably going to work for the Center for American Progress now that he’s been exposed as a fraud.
That’s where all the scumbags end up.
.
Report Post »NO LEFT TURN
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:45amLet’s see…according to the story this guy is 53 years old, which means he was born in 1957. If he served in Vietnam during 1972-73 as he claims, he would have been 15-16 years old at the time. Possible maybe, but unlikely.
Report Post »Midwest Belle
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:49pmGood point! My late husband was missing a leg (accident) and was often assumed to have been a VN vet. Not only did he not profit from it, he always told people he was too young to have served (also born in 1957)
Report Post »Semper Fi Leatherneck
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:42amP. O. S. Someone should slap him back into reality
Report Post »IKW
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:41amI am a veteran. I do not give money to people on the street that are using their borrowed honor as a means for gain in and of itself. Even if they did “serve” they do not understand two very important words that are synonymous with warrior…service and sacrifice for others.
A sacrifice, once voiced to the subject of it, is no longer a sacrifice but a burden. Give to people because you choose to give, not out of sympathy but of encouragement.
IKW
Report Post »SatTerra
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:41amHaving lost two uncles on the USS Arizona, and specifically my uncle Gordon who was a Marine, this is an insult to all those brave Marines who lost limbs or otherwise suffered, not counting those who lost their lives. This scoundrel is lucky I am not located in New York, for if I were, I would camp out alongside him and hold my own sign exposing his fraud.
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:50amSat
I just finished a book “ Pearl Harbor The Story of the Secret War” by Robert Morgenstern
It details how FDR “Democrat President” , Cordell Hull sec of state, Gen George Marshall War Dept , Henry Stimson Sec of War, And others Accused Gen. Short and Adm
Report Post »Kimmel On Hawaii of dereliction of duty while withholding vital information about the imminet attack on Pearl Harbor a full Week before Dec 7th. Harry Truman then told Short and Kimmel to not defend themselves for national security reasons until after the war at which time he duismiised them from their service . FDR was a scumbag of great proportions, Truman followed closely in his wheelchair ruts. Please read this book as I don’t do Kimmel and Short justice.
Sailor
DanStlMo
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:30amNothing is lower than “Stolen Honor”
Report Post »ProudTeaPartyMember
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:21amI’d bet my b@lls that this guy votes DemocRAT.
Report Post »IKW
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:45amI’d bet ya $50 he doesn’t! Democrats don‘t donate to charity and charity is this guys’ business. Democrats “donate” their money TO the government and rely on the government for humanity.
IKW
Report Post »Serving Patriot
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:21am“A fool and his money are soon parted”. Anyone who is giving money to this guy deserves it. I see bums all the time claiming to be “vets”. Any of us who have served can spot an imposter in seconds. I am in agreement with MTNCLIMBERJIM, I never give them money. On the vet issue, the stolen valor act should stay in place and have some teeth. I am getting pretty sick of these imposters literally stealing the honor of myself, my brother, my father, both my grandfathers, and all those men and women who I have stood beside for the last 18 years in defense of our nation.
Report Post »conservativeme
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:10amHow low will you go????
Report Post »USNRET04
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:09amScum (in no particular order):
Report Post »Terrorists
Rapists
Murders
Child Molesters
Conscientious Objectors
FAKE WARRIORs
mtnclimberjim
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:01amHow funny. This is what you get when the libs support bumming. Get a job you lazy jackass. I never give money to street bums, Never. And the dumbasses that do, need to pull their heads out of their butts.
Report Post »RKramer
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:51amIsn’t time for the Post and other MSM to check out our President like the Post has done with McMahon? McMahon isn’t doing anyone any harm(except our vets who have served), but our President is destroying our country. I think it is time for the MSM to do their duty! It would be a great story.
Report Post »Anne G
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:22amHow sick is this!
Report Post »Sharkei
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:43pmHe’ll probably go straight to the liquor store to get his alcohol and cigarettes, then off to the corner drug dealer
Report Post »angrymob
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:10amIt’s a shame you know because there are alot of homeless here in California (maybe some are vets?) …don’t know their stories – I just give when I can and if they are crooks…God will judge em’!
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:36amThat’s an excellent way to look at this sad situation, I only pray that others follow your lead.
I hope this one jerk does NOT stop others from giving to those in need. Knowing human nature though, my guess is that many will read this story in the Post or possibly here, and will not give as freely until this guy is nothing more than a memory. And that is the sad part of this story. This jerk may be responsible, for someone in real need, to NOT get that extra dollar to feed themselves that day.
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »angrymob
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 2:08pm@ Patriot…
I feel the same way. I hope folks continue to show compassion to the needy regardless of this man and those like him.
Report Post »Arc
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:52amI wasn’t a Marine in RVN, I served with the 173rd Abn Bde but right now I’m about as mad as a Marine. One of the toughest moments in any combat vets life is the reliving of what I know to be the “spoils of war. The old adage “ imitation is the most sincere form of flattery” rings hollow in this instance. To be honored by imitation is great when you’re a Dad, but not with McMahon. The Stolen Valor Act has been rendered toothless by most liberal judges so prosecuting him would be a moot endeavor. There are times when some men feel power or receive admiration at others expense. I certainly wouldn’t wish my combat experiences on any man. But then again, that might be a just punishment………NO……..he couldn’t handle it….nor does he deserve it……he has enough problems.
Report Post »BoilitDown
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:44amDo you suppose he’s collecting campaign money with political plans? He’d fit right in with the phonies in politics these days. I won’t mention any party affiliation.
Report Post »starman70
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:48amTry both parties. That is why we need TERM LIMITS, an end to the luxurious “Retirement” benefit Senators and Congressmen voted for themselves, any and all junkets overseas and trips home, paid by the Anerican taxpayer, be on commercial aircraft in the tourist section, not first class. When staying overseas, they should stay in regular hotels and not first class luxury resorts. Start the correction on November 2nd.
Report Post »Arc
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:40amI wasn’t with the Marines in RVN, I was with the 173rd Abn Bde and right now I’m feeling about as mad as a Marine would be. One of the toughest things any combat vet must endure is someone impersonating a warrior. The Stolen Valor Act has been rendered toothless by liberal judges and that fact doesn’t sit well with me and I think most other vets. The saying that “ imitation is the most sincere form of flattery ” rings hollow in this instance. At the expense of sounding like a liberal, I wouldn’t want McMahon to have to live with what I know as the spoils of war. But then again, that might be the precise punishment…….NO……..he couldn’t handle it……poor wannabee….
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:34amThis guys is a bum alright. I have known another guy (a friend) who told me about being in Vietnam. Within a few minutes I knew he never was.
Report Post »Vietnam Vet 69-72
Jamestown
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:30amWE. HAVE THE SAME KIND IN TENNESSEE
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:20amHe fits well with the crooks in DC .
Robert .
Report Post »kcnut
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:20amWhat a coward he is many mens who have real injury need that money more then him he should be arrested and sent to jail.
Report Post »Bronco II
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:32pmI donate to the charities that help our service men and women and their families.USO,WOUNDED WARRIORS,AMVETS and many other good organizations they know better where the money is needed and I trust them I do not hand out money on the streets except when Shriners collects they do wonderfull work for those in need.
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:19amIs he related to Blumenthal? This is sad and despicable.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:49amDespicable does not begin to describe it; having honorably served as a vet is one thing but to turn it into a swindle takes away the honor all vets whom have served. One person like him tarnishes it all in the eyes of the public. Our vets are great for the sacrifices they have made – life and limb alike – and many never came home period.
They are the ones we need to help when possible, charlitains like this one should be dealt with in the manner the law permits.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mixed art)
walkwithme1966
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:14amUnbelievable – this disgusts me! http://wp.me/pYLB7-dX
Report Post »firstHat
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:30amThe important thing to me when I see stories like this is that I don’t allow such stories to keep me from being charitable.
I would rather give to the charlatan and be thought a fool than to miss the person who really needed my help.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:37amFirsthat, good point, I do have to remember to follow my gut instinct for such matters; if you feel it is wrong or not right go with the feeling. Yet also there is the benefit of the doubt as well. Charity is of the heart, thanks for reminding me to listen to the Spirit and when in doubt ask the Almighty for the guidance.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:38amThis is why charity needs to be local and by an individual, not the job of the government. When you turn the job over to others this is the results.
Report Post »VietnamVet1969-70-USMC
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:20amThis is despicable. Apparently “Death Before Dishonor” means nothing to him.
Report Post »mutt
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:20amBob: I know you probably meant it in jest, but anybody that “fakes’ combat service is a dispicable pos and should never curry favor by getting handouts or our votes. Blumenthal and his ilk are worse than this pathetic piece of garbage. If Blumenthal’s boast of combat service had gone unchecked and he ended up benefitting with our votes, he is much worse than this beggar. Democrats hate our Military and our brave men and women who fight with their lives for the rights these turds enjoy and only embrace them when politically expedient. Just in the last couple days, Boxer and other Dems have been exxposed for their radical support for Code Pink and those corrupt bastards in Illinois and New York are denying the right to vote to our troops. Semper fi ‘Keeper Mutt
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:04amBob
Report Post »I am from the peoples democrat republic of Konnecticut. We had the “Friend of Angelo”, Chris Dodd for many years as Sen. reelected by the useful idiots and now Sue Em All Blumenthal is supposedly ahead in the polls who LIED, LIED , LIED about being a Vietnam Veteran. What ****** me off more are the veterans who get behind him on the stage and profess their political loyalty to this LIAR ,LIAR , LIAR.
Thank You and all vets for your service. Even you stunads who vote for this charlatain.
Sailor
M31Sailor
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:12amWalk
After reading all these stories about the honor? among Democrats at what point do you see the light
shining on this political party
Report Post »Sailor
claymoremacm
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:30amLike Mel Gibson in “ Pay Back” Mel walks by a disable Vet begger and reaches into his money bowl and takes the money. The disabled Vet jumps up and says “you *&^% &^%$’ Mel says “shut up I cured you”
Report Post »gobluebuckeye
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:52amThis ****** me off on so many levels
Report Post »