Veterans’ Courts: “Theirs Not To Reason Why,” Perhaps. But Ours Is.

Here is a worthwhile look at the expansion of special veterans’ courts across the country, with Philadelphia at the forefront of the experiment. The number of these courts, which strive to divert veterans from incarceration to treatment for the problems that often attend their experiences abroad, has increased nationally from 5 in 2008 to 166 in 2012. The programs are no cakewalk, but if ever there’s an argument for second (or third or fourth) chances — and above all, for compassion — this is one. Some would even say it’s a moral obligation for as long as we call on soldiers to serve and die.

“Theirs not to reason why,” perhaps. But ours is.