Returning Vets and the Legal System

We here at Cheap Lawyers have been discussing like most American several issues recently that have been topics everywhere here in the US and abroad. Returning Vets from Afghanistan and Iraq are suffering, some say, even higher levels of combat fatigue which manifests itself as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome than in past conflicts. The main reason the experts feel that this is the case is because of the extended tours of duty. What is happening now is that these vets are coming back to the USA and they are scarred from their experience and they find themselves in the court system after acting out in some way that puts them in contact with law enforcement.

Some jurisdictions with enlightened jurists are starting to see this and are finding ways to divert them from jail and into treatment. We agree with this wholeheartedly. The idea that people that are in life threatening situations for a year and then another year and then another year and expect them not to be affected is insane on societies part, and to jail these heroes who are protecting our rights and our laws, which protects our rights and jail them is wrong!

I saw an amazing thing when I was in Denver International Airport over the Christmas Holiday and that was the universal applause for every soldier in uniform that appeared from the landing gates at the airport. I am not one for tears usually but regardless of how you feel about these conflicts, you cannot help but be proud when you see overt displays of support for our troops. I remember clearly the reception that out Viet Vets received and was very happy to see that everyday Americans were supporting their troops regardless of their beliefs, which we should have done then, and for which we as a society do owe that generation of warriors an continuing apology.

Let’s do the right thing now, for the veterans of this generation, and protect our returning warrior’s rights and see to it that they are afforded every chance to live the American Dream of Life,Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness that they put their lives on the line to defend.