The military policy of allowing honors burials for veterans convicted of rape sends a chilling message to victims: Even the most heinous sexual violence does not trump prior military service. It is a position that is as ethically indefensible as it is inconsistent. In 1997, after Army veteran Timothy McVeigh was sentenced to death for his role in the Oklahoma City bombings, Congress barred veterans convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death or life in prison from being buried with full military honors. Veterans convicted of rape or any other violent crime, however, encounter no such restrictions.
Time for Congress to enact another law that takes away more earned Veteran’s benefits. Next thing you know, any veteran convicted of jaywalking will be denied all benefits. Might just help balance the budget.
Timothy McVeigh was a mass murderer but his honorable service earned him a soldier’s funeral, nevertheless.