[Red Badger]

I have asked this question several times and been ignored. ... Should convicted felons (those who have been released) who “truly want to defend their country,” be denied entry into the armed forces?...

I'd say yes, but it depends on the nature of the felony. If the person had done something stupid as an 18 year old but as a 30 year old was a truly reformed adult, and had no further run-ins with the law, then I have no problem. There are all kinds of felonies, from bad checks to capital murder. The degree of the felony should be considered as well as time and age of the individual. A board of review for enlistees could make the decisions on a case by case basis......

[Lucky Dog]

I'd say yes, [felons should be allowed to join the military] but it depends on the nature of the felony.

I think the source of your problem is apparent with the above statement. By definition, a felon is someone who has committed a serious crime, i.e., a major violation of the law. In most states these people are prohibited from even voting without a court hearing to restore the right.

Your stated position is apparently that you have no problem with these former jailbirds having access to knowledge that is, quite literally, life and death to other individuals should it fall into the wrong hands. In certain circumstances, the transfer of some military secrets could mean the death of thousands of, not just soldiers, but, potentially, American civilians as well.

These are people who have proven conclusively by their actions that they are patently untrustworthy and too undisciplined to follow civilian law, let alone much more restrictive military law and regulations. Yet, you would put them in positions where others must place their lives in the hands of these people.

This kind of muddle-headed reasoning makes it easy to see why you have no problem with queers who would break the UCMJ entering the Armed Services and continuing to serve. Hell, what’s a few felonies among the enlightened?