<p>Well, people are always complaining about ways to “rehabilitate” criminals, right?</p>
<p>If the good folks of America are unwilling to sign up, but these folks are, and so long as these folks can be taught discipline, commitment, and all the other things inherent in American military service, then I’m going to defer to the judgment of those whose job it is to make and live with such decisions.</p>
<p>other than the drugs and weapons, which should be dealt with harshly and always has. </p>
<p>it is harder for kids to stay under the LEGAL radar.
1960’s two kids get in a fight in Junior High.
Coach pulls them apart…Puts the gloves on them, lets them “settle it” Shake hands. Lesson Learned Event over.
1970’s two kids get in a fight at middle school for whatever . Principle calls parents, kids get suspended, (or even a paddling by the principle) boys shake hands. learn lesson event over.
1980’s two kids get in a fight in middle school. police are called. parents are called. parent A sues parent B and the school system. nothing settled without the lawyers. </p>
<p>Now. two kids get in fight. Police called. One or Both get assault charges. Counseling is ordered. Kid now has a record. Both parents sue everyone. The Lesson learned is whoever wins in court is right and the kids are the only losers. </p>
<p>The fighting was wrong in all cases. The effects are what changed.</p>
<p>I seem to remember reading that a number of WW2 soldiers were kids who went astray of the law and were offered enlistment as opposed to jail time. Anyone know if that was actually something that happened?</p>