Editorial: First, assault and then persecution

The San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board writes:

Escalating degrees of authority are invested in each link up the military chain of command, with the most power reserved for that person at the pinnacle at any base or major unit. This is thought necessary to foster order and discipline, crucial both to military readiness and the ability to fight wars.

Refusing to recognize and denying care and justice to sexual assault victims in the military does nothing to preserve order and discipline. Drumming these victims out of the service as mentally ill misfits does not cover these commanders in glory. This calls into question whether military need or the desire to protect the institution is motivating these decisions.

Read the full editorial.