Following their disgracefull and unwelcome home from the unpopular war in Vietnam, 36% of all Vietnam veterans have been arrested and prosecuted by our criminal justice system. A 2004 Bureau of Justice Special Report estimated in 1985 that 21% of state prisoners and 23% of federal prisoners were veterans.  One out of every two homeless veterans are homeless today because they have a felony (mostly non-violent substance abuse) on their records and are thus "unemployable" and living under our cities bridges and in the woods.  Many veterans are still languishing in our nations' prisons.  These brave patriots put their lives on the line for God and country and are now imprisoned or homeless.  Many imprisoned Vietnam veterans are still suffering from such mental ills as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and are not receiving any medical care for their war wounds.  Compared to our OEF/OIF veterans, the Vietnam veterans are still being treated with disrespect.

If President Carter can issue a blank pardon for all those who fled to Canada in order to dodge the draft then certainly President Obama can issue a similar pardon for all those who did their duty for God and Country and who came home only to be called "baby killers" and "war mongers".  It is time to let these injured Veterans who were convicted of non-violent crimes come in from the cold and welcomed home. Please Mr. President, Pardon all the Vietnam Veterans who have been convicted of non-violent crimes.