Give Manning hormone therapy? #tellusatoday

The Army has approved hormone therapy to allow Chelsea Manning to transition to a woman. Manning was convicted of leaking national security secrets. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

As long as Chelsea Manning, previously known as Bradley, is in military custody, the military is responsible for her medical care — all her medical care. Hormone therapy is a medical treatment for gender identity disorder.

— Colleen Noel Harper

It seems as if some people are saying that because Manning is a prisoner, Manning deserves better treatment than the veterans who have served honorably, because that is exactly what is happening here.

There are many treatments that the Army won't authorize for those serving honorably.

— Lew Henderson

Prisoners have no choice; veterans do have a choice of where to get care. Just because someone is behind bars does not mean we can simply let him or her suffer; that is considered cruel and unusual.

— David Malenfant

Soon transgender troops will be allowed to serve openly. All the people complaining about it are the same ones who were fuming about lifting the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

That policy ended, and the military still functions; nothing bad has happened.

I'm happy to see this change finally in the works.

— September Meadows

Letter to the editor:

When I picked up my prescription for insulin this week, I was told that a one-month supply would be $382. My husband and I are in our early 60s and have worked since we were teenagers.

I just need to be able to wrap my head around the fact that the U.S. Army is going to pay for hormone therapy to transition to a woman for a criminal who put our country's security at risk.

I am wondering if I did some heinous act, would someone pick up my insulin bill each month?

Donna C. Hayes; Mason, Ohio

We asked what our followers thought of the Army paying for hormone therapy for Chelsea Manning. Comments from Twitter are edited for clarity and grammar:

I see no need for military funds to treat mental disorders not connected to military service.

— @Berkeley2

It's great, but there should be no debate over something so medically necessary!

— @EmmeZan

It is a waste of taxpayer dollars as it is an unnecessary procedure. Too many veterans are in need.

— @cindyteatime

I don't think anything of it. It's Manning's choice; Manning should be allowed.

— @wchoughton

This is the most bizarre thing that I've ever heard. Let Manning get this when/if paroled.

— @DavidM2357

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.