Using PTSD as an excuse is an insult to those who served and are truly suffering the condition. In my opinion, he cheated and used a real sickness to blatantly lie and cheat. Writing three pages using his own words out of a fourteen page thesis which supposed to be based on an original research paper; is such a shame. Even if he had cited the work correctly, such a long section “taken directly” from another source would never be acceptable. I think it is typical of politicians to cover up their wrong doing to succeed. But for someone who served the country at least he should have some morals and values.
In most cases when plagiarism to this extend occurs that student is usually penalized. What was Mr Walsh penalty? Can this be a stepping stone to the direction of out right plagiarizing with no penalty, since a someone with such stature did it and probably will get away with it?