Prison Term for Ex-Fugitive

* Regarding the sentencing of Katherine A. Power (Oct. 7), it was most gratifying to observe the forceful, factual and no-nonsense characterization by Judge Robert Banks of the crimes committed, and to identify her as a “criminal in every sense of the word.”

In my opinion, Power’s surrender was cleverly timed with a “soul-mate” occupying the White House, and an Administration well-represented by anti-American individuals who wanted the Vietnamese communists to win the war.

Her “tearful act of contrition” was just that--an act, and the possibility of Power being paroled after serving only five years and four months would be a travesty of justice when considering the tremendous loss of life that Power and her ilk were responsible for by their treasonous acts.

SUSAN SPREEN

Mission Viejo

* Katherine Ann Power was the victim of a turbulent era where millions of people in this country protested the government’s involvement in the Vietnam War. She was then an aggressive, promising young college student who believed otherwise, and her life propelled her into the more radical views of a few who resorted to some violent actions to get their sides heard. She and her accomplices committed a crime that took the life of a great family man.

Power has lived, yet she died too when she chose to disappear for the next 23 years of self-deprivation. She strived to be a good mother and a worthy citizen in her community. These personal achievements only prove that she’s not a real criminal.

She sought justice for all the misdeeds and wrongdoings committed during that time not only for the family of the slain policeman but for herself as well, by turning herself in and paying her debt to society. But considering all the facts and circumstances surrounding this case, the imposition of conditions of probation after the prison sentence is tantamount to the actual prison time served by her. The only difference is that the other 20 years will be spent outside the prison walls.

I believe Judge Banks’ scale of justice needs to be checked and recalibrated to exact a reasonable and fair sentence for Power.

FROILAN DE GUZMAN

Los Angeles