Sympathy for Lindh’s Parents

Glenn Sacks’ “In Defense of John Walker Lindh’s Parents” (Voices, Feb. 2) articulated my feelings exactly. It is not easy to be the parent of a 20-ish son who is searching, rebelling and changing. I feel our government has way overreacted, and to threaten to jail him for life or even execute him is horrifying.

I remember the ‘60s. The old men who govern our country now must remember their own youth. I have read that our president drank too much and was a party boy in college but has risen to the challenge of recent events.

Joyce Leytus

Los Angeles

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I too believe that Johnny’s parents deserve a little sympathy--much like the sympathy afforded those whose children run off and join a gang. It seems that there are certain similarities between Johnny’s deeds and that of any other gang member. The differences, however, are very pronounced.

Unfortunately, Johnny joined the mother of all gangs, with super-murdering power and mega guns, so his problems are in just proportion. Yet unlike the homies in my neighborhood, and luckily for Johnny, his mom and dad can afford big-dollar attorneys. So who knows? Maybe we’ll see a glove at the trial, blame the LAPD and Johnny can go play golf in Florida.

Antonio Hernandez

Baldwin Park