Lindh’s Sentence
Re “20-Year Sentence for Lindh,” Oct. 5: John Walker Lindh was clearly misguided in joining the Taliban prior to 9/11 and taking up its cause. He may have unintentionally violated U.S. law, which might warrant punishment, but the 20-year sentence handed down was unfortunately wrapped in the hysteria and politics of revenge.
Bringing in the murder of CIA agent Johnny “Mike” Spann and 9/11, which Lindh had no part in, during sentencing was meant to help justify this to the public.
It should be noted that almost all of the original Afghan Taliban soldiers, who were clearly more culpable that Lindh, were released by the new government back to their villages.
Mark Johnson
Vista
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