The American Taliban Revisited

Wonkette posts You Can Go Home Again, If You’re White in reference to Australian David Hicks’ release from prison — which reminds me of the less talked about John Walker Lindh. Let’s recap:

Captured on November 25, 2001.

Indicted on February 13, 2002.

Plead guilty July 15, 2002 and began serving his sentence shortly thereafter.

In light of David Hicks’ recent release, Lindh’s family have appealed to President Bush to commute his sentence. But I suppose that sort of treatment is reserved for those who out CIA operatives.

On the one hand justice for Lindh was speedy. For the well over 300 remaining detainees in Guantanamo Bay it must be torture in itself to be kept in uncertainty about your fate. On the other, Lindh’s sentence is certainly disproportionate.

So who is better off? David Hicks who spent over 5 years in Guantanamo Bay but is now free? Or John Walker Lindh who received immediate civilian justice but will remain a prisoner in the U.S. for a minimum of eleven more years?

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~ by daranee on December 30, 2007.