I am writing in response to the article titled “Lindh is no longer American.”
I was appalled to read Jessica C. Millman’s article and see the prominence it was given. Bakersfield College is an institute of higher learning and, as such, should encourage critical thinking.
Instead, we are given the rhetoric of the radical right, thinly disguised as patriotism.
John Walker Lindh is charged but not yet convicted. Therefore, he is entitled to a trial by jury. The Associated Press is not the final arbiter of justice in this country.
If we deny one person’s civil liberties, simply because we find his alleged crimes distasteful, we set a dangerous precedent. What excuse will we find to deny another person’s rights?
I agree, the actions of the Taliban and al-Qaeda are reprehensible. But I can’t see how surrendering our most cherished values shows our moral superiority.
Robert Duffy
BC student