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| Lileks: Once upon a time... |
| 2009-03-12 |
| I know it’s old news, but it’s fascinating. Remember this guy? John Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban.” Caught in Afghanistan after the invasion while fighting on the side of the Taliban against the Northern Alliance; pled guilty to supplying aid to the enemy, and for possessing explosives during the commission of a felony.... Today I was looking at a WaPo transcript of a live chat with his attorney, C. Anthony West. (He’s identified as defense attorney and co-counsel.) As you might expect, he defends his client. That’s his job, even after the trial is over; can’t expect him to say “the boy got off easy, considering what an ass he was. Personally, I would have put him in the jug until the seventh seal broke, then made him do the rest of his time in Hell.” That’s not what attorneys do. You can judge a lawyer by the cases he takes, of course, and Mr. West has taken on some noble cases, fighting against child pornography. Just makes you wonder why he took this one. Aside from the fact that his firm had been retained and the publicity was bitchin,’ that is. But that’s speculation. It could have been he saw this as an opportunity to make sure our Shining Ideals were upheld even in our Darkest Hours. I’ll say this: if I ever defect to the other side and find myself captured with a bunch of guys who want to kill as many Americans and unbelievers as possible, this is the man I want staying my case in an online chat.... I mention this for one reason: Tony Ward is the President’s nominee to head the Justice Department’s Civil Division. If you want to know how far we are past 9/11, there’s your answer: John Walker Lindh’s defense attorney is going to work for Justice. I’m not saying he wouldn’t do a perfectly competent job. It just seems like one of those things that might have stuck out, once upon a time. |
| Posted by:Mike |
| #1 Mixed feelings about this one. First, Lindh was really the first US to be captured fighting for the other side. With that, he needed to have the very best defense possible. This removes any claims of an unfair trial. Using this guy to defend him was perfect. West is a boy scout, as much as any lawyer could be and not some sleazy left winger. I see this as more of a payback for getting greasy defending Lindh. |
| Posted by: 49 Pan 2009-03-12 11:48 |