Making
An Example
by Timothy Rollins
It may be only two weeks before Christmas, and in many respects I may be feeling
more compassionate, jolly and in the spirit of the season than I have in many
years, but I can assure you that this does not by any stretch of the imagination
apply to America’s newest poster child for treason, John Phillip Walker, also
known to some his newer “friends” as Abdul Hamid when he converted to Islam
at age 16.
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When
captured by American troops after the overrun of the prison where he was being
held, he was subsequently shown as being less than cooperative in a videotape
interrogation with CIA Agent Mike Spann (pictured, right) and his partner “Dave”.
Mike Spann was subsequently killed in the prison uprising and was laid to rest
with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday.
Sure enough, there will be excuses here and excuses there about this kid’s behavior. The fact of the matter is that I just don’t give a damn what he thinks his reasons were for going against his country. At age 20, Walker is an adult by the standards of any country in the world and as such is accountable for his actions. Inasmuch as he did not renounce his United States citizenship, he may very well be guilty of treason. Having been captured outside the United States, he should be tried by military tribunal for lending aid and comfort to the enemy as well as for treason. If Walker is found guilty, he should be summarily and expeditiously executed - end of discussion.
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Like
millions of others before me, millions more now and yet to come, and as one
who has worn the uniform himself, for Walker (shown, left) to get anything less
than an execution (if convicted) would be a slap in the face to all who have
served their country over the years at the risk of life and limb. This is ten
times doubly so for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in order that the
John Walkers could in effect spit on their graves as blatantly as this young
man appears to have.
I have sons myself and as such, I can understand whatever anguish John Walker’s parents may be going through. However, the fact remains that the man is an adult and remains accountable for his actions and must face the music for anything and everything he has done. What’s more, if he is indeed convicted, his immediate execution away from U.S. soil is essential in order to send a message to any other potential traitors to seriously reconsider plying their two-timing ways. If it were one of my sons up on charges, I would continue loving my son, yet I would nonetheless encourage him to face up to and accept responsibility for his actions.
It all goes back to what I learned at the NCO Academy, and that instruction was simple and to the point: Know yourself and seek responsibility for your actions.
Obviously a lesson that John Walker never learned somewhere along life’s way. ***
© 2001 Timothy Rollins
COPYRIGHT © 2001 BY THE AMERICAN PARTISAN. All writers retain rights to their work.