Walker must not be let off the hook

By Paul M. Weyrich
web posted December 24, 2001

The radio talk shows are buzzing about what to do with John
Walker. Walker is the Californian who went to study the Koran
and who, in the process became a devout follower of the
Taliban. He trained with them. He fought with them. Indeed, it
may even be that he used his AK-47 against American officials.
The first American casualty of the war in Afghanistan, Mike
Spann, had interviewed Walker just before a prison riot broke
out. What part Walker played in the uprising isn't clear.

In any case the question is whether or not John Walker is a
traitor to his country. I think he clearly is. True the Taliban was
not a nation as such and so the case of his treason is definitely
harder to make. In that case, Walker just might be subject to
one of President George W. Bush's military tribunals.

I am far from a legal expert so I have no idea exactly how
Walker should be tried. What I do know is that he was a rational
human being. He was old enough to make a choice. Thousands
of young people made a different decision. They elected to join
the United States military and to fight for their country. Walker
elected to defend the events of September 11th.

Frankly, it was upsetting to hear President Bush speak of John
Walker as if were just some poor confused fellow who didn't
understand what he was doing.

Not quite. Walker refused to answer questions from American
officials but when it came to the American news media Walker
was more than willing to open up. And what he said was pure
propaganda for our enemies. So however Walker is brought to
justice, the point is he must face the consequences of his actions.

It would have been one thing had Walker begged for
understanding and forgiveness when he was first apprehended.
There was none of that. So fine, let the chips fall where they
may. Walker cannot be let off the hook. He cannot be regarded
as simply misguided. His parents have hired a high-priced lawyer
to defend their son.

Fine. That is to be expected. Any parent would do the same
thing. But Walker is not due mercy. It would be a terrible insult
to the men and women of our armed forces if Walker were to
somehow be let off.

I don't much care if he is tried as a traitor. I don't care if he is
subject to the military tribunal. I don't really care if he is left in the
hands of the Northern Alliance. The suicide rate among those
being held by the Northern Alliance is extremely high.
Apparently dying is preferable to being alive when the Northern
Alliance is in charge. One way or another though he has to be
brought to justice.

If somehow Walker is accorded a false sympathy, it will have
terrible consequences on our young people in uniform for years
to come. Why the President isn't as outraged as much of the rest
of the country is over Walker is a mystery. Perhaps his
demanding schedule just hasn't accorded Bush the time to think
through what the ramifications will be of having Walker go free. I
hope he does so soon because the Justice Department will be
determining what to do about Walker in short order.

Paul Weyrich is president of the Free Congress Foundation.

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