Johnny Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban” who was captured by U.S. forces and was at the prison uprising that resulted in the first U.S. combat casualty after September 11, 2001, is back in the news. His parents are petitioning President Bush to issue a pardon after Johnny has served nearly seven years in prison.
“Our son never fought against American forces; he did not participate in terrorist activities of any kind,” she [Marilyn Walker] said, noting he has admitted that joining the Taliban’s army was a mistake. “This is the Christmas season, and it is a time of mercy. … Please, Mr. President, show mercy for our son and for our family.”
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