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October 19, 2006
When Is It Treason?
Between Adam Gadahn, Jane Fonda and Lynne Stewart, I've been doing a lot of posts on the topic of treason lately. Lest some think that I use the term lightly, in fact my accusations have been quite specific.
In the instance of American convert to Islam and al-Qaeda propagandist Adam Gadahn, his was a clear cut case of treason if there ever was one. As the first such American charged since WWII, Gadahn was a more than appropriate candidate.
Of Lynne Stewart, the leftist lawyer with a prediliction for defending and aiding the machinations of Islamic terrorists, there too it is a fairly straightforward case. But the slap-on-the-wrist sentence Stewart received, not to mention her legions of leftist apologists, make the charge of treason one with which some will inevitably argue.
Then there was my suggestion that actress and liberal activist Jane Fonda be charged with treason for her role in making propaganda radio broadcasts for the Vietnamese Communists during the war. Very few dispute that her actions aided the enemy and contributed to harming American soldiers.
Still, it seems there are some for whom nothing would constitute treason. Instead, all such actions are ascribed to "dissent" or simply expressing "different viewpoints," no matter how outrageous. But at what point do "differing viewpoints" or being a mere "useful idiot" cross over into actively providing aid and comfort to the enemy? And if as a society we are too squeamish to ever apply the "T" word, has treason itself become meaningless?
Here's how I look at. If someone wants to flat out join the other side (of whatever war America is engaged in at the time), then they should come right out and do it. Renounce his or her citizenship, move to said third world paradise and join the military and/or government. (At least Adam Gadahn had the guts to do that much). Then pay the consequences accordingly.
But you can't have your cake and eat it too.
Then again, if Lynne Stewart and Jane Fonda are any indication, I guess you can.
Cross-posted at CinnamonStillwell.blogspot.com.
Cinnamon | 10/19/06 at 01:52 PM | Categories: WWIV
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Comments
What is the definition of treason? With what actions do you cross the line from constitutionally protected speech or action into the realm of the criminal? These can be difficult questions -- ones which deserve the attention of the best legal minds (which we are not). That being said, it seems clear to this non-legal mind that Gadahn has crossed the line from mere support for the enemy or opposition to U.S. policies to participation in fighting against the U.S. You (and your readers) must recognize the seriousness of that crime. By lumping Gadahn in with Fonda and Stewart, you trivialize a very serious offense. I know that is not your intention, but if you consider the gravity and malace of his actions (he participates in the planning of terrorist acts against the U.S. and in fighting the coalition forces in Afganistan) in contrast to the pointlessness of Fonda's Vietnam era propgaganda rantings and Stewart's messenger service for political rantings, you should very clearly see the contrast.
We should go after Gadahn with guns blazing, but with respect to Fonda, that's ancient history, and Stewart, why go after a mosquito with a bazooka?
Adam Holland | October 19, 2006 04:10 PM
Fonda made 19 propaganda broadcasts for Radio Hanoi, not simply "pointless...rantings." They can be read at vvlf.org. Much of the rhetoric consists of attemtps to demoralize U.S. soldiers and the public and seeing as we pulled out of that war (thereby "losing" it) for that very reason, such propaganda was hardly pointless. If an America today made propaganda videos for Al-Qaeda, would you not consider that treason? Indeed, that's exactly what Adam Gadahn did, among other things.
Lynne Stewart actively aided in furthering the machinations of a group whose leader was the engineer for the 1993 WTC bombing, which killed 6 and injured over a 1,000 Americans. Again, if that's not treason, then what is?
Capturing bonified terrorists is just as important as punishing those American traitors who, in whatever way, aid them. It's all part of the same struggle. Nothing trivial about it.
Cinnamon | October 20, 2006 01:58 PM
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