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Editor: 

In the article about the family of the slain CIA officer, the officer’s family was quoted as saying that John Walker Lindh is a traitor.  

I am sorry that anyone had to die and I may be churlish but I don't really feel much anger, hatred or fear about Lindh.  

The ground is not level but I feel considerable fear from the Office of John Ashcroft and the CIA. The CIA has certainly acted as a terrorist group many times since it was established. One should not be surprised that its members get killed now and then.  

In fact it could be said that some of its deeds inspired Osama bin Laden to act and young Lindh to follow a different drummer.  

Perhaps Lindh could be assigned to 10 years of community service ... cleaning public toilets, etc. 

Arthur B. Waugh 

Berkeley