"What should be done with John Walker, the American captured in Afghanistan fighting with the Taliban?"

By David Shafer (compiler)

 
 


(A)
SCOTT BECKER, 39 Filmmaker South Portland

 


(B)
NATHAN MCNAIR, 33 Art student, designer Beaverton


(C)

BRUCE LEIN, 45 Union Pacific switchman Southwest Portland

 


(D)

LORIE COATS, 24 Field merchandiser Las Vegas (via Southeast Portland)

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWER #1: "I don't think that anything should be done with him. When he went over there, we weren't at war with the Taliban. So I suppose that whatever happens to the ordinary Afghan fighters should happen to him, but if that means letting them go, then let him go."

ANSWER #2: "No special treatment. Obviously, he's kind of numb to his freedoms. Sending him back here isn't a good idea, because our legal system would probably let him off."

ANSWER #3: "We should build a little monument for him here in Jamison Square. We'll put it up next to William Wegman's dog bowls. Actually, we'll just put him up in the park; that'll be his punishment--to be public art."

ANSWER #4: "He's entitled to his beliefs. But I think he should be treated just like the others. He joined up with known terrorists, so he should be treated like one."

 
 
 

ANSWERS: 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.