Let's not get too giddy about this. The guy he supposedly helped is still doing six years in prison based on Banister's principles.
What little I know about Thompson leads me to believe he's a ..well, I hate to disparage someone I've never met. Let's just say he's dabbled in many ill-advised schemes and tactics, none of which are part of Joe Banister's arguments. I've made it a point to follow what goes on, but I'm no expert by any stretch.
I just finished reading D. Cay Johnston's (NYT) spin. Boy, can he rewrite history.