Spann Blames All Taliban Fighters, Tensions Mount with Lindh Family

CNN.com ^ | Aired February 14, 2002 - 05:17 ET | CNN.com

[grimalkin]

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Attorneys for the government and John Walker Lindh, the American who sided with Afghanistan's Taliban, returned to court Friday. They'll try to set a date for his trial on terrorism and conspiracy charges. During a hearing yesterday, the 21- year-old American pleaded not guilty. But an incident outside the courthouse is reflecting the tensions in these proceedings.

[Lucky2]

This just shows how out of touch Rat Boy's parents are. What gall to actually go up to a hero's father and try to make his scummy son innocent. These people are as much traitors to their country as their little rat son.

[bloodmeridian]

The only pain I feel in this one is that of the Spann's. Mr. Walker is trying only to safe face. Him I can only pity.

[End Times Sentinel]

"I'm sorry about your son. My son had nothing to do with it. I'm sure you understand."

The reason Shannon Spann came to court, she told CNN, Mike's life was about taking responsibility, explaining it will be interesting to see if Walker Lindh takes responsibility for what he has done.

Two very different families, two very different results.

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

[PBRSTREETGANG]

GAIL SPANN, MIKE SPANN'S MOTHER: Mike was a hero not because of the way he died, but because of the way he lived. And I would also like to say that John Walker is a traitor.

Mike Spann's mother says it all here in two sentences. Worth repeating.

[Osinski]

I understand Spann leaves behind grieving parents as well his wife who recently lost a battle with cancer, leaving their child an orphan.

Flashing your accused son "a bright smile" under these circumstances is indicative of a father who has no idea what this situation is about.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Mr. Spann showed more restraint than I would have. The sherrifs would have been peeling me off of him as I beat him into the pavement. What utter gall on Lindh's part!

[OzarkRepub]

Johnny Spann's got more self control than I would. Lindh would have been spitting out teeth if he tried confronting me like that.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Something has been nagging at me for a while:

How do we know that it wasn't Mike Spann's bullet in ratboy's leg?

[Kaslin]

I understand Spann leaves behind grieving parents as well his wife who recently lost a battle with cancer, leaving their child an orphan.

When did Mike Spann's Wife die? Wasn't she at the hearings yesterday?

[Fighter@heart]

I.m with ya brother 100%!!! I would be showing his teeth "close order military drills", thats marching out his ass single file!!

[PointRight]

I'm with you, brother. Line little Johnny up at 50 yards and I'd be more than happy to make the shot, free of charge.

[all4one]

His first wife did pass away from cancer. They had one child together. His second wife was at the hearings yesterday. Together they had a newborn.

They also said that she is a current employee of the CIA. She said that she would like to see Lindh get the death penalty. Spann's family was so well spoken and patriotic.

[Fighter@heart]

I'm giving him credit for being a better shot!! Spann should have "capped him" when he had the chance and mayhaps the final outcome for him would have been differant. Brings to mind the old saying "kill 'em all & let GOD sort them out!"

[twyn1]

His first wife did pass away from cancer. They had one child together

Actually they had two children together (both girls)-- his parents are raising them now :(

[sneakypete]

When did Mike Spann's Wife die?

Just a few days ago,I think.

Wasn't she at the hearings yesterday?

The one at the hearing yesterday that looked like a improved version of Jody Foster was his second wife,and the mother of one of his children. I THINK she now has custody of them all. At any rate,she told reporters yesteday that she would make sure ALL his children knew what kind of man their father had been,when asked what she would tell his son.

[Rain-maker]

---

Spann, a CIA paramilitary officer who was shot and killed in Afghanistan by rioting prisoners, was the first American
combat death in the war on terrorism...
<-Shannon Spann, the widow of CIA officer Johnny "Mike" Spann, the first American known to die in combat in Afghanistan, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001. Mrs. Spann is carrying her infant son Jake and was returning from viewing her late husband's casket...

---

[Court]

Reguarding the "how do we know that was not Spann's bullet in ratboy's leg" According to U.S. News and Meet the Press this is Tim Russert's description of what happened asking Dick Cheney on Dec 9th. It reads "In the back courtyard, some where being interrogated by two American CIA agents. One to fhte Americans, known as Mike, asked a captive why he came to Afghanistan. The answer was short and direct:`We are here to kill you!' With that, the prisoner leapt at his questioner, Mike Spann and beat, kicked and bit him todeath. That sparked an all-out revolt. For three days , some 500 imprisoned Talibs." including Walker, "bent on fighting to the death, barricaded themselves inside the 19th centry fortress and battled it out." In my opinion if that is an accurate account of what happened and Mike Spanns bullet is in ratboys leg, it is self-defense!!!!!!!!! Reguarding Mrs. Spann, The first Mrs. Spann recently died after a battle with cancer. Leaving their child reportily with Shannon Spann (widow) and their young son, less than a year old I believe.