A TRAITOR IS A TRAITOR (Another view of the Jonathan Pollard case)

NY Post ^ | 09/04/03 | Ralph Peters

[bedolido]

September 3, 2003 -- JONATHAN Pollard, convicted spy, would like to be set free. His advocates in the United States also want Pollard to go free. And his one-time paymasters in Israel badly want him to go free. Pollard was in court yesterday asking for a reduction in his sentence. But he should have been executed for his crimes. His life sentence was a mercy he didn't deserve. Releasing him from prison while he's still breathing would be terrible for America - and even worse for Israel.

[af_vet_1981]

Spying is spying. Treason is treason.

The author is mistaken. I hope he rendered more reliable analysis during his career.

[bandleader]

If Mr. Pollard is an American Citizen and he was engaged in espionage against The United States of America,he has committed TREASON(not to mention ESPIONAGE)!!!

[af_vet_1981]

The Constitution of the United States, Art. III, defines treason against the United States to consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid or comfort. This offence is punished with death. By the same article of the Constitution, no person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.

[JohnGalt]

Doesn't the neoconservative John Pohderetz (and James Woosley amongst others) refer to the Cold War as World War III?

Since it is no longer a tradition in this country for Congress to declare war, doesn't that suffice to say that in real politic terms, the country was at war and Pollard committed treason?

[af_vet_1981]

If so he would have been charged and convicted of treason, no ?

Most of the article was on target though. He tends to neglect that the fact that espionage is a game played by all the major states. He is arguing for Americans to be loyal (and I agree) while glossing over the fact we want other state's citizens to be disloyal. When those state's are allies or at least not enemies the waters tend to become a bit murky. We have also been known to trade spies from time to time.

[JohnGalt]

That's a fair point, but my point was only that while he technically (from a legal stand-point) did not commit treason, or at least was not convicted of it, it does not mean that it would be unreasonable to say he committed treason--much as the Rosenbergs did in the 50s.

[af_vet_1981]

No, the Rosenbergs passed nuclear secrets to our enemies (the Communists). Pollard passed (very important) secrets to our allies. There is a difference, albeit he is as guilty as say, Paul Hill was guilty of murder. No question.

[Catspaw]

But he should have been executed for his crimes.

Interesting premise, but most spies are given life sentences, primarily because going on trial puts the government in a corundum: the majority of evidence is classified. Once it's introduced as evidence, it becomes public record.

That's why Hanssen and others are given lenghty sentences, or life without parole.

[bandleader]

I will defer(Happily)to The Constitution of The United States of America!

[JohnGalt]

It could be considered treason perhaps under traditional felony-murder cases, no?

Eric Margolis 1/141999

"According to CIA sources, Pollard provided Israeli intelligence with names of important American agents inside the former

Soviet Union and Russia who had supplied information on East Bloc weapons and war plans. How the agents' names were linked to the secrets they supplied - a major breach of basic intelligence security - remains a mystery.

Some of the enormously sensitive secrets stolen by Pollard may have been either sold, or bartered, by Israel to the Soviet Union.

A number of key CIA agents in the East Bloc were allegedly executed as a result of Pollard's spying. The KGB likely gained access to top-secret U.S. codes - either directly from Israel, or through spies in Israel's government. In short, Pollard's treachery caused one of the worst security disasters in modern U.S. history. "

[Honestfreedom]

At the same time we arrested Pollard America had recruited Israelis to spy on Israel. That is the way the game is played. It seems that enemy nations trade each others' spies. Two friendly nations should be able to work this out. The Americans asked Israel to release Palestinians held for real and immediate threats to Israelis as a goodwill gesture. Could we not release Pollard as part of that? He has served 18 very rough years. Nobody will say he got off easy.

[bedolido]

Could we not release Pollard as part of that? He has served 18 very rough years. Nobody will say he got off easy.

That is my personal feelings. But I understand too a message must be sent. Be nice if a spy-swap could be arranged (even made up)

[dfrussell]

Pollard should be happy he wasn't executed.

[antisocial]

John, you've got it right, but the author stresses his patriotism to the US. Mine is to Texas first, the South second, and to the USA third.
regards.

[StolarStorm]

"At the same time we arrested Pollard America had recruited Israelis to spy on Israel."

Prove it.

[JohnGalt]

Excellent addition and reminder to not allow artificial parameters go unremakred upon.

And for another note, allegiance to the DC tax regime is not the same as allegiance to these here United States.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Spying is spying. Treason is treason. Such acts must be punished and deterred, without exception.

I interpreted this to say, "Spying is spying. just as Treason is treason. Such acts must be punished and deterred, without exception. rather than saying Pollard was guilty of treason.

[SauronOfMordor]

No, the Rosenbergs passed nuclear secrets to our enemies (the Communists). Pollard passed (very important) secrets to our allies.

At the time the Rosenbergs STARTED their espionage, during WW2, the USSR was the official ally of the United States. As a matter of fact, the USSR had a better claim to the status of ally than Israel, in that they were actively fighting against an enemy (Germany) that the US was at war with.

It didn't matter. The Rosenbergs were convicted of espionage (not treason) and executed (as Pollard should have been).

[af_vet_1981]

It didn't matter. The Rosenbergs were convicted of espionage (not treason) and executed (as Pollard should have been).

Quite right, I stand corrected, espionage it was.

I'm a big proponent of the death penalty. Whatever penalty is decided by law, it should be applied evenly to all the convicts. Pollard was treated and sentenced quite differently than some other cases. They should be treated equally.