Letter: For now, public deciding what is treason

Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. (We will use your first and last name from your profile.)
Trusted Commenting: Facebook connected users automatically become trusted commenters.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.

What is treason? Simply, it means "the betrayal of a trust." In the past several years our country has become divided over issues and subjects of treason. Those who support this administration would be quick to judge any of the critics as betrayers of a trust in government.

In a time when the media supplies us with up-to-date coverage on most issues, Americans can examine what is presented to them and then exercise their right to free speech and agree or disagree with decisions made in Washington. Is that treason? I think not.

This same media coverage has brought to our attention decisions made that revealed the anonymity of a CIA operative. Is this treason? When the nation is given false statements as justification to attack another country, is this treason? I believe that the answer is for the courts to look at the whole picture and if wrongdoing has occurred, harsh judgments should follow.

So, the answer to "what is treason?" seems to be more about who has or has not acted illegally and made our nation a weaker democracy. Until the courts step up and step in, the answer will just be kicked around by people like you and me.

Ken Anderson, Las Vegas