To the editor:

In his most recent column (Jan. 17), Mike Hoeflich opines that “certain folks” at the Pentagon need a “refresher course” in “American history.” This follows his allegations that Charles Stimson, deputy assistant for detainee affairs, is out of line questioning the patriotism of those lawyers who are defending the terrorists currently being held in Guantanamo Bay facilities.

President Bush has been remarkably restrained in his internal prosecution of the war on terror. He could have easily followed in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and suspended habeas corpus. Subsequently, he could have arrested thousands of suspects and placed them in detention facilities, denied them recourse to trial, deported those he felt dangerous and even executed those whom he deemed national security threats. Lincoln, who arrested the Maryland Legislature, threatened to arrest Chief Justice Taney and suspended major portions of the Constitution would have deemed these measures as first steps.

Bush, lacking the imagination of a Lincoln, chose to involve himself in a series of legalistic quagmires by listening to legal advice from those who really needed a lesson in American history. Lincoln exhibited contempt for those (the Chief Justice included) who sought to protect the so-called rights of the Southern rebels.

Finally, most decent citizens realize that no lawyer is under obligation to defend the Gitmo terrorists – this they do because they are on the side of those who would destroy us. Mr. Stimson is correct: They are not patriots; they owe their allegiance elsewhere.

Matthew M. O’Connell,

Lawrence