Usually, Cal Thomas conveys convincing thoughts to his readers. Unfortunately his ideas regarding justice are disappointing. “Was Moussaoui right with America lost’?” prompts these thoughts (May 11).

A wise jury in Alexandria, Va., voted against the death penalty for Moussaoui. It is highly questionable if executing him would be in the best interest of justice. We cannot allow ourselves to bring too quick an end to this tragedy, which should not have happened on 9/11.

Living out his life in solitary confinement seems more appropriate. Killing Moussaoui, which is what he wanted, could well have made a martyr of him.

In spite of his admissions and all circumstantial evidence, we cannot be certain of his involvement being more than as an accessory before the fact. Had he been thoroughly interrogated by law enforcement and intelligence agencies more closely cooperating with each other, 9/11 might not have happened.

Keeping Moussaoui alive, along with being a more convincing administering of justice, also should serve to remind us that when he was arrested America was not as vigilant as a free people are expected to be.

The Moussaoui jury well might have had a glimpse of some refreshing insights and America definitely did win in that courtroom. And, we will keep winning if we stay focused on a justice compellingly involving all of us to be constantly more vigilant, intolerant of apathy and ancient concepts which cease to make any sense.

Lawrence Merckens, Augusta