Writer should have done better research

In response to Floyd Williams' Dec. 9 letter, “Fill jury with leaders for terrorism trial,” I am shocked that this would make it past the editorial board.

In one paragraph, Mr. Williams states: “Will Islamic terrorists throughout the world target these jurists with ‘threats' against the jurists and family members?”, and then later goes on to recommend 13 elected officials, including the president, vice president and secretary of state, with the end result being (according to Mr. Williams) threats and/or worse.

This is hateful rhetoric is dangerous to everyone, and the suggestion that a private citizen is in effect wishing ill will upon our elected officials says more about Mr. Williams than it does about our criminal justice system.

Of course, had Mr. Williams done even the tiniest bit of research, he would have learned that civilian courts have tried more than 280 terrorism suspects, while military courts a mere three. Combined with this is a higher rate of conviction, but more importantly the belief in the U.S. criminal justice system and our (the people's) desire to show the rest of the world we trust our system.

Jason Witt

Iowa City