Princess, you can hardly compare a child pushing his sister down the stairs to this. A child is generally not aware of the consequences of their actions most of the time whereas John Downs knew what he was doing was wrong, and knew the consequences it carried if he was caught. Please dont tell me that he didnt know that being paid secretly to divulge information to Iran (very patriotic I may add) was illegal.

As for having compassion and understanding for him... where was his compassion and understanding to his family when he did this? If you commit a crime how can one expect not to be judged by the law, their peers and society?

I also do not understand how in one part of your posting you are calling for compassion and understanding and in the next stating you dont think the death penalty is too harsh?