A reader writes:

You quote the Post as saying, ‘public defenders for the Nigerian Student.’ Why does this guy have public defenders? He has a $4 million flat in London. Let him sell that and pay for his own lawyers.

Very good point. Abdulmutallab is from an immensely wealthy Nigerian banking family. Why are the American taxpayers funding his defense? I believe even the Miranda warning says, “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.” Clearly, he can afford an attorney.