In the days when betraying one’s country was taken seriously, people died for doing what John Walker Lindh pleaded yesterday to having done. Now, however, it seems that betraying one’s country has become a bit more pedestrian of an offense. Yesterday, the American Taliban entered a plea of guilty after reaching an agreement under which the government is prepared to see him serve no more — and probably less — than 20 years in prison for taking up arms against his country. There are prisoners serving longer sentences in New York jails for possession of cocaine. Jonathan Pollard is serving a life sentence for pleading to a single count in connection with his spying for an American ally, namely Israel. The judge overruled prosecutors who were prepared to accept a shorter sentence. So it’s going to be interesting to see what the judge comes up in the way of an actual sentence for the testy Talib. The government’s acceptance of the plea will spare the country the spectacle of a trial, and the government has argued that Lindh’s cooperation is more valuable than his prolonged incarceration. The question remains, if we cannot effectively prosecute an enemy combatant — caught engaging in combat — whom can we prosecute in the War on Terrorism? United States Attorney Paul McNulty claimed the deal sends “a very strong message to anyone who would be at all tempted to turn their back on the United States and align themselves with the enemies of this country.” He’s right. The message is, they can get away with it.