It’s the long goodbye for Richard Reid: Shoe Bomber Sentenced to Life in Prison.

But in a memo to the court before his sentencing, Reid’s lawyers say he did not try to blow up the plane with 197 passengers aboard to wage war against America. They say he “took no pleasure” in it, but did it to defend Islam, which he believes has been under attack by the United States. “He well knew that he would cause untold pain and grief even if only a few people were killed, but he says that this was outweighed in his mind by his firm belief … that this country in recent years has caused the deaths of millions of Muslims,” his lawyers wrote.

“Islam” means ‘submission’ and Mr. Reid thinks of himself as being — or, rather as trying to be — a protector of his religion.”

Nothing personal, eh, Richie? At least he seems to have no confusion about the meaning of Islam.

Reid’s lawyers say Reid credits his religion with saving him from a life of despair…

…and leading him to a life of mass murder.