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Bradley Manning Deserves a Medal
The prosecution of the whistleblower and alleged WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning is an exercise in intimidation, not justice
After 17 months of pre-trial imprisonment, Bradley Manning, the 23-year-old US army private and accused WikiLeaks source, is finally going to see the inside of a courtroom. This Friday, on an army base in Maryland, the preliminary stage of his military trial will start.
He is accused of leaking to the whistleblowing site hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables, war reports, and the now infamous 2007 video showing a US Apache helicopter in Baghdad gunning down civilians and a Reuters journalist. Though it is Manning who is nominally on trial, these proceedings reveal the US government's fixation with extreme secrecy, covering up its own crimes, and intimidating future whistleblowers.
photo: mar is sea Y
Since his arrest last May in Iraq, Manning has been treated as one of America's most dastardly traitors. He faces more than 30 charges, including one – "aiding the enemy" – that carries the death penalty (prosecutors will recommend life in prison, but military judges retain discretion to sentence him to die).
The sadistic conditions to which he was subjected for 10 months – intense solitary confinement, at one point having his clothing seized and being forced to stand nude for inspection – became an international scandal for a US president who flamboyantly vowed to end detainee abuse. Amnesty International condemned these conditions as "inhumane"; PJ Crowley, a US state department spokesman, was forced to resign after denouncing Manning's treatment. Such conduct has been repeatedly cited by the US as human rights violations when engaged in by other countries.
The UN's special rapporteur on torture has complained that his investigation is being obstructed by the refusal of Obama officials to permit unmonitored visits with Manning. (Even the Bush administration granted access to the International Red Cross at Guantánamo.) Such treatment is all the more remarkable in light of what Manning actually did, and did not do, if the charges are true. For these leaks have achieved enormous good and little harm.
From the start, US claims about the damage done have been wildly exaggerated, even outright false. After the release of the Afghanistan war logs, officials accused WikiLeaks of having "blood on their hands", only to admit weeks later that they were unaware of a single case of anyone being harmed. That remains true today.
Even Robert Gates, the Pentagon chief, mocked alarmism over the diplomatic cables leak as "significantly overwrought", dismissing its impact as "fairly modest". Manning's lawyer is seeking internal government documents that, he insists, concluded there was no meaningful harm to US diplomatic relations from the release of any documents. None of the leaked documents were classified at the highest level of secrecy – top secret – but rather bore only low-level classification.
By contrast, the leaks Manning allegedly engineered have generated enormous benefits: precisely the benefits Manning, if the allegations against him are true, sought to achieve. According to chat logs purportedly between Manning and the informant who turned him in, the private decided to leak these documents after he became disillusioned with the Iraq war. He described how reading classified documents made him, for the first time, aware of the breadth of the corruption and violence committed by his country and allies.
He explained that he wanted the world to know what he had learned: "I want people to see the truth … regardless of who they are … because without information, you cannot make informed decisions as a public." When asked by the informant why he did not sell the documents to a foreign government for profit, Manning replied that he wanted the information to be publicly known in order to trigger "worldwide discussion, debates, and reforms".
There can be no doubt that these vital goals have been achieved. When WikiLeaks was awarded Australia's most prestigious journalism award last month, the awarding foundation described how these disclosures created "more scoops in a year than most journalists could imagine in a lifetime".
By exposing some of the worst atrocities committed by US forces in Iraq, the documents prevented the Iraqi government from agreeing to ongoing legal immunity for US forces, and thus helped bring about the end of the war. Even Bill Keller, the former New York Times executive editor and a harsh WikiLeaks critic, credits the release of the cables with shedding light on the corruption of Tunisia's ruling family and thus helping spark the Arab spring.
In sum, the documentsManning is alleged to have released revealed overwhelming deceit, corruption and illegality by the world's most powerful political actors. And this is why he has been so harshly treated and punished.
Despite pledging to usher in "the most transparent administration in history", President Obama has been obsessed with prosecuting whistleblowers; his justice department has prosecuted more of them for "espionage" than all prior administrations combined.
The oppressive treatment of Manning is designed to create a climate of fear, to send a signal to those who in the future discover serious wrongdoing committed in secret by the US: if you're thinking about exposing what you've learned, look at what we did to Manning and think twice. The real crimes exposed by this episode are those committed by the prosecuting parties, not the accused. For what he is alleged to have given the world, Manning deserves gratitude and a medal, not a life in prison.
46 Comments so far
Show AllHe won't get the Nobel Peace Prize if the Bank of Sweden gives it
The Nobel Prize is given by Norway. But still Bradley Manning won't get it. Norway now likes war, likes attacking other nations, especially small nations that cannot fight back (Serbia, Afghanistan, Libya). And Sweden? So strange. For 50 years or more, Sweden was a major opponent of US military imperialism, was a sanctuary for US deserters fleeing the Korean and Vietnam wars. Now, Sweden is totally in the US military camp. Sweden now likes war, likes attacking other nations. Strange. Sweden decides to become another vassal of the US empire just when the empire is in decline. There is a saying that rats are the first to jump off a sinking ship. Swedish rats, it seems, jump on to the sinking ship.
The current President of Sweden is a friend of Karl Rove's. Rove even helped during his last campaign. Rove alleged to be involved in the persecution of WikiLeaks founder in order 'to preserve the Bush legacy". (As if Obama wasn't doing a good enough job of polish that t--d).
It takes a lot of clout to pervert the justice system of another nation.
I'm picturing in my mind ol "Slick Oily" in prison stripes! (And Bradley Manning standing guard outside of his cell) Maybe the International Criminal Court will give us a deal, Shrub and Oblahblah in the same cell, water boarded together and kept awake at night with bright lights and really loud Pat Boone records! Now thats torture! Oh, I mean enhanced interrogation technics!
Zl: Thanks for the Pat Boone comment... made me laugh, although this subject is DEADLY serious.
Where is OCCUPY when you need them? I don't see enough FREE BRADELY MANNING signs.
The Occupy movement in my (small) city is having a Candlelight Vigil for Manning tomorrow evening.
___________________________________________________
More info about events: http://www.bradleymanning.org/
Kitaj...Thanks. That is great news. Where I live OCCUPY WALL STREET refused any action that might 'offend' someone...such as anti-war or support of Manning.
Now local OCCUPY has been taken over by the business community. They are advertising "OCCUPY the stores and go shopping". Sad, but predictable here.
rwaller... I get your point, but some of the most dedicated anti-war dissidents I know are former members of the military...including me. Also Elliott Adams, president of VFP and recently arrested with the Hancock 38 for protesting at the NY drone base. Elliott has also gone on a hunger fast there. Some of us will live out our lives trying to make amends for having been in the military.
Well said, gracias; keeping in mind that all are climbing the same mountain, but many are not aware, yet, of he mountain, or even the need to make effort and climb.
Thanks for sharing the militarist point of view, and demonstrating its mean narrow mindedness.
Jail the torturers!
Obama & Bush are war criminals.
I am hoping to see a rash of kids named Bradley in the near future. If I was of a childrearing age I'd do it.
"He explained that he wanted the world to know what he had learned: "I want people to see the truth … regardless of who they are … because without information, you cannot make informed decisions as a public." When asked by the informant why he did not sell the documents to a foreign government for profit, Manning replied that he wanted the information to be publicly known in order to trigger "worldwide discussion, debates, and reforms"."
I am guessing Brad doesn't want a medal. He's accomplished what he set out to. I just wish we could ensure that he's being treated humanely. But in today's world that's the last thing any of us can be assured of. Poor kids are getting abused in charity sports programs, citizens are being pepper sprayed for non-violent protests, banks foreclose on homes they can't even prove they own, priests prey on congregants, congressmen get shot while speaking in public, brown skinned people are ask to show residency documents if they run a stop sign, the press is arrested for covering protests.....
A medal wouldn't be of much use if they don't let you wear clothes.
I don't suppose there is a legal fund to which the citizens of the United States of Duplicity can contribute to help Bradley Manning? Or is he assigned a military lawyer?
I'd like to take the small amount of money I have set aside, originally intended for a worthy presidential candidate, and instead donate it to Bradley Manning's defense. In my case, that presidential candidate "would" have been Obama had he turned out to be the leader on which he so enthusiastically campaigned. Sadly, we all know how that story is ending. The last three years have proven who the real traitor is in this story about loyalty and patriotism.
Bradley Manning is a hero. How can we help him?
You can donate to his defense fund, this organization has hired a private lawyer who specializes in military cases.
http://www.bradleymanning.org/
Thanks very much for the link! Peace neighborhoodmole!
ET
Bradley Manning is getting my vote for president.
Yes...it wouldn't be the first time someone in prison got a lot votes for prez.
Back when there were more hungry people and less televisions.
He is a hero. As much as anyone else who has died or sacrificed for what they believe. So much of what has been delivered was already known. The jaded liberals profess, "We already knew." Which, if true is a form of complicity. Apparently it is more important that those most afflicted know. They actually have the guts to act.
Hell Yeah Glenn!
The Mettle Bradley Manning is made of is an element that is far stronger than any known and is worth far more than any Medal that that can hung on a ribbon.
His true mettle only gets stronger with our support!!
Bradley Manning is a World Hero!
My prayers are with you Bradley!
Mr. Manning proves George Orwell's statement that in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a crime. He has been incarcerated for nothing else than telling the truth.
The message is: Anyone else out there that wants to tell the truth and has access to information that could embarrass the U.S. Governments corrupt and nefarious policies will be considered a criminal for telling the truth!
Acuerdo, the war criminals in warsington have set a high bar for hypocrisy, yet, they keep raising it !
Exactly, Paul... and he's not the only one. I can't recall the name of the fellow at the CIA who tried to blow the whistle about the illegal wiretaps... it cost him a bundle in legal fees to defend himself. And while a few on CD chastise people with Progressive Bona Fides who do have platforms, yet refrain from speaking up about 911... one can understand why. The "with us or against us" mentality greases the way to subjecting those who oppose egregious (and equally lawless) official state policy with "materal support for terrorism." I mean if the prism is a narrow either-or equation, the metrics are in place to punish any who don't go along with their now utterly corrupt government's policies.
And there are STILL some people in uniform who insist they're killing "over there" to protect our liberties here. Shades of Orwell to the 10th power!
Soooo true, Sioux Rose. Perspicacious post.
" And while a few on CD chastise people with Progressive Bona Fides who have platforms, yet refrain from speaking up about 911 ( Mea Culpa ) one can understand why ". Probably true about Amy Goodman among others. They no doubt have been told not to go there!
Bradley Manning should be praised as a true American hero. I would rank him right up there with Nelson Mandela and Gandi. Perhaps if Rocky Anderson becomes president, Manning will get a full pardon and the compensation he richly deserves. Manning has exposed the corruption of the military, the magnetism it provides for psychopaths and given us excellent reasons to begin dismantling the military before this cabal of corporate lackies cement the world into a state of perpetual war.
" in fact he is a criminal "
Bullshit. He hasn't been convicted of anything, but then you are a little fascist who believes in "guilty until proven innocent."
Very little evidence has even been released regarding Manning's alleged crimes, but of course a fascist pig lke yourself doesn't need evidence and trials. You already know whose guilty deep down in your little authoritarian heart, and you don't care about the fact that Manning has been tortured and held without trial.
Free Bradley manning.
Inadvertent duplication deleted.
How about we give him the Medal of Honor "for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty"?
If Bradley Manning ever makes it to the other side of the iron curtain, then everyone should care for him for the rest of his life, provide for his every need, honor his sacrifice by naming libraries, streets and new towns.
Today, he is one of the most downtrodden,
the very symbol of oppression's horror.
We must try to lift the very lowest.
"Bradley Manning Deserves a Medal"
Trial didn't even start yet and Mr.Greenwald already proclaims him guilty?
Only something that lives under a rock would seek to impugn Mr. Greenwald's motives, words, or reputation. You sure ARE a chameleon... Greenwald is a HERO FOR JUSTICE!
Well, Mr.Greenwald wants to award Pte. Manning a medal because he leaked US classified info to a foreign national. Even tho most people think that actually happened, it has not yet been proven in a military or civilian court of law.
If you'd bother to read the article with a modicum of discernment you'd see GG is very careful to never accuse BM of anything. "...accused WikiLeaks source,"...what Manning actually did, and did not do, if the charges are true", "...if the allegations against him are true","...is alleged to have released" Sheesh, doesn't anyone read (or think) with any precision?
Not exactly, though you knew that. All in the spin, I guess.
This one scans beautifully both ways. If the allegations are substantiated, Greenwald wants to give Manning a medal because he allowed the US public to see what was being done in their name and with their dollars. And because, to borrow a phrase, "… without information, you cannot make informed decisions as a public."
If the allegations are shown to be false, the way Manning has been treated by his own government would warrant restitution - for example by a medal awarded by the people out of sorrow and shame at the actions of their 'elected' 'representatives'.
[His treatment would be no less sad and shameful if the allegations were proven]
Either way, I'm with Glenn on this one.
I agree with Glenn Greenwald 100%, but I just wonder what precisely Bradley Manning's advocates realistically hope to achieve. A medal? Not going to happen... A reprieve? Not going to happen... An acquittal? Not going to happen...
As Greenwald himself states, "the documents Manning is alleged to have released revealed overwhelming deceit, corruption and illegality by the world's most powerful political actors. And this is why he has been so harshly treated and punished."
Exactly. Manning has (allegedly) exposed rampant criminality and deceit by the powers that be -- and that's all that really needs to be said. The same powers that have been exposed are not going to just allow this go unpunished. They have made an example of him, they are continuing to make an example of him, and they will proceed to make an example of him. Asking them to stop doing this to Bradley Manning is like asking them to stop committing war crimes around the world or to stop being corrupt power-hungry amoral fascist pigs.
As Glenn Greenwald says, "The oppressive treatment of Manning is designed to create a climate of fear, to send a signal to those who in the future discover serious wrongdoing committed in secret by the US: if you're thinking about exposing what you've learned, look at what we did to Manning and think twice."
Again, this is exactly right. So, my question is, what is the point of trying to shame these people? They know what they are doing, and by pointing it out, as Greenwald does so eloquently here, all that is accomplished is to articulate the corruption and injustice of this whole process. It will do nothing to free Bradley Manning, and if anything will simply compel these fascist pigs to double down.
Perhaps the only solution is revolution.
A little irony: The award mentioned by Greenwald given to Wikileaks is sponsored by Sky News a stablemate of the Fox News Channel.
In a sane or just world (can't a guy daydream?), Manning and Julian Assange would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Or better yet, a peace prize not contaminated by previous winners, such and Henry the K or Barack the O. We need a new peace prize, one that abjures and rebukes the insult the Nobel Prize has become.
"reading classified documents made him, for the first time, aware of the breadth of the corruption and violence committed by his country and allies.
He explained that he wanted the world to know what he had learned: "I want people to see the truth … regardless of who they are … because without information, you cannot make informed decisions as a public."
The Bi-partisan National Security Consensus can't stand the light of day as the people of the world realize that they're caught in neo-imperialistic slave pens and their money, homes, health and children are all harvest for the corporate militarist combine.
It's really that bad on our capitalist dreamworld planet.
welKKKome to the RIGHT WING NEO FASISCT POLICE STATE run by AMERIKKKA
My patience is running thin - waiting for Marine Commander Brig. Gen. Frank L. Kelley to announce the new corps chest decoration: The Manning Penis ribbon. It can only be worn by Marines who can prove they have seen Bradley's penis in performance of service to their country.
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
And watch Bradley take a pee.
Trylon
Although it isn't his birthday yet where he is, it is December 17 where I am. Happy Birthday, Bradley! Can this hero really only be turning 24 years old? Whether guilty or not, he has suffered too much and retained his humanity while those who have confined and tormented him have surely lost theirs.
Let's not forget the true nature of civil disobedience. It is not the expectation of a medal, but a willingness to be punished for breaking an unjust law. Here's what Thoreau said:
"If even only one honest man would stand on principle and be willing to go to jail for his action, we could abolish slavery in America. For it does not matter how small the beginning of resistance is. If it is done well once, it is done for all time. Of course, we would rather talk about reform than carry out reform...."
"Actually, a prison is the only place today where an honorable man in a slave state can live with honor. His disobedience—his refusal to go along with the state—will speak eloquently and loudly for reform. As for servants of the state—tax gatherers and other officers—they should resign their offices. If citizens are willing to go to jail and if civil servants quit their jobs, then the revolution has taken place. Reform will come."
Manning did break the law. He did expose horrendous cover-ups. He also did so somewhat irresponsibly and may be responsible for unnecessary deaths. So he is, at best, a seriously flawed hero. His torture and extended detention are are detestable. Even if he had been a saint, however, he should be willing to be punished. That's what Martin Luther King said. That's what Gandhi said.