Nothing Manning released was “top secret”, and yet the government has leaked classified information to major news outlets. Why are they never prosecuted or even investigated?
Bradley Manning did complain and use other channels. He was ignored. WikiLeaks may have been his (or whoever leaked the informations) best option. Was he concerned about catching flack? If the chat logs released by Wired are real – then yes he was concerned, he just felt there was no other way – he wanted people to see what was going on. Again, this is as pure a case of whistle-blowing (which yes, by definition involves breaking certain rules to expose far worse crimes).
You admit the video should have been released, so why is no one being charged for trying to keep it secret? you shouldn’t be able to classify a document to cover-up war crimes.
Beyond that, the Collateral Murder video was only one important piece of information leaked. I suggest you read the post “What WikiLeaks” revealed” to learn more about the actual leaks.
This is a clearcut case of whistle-blowing, and should be treated accordingly. When Bradley Manning was deemed guilty by Obama, it was certainly “undue command influence”, and its effect is demonstrated in arguments like yours. You have judged Bradley Manning guilty without ever going to trial. When Obama made that statement, it made it impossible for most military persons to think otherwise. Too many members of the military have forgotten that people are innocent until proven guilty – even under the uniform code of military justice.
The people responsible for treating Bradley Manning so brutally should also be charged. As PJ Crowley stated, Bradley’s treatment has been “ridiculous, counterproductive and stupid”. (http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2011/03/pj_crowley). Given this treatment, a fair trial is impossible, and Bradley Manning should be released.
He is a hero, and no threat.
]]>“You have read that it was spoken…
‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ I now say to
you, Do not use force to overcome evil. Instead,
whenever you are slapped on the right cheek,
turn to them the other.”