The Significance of the ‘Support Bradley Manning’ Campaign
July 24, 2010
Editorial by Katharine Dawn
Background
Bradley Manning is the young man charged with leaking classified US military information – including the video of a US Army helicopter gunning down Iraqi civilians and Reuters journalists in Iraq in 2007 that was released to the world via the whistleblower website WikiLeaks as “Collateral Murder”. Bradley is now held in isolation from the outside world, in military detention in Kuwait. Bradley, who reportedly felt un-supported in life, faces – for his alleged actions – up to 52 years imprisonment.
Could the fate of one young man have any bearing upon the fate of the world?
Standing back from the tremendous onrush of these pivotal times, is it possible to realistically gauge the significance of the Support Bradley Manning campaign to the future outcome of the world? That is the objective of this article, exploring divergent scenarios ; I’ll let my esteemed readers and the course of history be the judge. So,
What if the world abandons Bradley Manning and the cause of open, informed public debate he stands for?
- After putting his life on the line to provide the public with information he felt they deserved, the fate of Bradley Manning – who is said to have felt unsupported in life anyway – would be left in the dirty hands of the US military prison system for a substantial portion of his life.
- The wave of public outrage following upon WikiLeaks’ release of “Collateral Murder” would subside… and US war crimes would continue unchecked, unabated and largely unknown.
- Even WikiLeaks may fade into the background noise of a world where secrecy, deception and corruption are rife and crimes against humanity, the earth and the future proceed in hellish haste.
But…
What if the world Supports Bradley Manning and the cause of open, informed public debate?
- Global civil society would defend the actions for which Bradley Manning is charged [ie, the leaking of classified documents]; uphold the public’s right to know and demand the release of Bradley Manning and the dismissal of all charges against him: Bradley Manning would walk forth as a free man.
- The “greatest leak in 40 years” [according to Daniel Ellsberg, the man who in 1971 leaked the “Pentagon Papers”, thereby fuelling public outrage over the Vietnam War] would not fade into nothingness as mute testimony to humanity’s apathy and disempowerment, but rather would open wide the floor of public debate and awareness regarding issues of war and peace.
- Bradley’s iconic example and growing public awareness of the professional and secure service of whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, would open the floodgate for a deluge of whistle-blowing – as individuals everywhere, motivated by the public’s right to know, leak secret documents and classified material exposing corruption, deception and crimes against humanity – and lead to public outcry for real change.
Clearly, I’m hoping and working for the latter future scenario. And you?
Noting how when there’s “one man in chains, none are free”, a friend comments: “Bradley represents the truth-sayer in us all – if we leave him there, we abandon our own inner calling for truth”.
***
Katharine Dawn may be contacted through www.ec2012.org , http://www.livingtogethernetwork.net. Her former article on this issue was “World History Before Our Eyes”.
Empires are the most disgusting thing in this world. An empire is the complete opposite of democracy, it’s a giant area hijacked by a couple of ruthless predators, who are ready to destroy anything/anyone they find in their way to make some undeserved profit. I really hope that our world soon gets rid of them all.
Have been looking at what is on the net about Manning and so much of it seems to lack direction and therefore seems to me to just be a lot of talk. What is needed is action and to me the final witness to that is “demonstration”. WHEN and WHERE?? Soon or don’t bother… Every where that interested individuals can get together and be seen giving their support.
During last big war.. and the last really effective action toward ending a war… (those of you who were active in the 1960′s and 1970′s know what I mean and others should learn) some truth came out. Those who thought that they were being “watched” were right, many of them were being watched and files on them existed at the FBI and/or CIA. Likely still do.
Actions were being taken, at that time, by forces which wished to fragment and defeat the good intentions of those involved.
Likely that is now happening and that means that some of the stuff that we see is just meant to serve that purpose and care must be taken… somehow.. to avoid that from happening.
FOR THE YOUNG AND IDEALISTIC: Listen to me. We suspected that was happening 50 years ago, and later, when the dust settled, we found that in some cases, we were correct… not paranoid.
Good luck to you!!! Hope you don’t get screwed again.
Force for Bradley.
He believes in a better world without secrets, really a good patriot.
The world is watching
this guy should be hung.
Yes, there will always be those who say “he should be hung”.
There will always be those who are ready to kill and to try to cover up what they have done and cause this world to become what they believe it to be….. a dog eat dog place with no golden rule to make a place for others in “their world”.
They do it in the name of: Defense.. Patriotism… Religion…
Watch out for them!!
Those of you who think he should be “hung” have created a world that you will have to live in…. I hope you will not make me live there with you… it is a bad, evil, filthy place, not fit for humans.
My very best wishes to you for “peace”… not just in the world, but also to you internally.
I cannot speak for anyone else, but I believe he deserves execution because that was and is the penalty for what he has done. He knew full well upon voluntary application to and admittance in the military that there were 2 wars in progress (I don’t know his entry date, but it appears to be approximately late 2007). Further, he agreed to not only abide by certain rules, but to be held accountable under a specific set of laws, penalties, etc. as well ceded certain “civilian” rights. While he was under oath to ignore unlawful orders, he was also under oath not to do what he did, and under penalty of death. And his is not a case of (only) reporting illegal activity. He copied, depending on whose numbers are accurate, at least 100,000 messages/documents/etc. That is not the act of a whistle-blower, that is the act of hacker. And his own comments support that view of his actions. He is nothing more than a criminal, and as such, he should be tried, and if convicted, punished under the system by which he voluntarily agreed to be tried and punished, likewise, under that same system. Since he has admitted, even bragged about, his actions, his guilt is unquestioned.
David Scott: We’ve heard your rhetoric before. We’ve heard it for the past decade, in fact. Your world and your views are coming to an end. The time is coming fast that you will have to look yourself in the mirror, and those of us out here who’ve been watching already know the sight you’re going to see.
LOL, another granola looser reliving the 60′s.
no, Howard you may an hero now.
David Scott: We’ve heard your rhetoric before. We’ve heard it for the past decade, in fact. Your world and your views are coming to an end. The time is coming fast that you will have to look yourself in the mirror, and those of us out here who’ve been watching already know the sight you’re going to see.
He’s much worse than a criminal. He betrayed his country and put others at risk. The huge number of documents he stole has pretty much ensured he’ll be in Leavenworth for the rest of his life, depending on how long that is. Even most dirt bags in Leavenworth won’t have any respect for what he did.
What is your point me? Are you gloating? Wishing you could be there with him? Why don’t you join the military and maybe you could act out your sadistic tendencies? Ever think of that? Or perhaps, you are already in the military?? Hmmm?
If you are… it won’t be long now and you’ll know how the Vietnam vets felt when they weren’t welcome home. Support the Troops is about to go out of style, and when it does, you’re going to be left justifying your actions to yourself and society.
I am sick of your disgusting, murderous kind.
Then go plant a flower, fruitloop. Your every sq inch of dirt is protected by “murderous kind.”
Like me!
Someone let the zombies out today. Wow!
Yeah, Redpeg, I feel real safe around you alright. Thanks for all the protection. Why don’t you go kill the rest of the Afgan and I’ll feel that much better.
Sick.
Be a critical thinker and ask yourself “Is this the only way he could have addressed the video?” PVT Bradley “You Can Trust Me” Manning signed an SF312 (Nondisclosure Agreement), a document he WILLFULLY signed (not under pressure) attesting he would not disclose classified information to those not cleared. With a TS clearance, he was also read into programs and he AGREED to protect information that was deemed sensitive to National Security. Regardless of your view of this government, how can you ask us to support a man who has no regard for the rule of law or his integrity? HE’S A LIAR AND YOU WANT US TO RESPECT HIM TOO??? He’s no more trustworthy that the people you claim he ratted on! You people who support him are hypocrites. He was promoted at some point in his career. If he was so disgusted with the Army and his duties, why did he accept his promotions?
We all have a choice. As a MAN, his word is not worth the air it rides on when he speaks. And you have the audacity to call for people to feel sorry for him? You have every right to execute your First Amendment right, but we also have a right as well. Did he even try to use his chain of command? If he spent as much time addressing his chain of command with his issues as he did sharing this information with another criminal (a hacker), maybe he could meet his objective and not risk spending the rest of his life in prison. I’ll forward his story around and let people know who he is. I’ll use him as an example. How about that?
It is interesting that you speak of the “rule of Law” when the US government and the military machine are killing innocent people with guns, drones, guns and even bare hands. I assume you think the US is folowing the “rule of Law”
The sheep never do like the sheepdogs, fruitbag. ‘Cept when the wolves are around
Certain Quirk, you are in one word, a moron. “Disgusting, murderous kind”? What happened to defending ours and YOUR freedom? Before you start in on murdering innocent people, yes, sometimes innocent people are killed in acts of war and it is very tragic. And yes, sometimes organizations have “bad seeds.” In fact, there is not one organization/military/company you or I can think of that has 100% pure angels. As for the case of accidental deaths, people make mistakes. What Bradley Manning did was no mistake. He knowingly put our country, his family, friends, you, your family, your friends, and everyone else in the US in danger by releasing over 90,000 documents. These aren’t one sentence messages he leaked. Until you really feel the danger of having your freedom to say what you want, shop where you want, wear what you want, and do (within reason) what you want is threatened, or taken away, I don’t really see how you could possibly understand what kind of s*** could hit the fan because of his stupid, immature actions. What he deserves is more than death. I hope you enjoy your freedom, Certain Quirk. May you never have to feel scared, threatened, or actually lose the freedom you enjoy. And if you don’t enjoy it, then get out of the US. We don’t want you here anyway.
TravelGirl: Here’s how far your relevance lasted: “Certain Quirk, you are in one word, a moron.” I can’t hear you anymore.
CertainQuirk, I commend you on being able to read that far.
That’s great! At least you were able to understand that “you are a moron”.
How much do they pay you Ms. TravelGirl? Or is it Mr. TravelGuy? Which is it? Are you sitting a government desk tonight? Hmmm? Pentagon maybe? Or perhaps one of the other tens of thousands of intelligence that was reported in the Washington Post? Hmmm?
You are a BABYKILLER WTF you are.
Get YOUR ass out of this country
CertainQuirk,
Defense of a nation includes a lot of things that you seem not to agree with.
Perhaps spend some time in a third world country and see what its like to defend yourself.
We will see if defending yourself goes out of style.
America: I’ve heard it before, a million times. Bye.
Certain Quirk, then let me keep it short. Get the h*ll out of America, we don’t want you.
Get your ass out of America you government GOON, TRAVELGIRL.
Funny how all of a sudden when the lid gets blown, all the MOLES, and AGENT PROVOCATEURS, and THUG BOOTS come out of the woodwork. Who do you think you’re fooling?
WHO do you work for TRAVELGIRL??? WHO’s paying your salary to come on here and stir up your BABYKILLER propaganda?
The point is that we are not defending ourselves….. we are over in a country on the other side of the world trying to force them to do and think as we wish.
The USA constitution calls for an “army” only to be raised for defense….. how does all of this fit in, unless we see as the entire world as “ours” and we want to protect ourselves from those that live there… madness… creation and maintaining of a world of “dog eat dog” “victory” “high body counts” and such.
I think we need to work at cleaning up our act.
First, what this guy did was against the law and he should be punished for it. If he isn’t punished, then laws don’t matter and what he exposed doesn’t matter. Second, all wars throughout history have had high civilian casualties and there have been many war crimes committed. This war, as with the one in Iraq, has one of the lowest civilian casualty rates ever. They are a lot of things done wrong, but it is war. The wrongs should be righted and those who committed them should be punished. But why leak these documents now, when progress is starting to be made? This will only hurt everything we have fought for. All civilians and U.S. soldiers that have died, will have died in vein.
I agree.
All those people who jumped over the Berlin Wall were filthy traitors
Don’t drop the soap.
Yeah no joke. This kid is going to be a sock puppet inside Leavenworth.
You Americans should be proud of this man he is a hero.
He has more courage than your whole government together.
We are citizens in Germany and we will organize help for Mr Bradley Manning.
We’ll keep an eye on you, America.
Our people are not agree with the wars that America leads.
This is great injustice.
Your wars are all started with lies your government lies to you, but please wake up and look towards what your government does with you, they manipulate you.
America wake up!
When we find the armaments, explosives and electronics that are used by terrorists they were made, or supplied by, companies in Russia, Germany and France, in that order.
Wake up indeed!
who has the most weapons?
and who has the most terrible weapons?
and who build these weapons?
the answer you can give yourself!
best regards from Germany
Whatever weapon will kill you is the one you should fear. “Most” doesn’t matter if you do not use them all. Most terrible? An IED is pretty terrible. And indiscriminate, killing combatants and civilians equally as well. Again, the weapons and the devices that ignite the bombs that are in the hands of terrorists were made by Russian, German and French companies.
Gee Frank, guess you didn’t read your papers today, huh? Pakistan taking 1Billion a yr from us so they can turn around and fund the fighting against us.
You, your freinds, and your arguments are over. It’s done.
against the law?
Sometimes it requires going against the law especially if corrupt people manipulate the law for their own purposes
These wars have no benefit, except for the power and the money of some people
Amelia, you can’t begin to understand because you live in Germany, a place I enjoy visiting. You clearly were not a direct or indirect victim of 9/11, your freedom to live in Germany and do as you please is protected. So if you feel these wars have no benefit except power and money, then maybe you should look into it more. Wake up yourself Amelia, and be glad your country is HELPING fight this war, not leading the fight against terrorism.
True Americans are NOT BABYKILLERS
YOU are a government GOON, TRAVELGIRL
“War Crime” my @$$. This is a clear cut case of “friendly fire”. The Apache pilots DID NOT wake up that morning and say “hey! Let’s go gun down some unarmed civilians! Wouldn’t that be fun?”
THAT would make it a “war crime”.
These journalists were in a known hot zone, walking around with what looked like weapons. When the guy leaned around the corner, he looked EXACTLY as if aiming an RPG.
The pilots even called in to make sure there were no friendlies in the area; had the journalists TOLD anyone they’d be there, they wouldn’t have gotten their dumb asses shot off.
Manning deserves whatever punishment the military gives him.
This is NOT “Mi Lai”. This is an unfortunate case of friendly fire, and nothing more.
Yeah right! Bunch of gun happy hicks from my view of the video evidence.
What you see and the rest of the world see are two different things.
Shooting at kids and excusing themselves for the unarmed carers bringing them to a battle. All they did is try aid an individual in pain, I call that humane and a proper example to children of instinctual humanity. The shooting action was inhumane and desensitized
You shooting someone friendly. The language you use is incorrect. I know my English is terrible, but I know the meaning of friendly. DOH
Beating children in the streets for demonstrating and telling the US soldiers FU. Now the US military are parenting the children in the streets.
American soldiers teasing the children with “can you un-der-stand me? STFU”
Answer me this, why is USA over there? Are they really helping them understand the real meaning of peace.
The Afghan people are saying the Taliban was a good thing in comparison to US occupation. the soldiers are rude and contemptuous.
Listen to yourself or better still stop listening to yourself and listen to someone else other than your misguided patriotism.
Does Wikileak material endanger troops on the ground?
No,”The Afghan people are well aware of the ongoing slaughter”
Yes I agree and the locals probably know the areas of engagement correctly more so.
This is why there are so many target misses. This gives the Afghan people to point out where the US troops went wrong and maybe US troops will stop bombing mosques with kids hiding for shelter in them.
This leak is a win win situation for both sides..
There are probably a few insurgence, cold, sitting on a hill somewhere saying “where is the fight”. Oh they are shooting the blurry blob on screen civilians from miles away.
Execution?
do not tuch this man, the world watches you Americans.
we are not very pleased with your government and your aggression, we do not play your war game anymore we do not want war.
Wake up, you’re no longer as strong as you think you’re bankrupt!
If America does not change your politics then we are no more longer friends all in Europe think that way.
Execution ist primitiv only primitiv people do this
more primitiv than animals.
europe is nothing more than a toothless old hag. if it weren’t for us Americans, to use your words, Hitler would have made mince meat out of all of you because you are all spineless, vapid and weak. yes, you are absolutely right, we are facing a challenge with the present administration but make no mistake, America’s strength does not lie in our capital but in our PEOPLE, and these wrongs will be rectified. you flacid europeans just wouldn’t understand.
Quite.
Now, a few Vietnamese rice farmers kicked your butts, somalian peasants kicked your butts, Lebanese kebab sellers kicked your butts and last time I checked, Germans speak German, not English.
Enjoy your stay in Afghanistan. Israel thanks you.
I couldn’t agree with you more. A ground war in AF is ridiculous, an utter waste of time. The reason we “lost” to peasants as you say, is because we didn’t use the technology the we had, and HAVE, to win these conflicts swiftly. Ask the Japanese how things turned out for them after Pearl Harbor. I’m sure they have a much different story to tell about what happens when you bomb American soil.
Pakistan has weapons, developed in the US by “lame” Germans. Iran will join them shortly.
Remind us all again how swiftly you defeated the Japanese. I make it 48 months.
And you’ve been in Afghanistan twice as long, yet will leave with your tails between your legs again?
I blame Wolfowitz
If it weren’t for us WWII would never have started. Read your history… start at WWI.
This is NOT “Mi Lai”. This is an unfortunate case of friendly fire, and nothing more.
Reply
hahahahaha
believe it? hahaha
you eat everything they feet you? right?
Do you spell check? Do you check your grammar? If you hate America so much, then why do you bother wasting your time commenting on how “stupid” we are?
Hey TravelGirl: Are you traveling on taxpayer money? My guess is… uh, YEP.
Now the the shit has hit the fan, the paid government GOONS are out in fury.
How does it feel to be a BABYKILLER?
200 years ago this kid would have been executed by a firing squad, in theater, by the order of his commander. God I miss the good old days. After literally years of pounding the red zones, the thought of this little fobbit scumfuck passing off TS info to a website makes my blood boil.
I (and the majority of the services) hope he gets the full fifty something years at least.
let ‘em hang.
50 year for exposing war crimes.
So what sentence do you want the war criminals to get for their wrongs?
Let me guess, nothing.
God I miss the bad old days. Maybe we can go right back and burn outspoken females for witchcraft.
Yeah baby those were the good old days.
Some evolve and sadly other do not.
This piece of shit should die a slow, painful death, but unfortunately he won’t face the death penalty.
Luckily he will get the opportunity to rot for the rest of his life in federal prison.
Many have accused the US military of war crimes. I see its true now,
Oh wow they are shooting civilians and know it and laugh.
I see it plain and clear in this video,
Its not the first time someone has formally stated war crimes.
What side are you on?
The accusers or the alleged criminals.
If we must have a trial there is a point of order or the US military are in disgrace of trying to silence its accuser.
I think Bradley has pointed the finger provided the evidence to a media outlet called Wikileaks. We should observe the evidence for the reasons it was submitted for the world to judge.
Right, I’m off to watch Rambo again. The one where he helps the Taliban and becomes an all American hero.
Old Holburn:
WE (Americans) do not support our governments support of Pakistan. WE do not exactly support this war either. But, let me say this, WE are not cowards, nor do we pity, or pat the back of Bradley Manning. He put allies, informants and soldiers at risk. I would bet he made a lot of dough from that website, and not much of this has to do with his belief in the wrongness of this war.
this guy should be hung. its disgusting to see an American soldier with no honor, no integrity, no loyalty and no valor; enough is enough, here’s hoping they make an example out of him. good riddance.
Meanwhile, back on planet earth….
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/10/21/about-those-billions.html
“the U.S. has unloaded massive amounts of aid to Pakistan, including $7.5 billion more earlier this month. But the money doesn’t always wind up where it’s supposed to.”
Using YOUR tax dollars to kill YOUR soldiers. And you support it. Way to go America.
yes, way to go, but not “America”, as you should be aware that the majority of Americans are not in favor of the current administration or its foreign or domestic policies; and those “politically-correct” liberals who voted the standing president in are now suffering from a severe case of buyer’s remorse. the American people are fully aware of what’s happening, these wrongs will be rectified at the voting booths this November and in 2012, GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Yes a vote will save the death of the children in Iraq and Afghan.
Your vote will bring back innocent lives and clean up the mess the oil companies that are not only destroying your gulf of Mexico and and the rural gas land belt agriculture productivity. You can all eat and drink oil man.
Soon you will be looking to move else where in the world and fudge it all up too.
You have too much faith in a vote that WG Bush showed the world he could manipulate to his favor.
THE WAR ON TERRROR, My god those children in the car deserved being shot for there carers trying to aid a man in pain.
That car run over by a tank for looting USA created debris was terror really big time. Im sure the owners of that car felt the terror of USA armed soldiers open fired upon there vehicle in a destroyed residential area.
No more peace to keep as they have bombed the average homes to pieces.
Wow you shot a few people in the streets with guns in there own country. Isn’t that what the USA carry and shoot so indiscriminately in another country.
Ok see if your vote makes a difference to a country out of control.
Would be interesting to see if a vote ever stopped the USA from a war ever.
Ahh it was a leak over the Vietnam wasnt it. And china gave US a 500,000 soldier some woop ass in Korea, If that what they teach you over there.
For all american people that are “blind” and can not see the reality, just look and read this: .
And after reading this, just explain us (from other countries beside US) why you (US) are trying to start a war with Iran. And before you say something, just read the first sentences from wikipedia about .
And now answer to my question: Why does US want to stop something that US helped to start?
And why is US always in every eminent conflict like now with North Korea?
Didn’t you learn already that most conflicts get worse when US “gets in”?
Just think about that… I think you (US people) are smart enough to understand what is happening… And I do know that it hurts when we have to admit that our country isn’t so good as it seems…
America is the greatest society this world has ever witnessed. We are the Greatest Nation. We are the Greatest People. Never in the history of the world has ANY society secured as many rights and liberties to so many people as America. Never in the history of the world has a society birthed so much innovation and greatness. Never in the history of the man has a society shone like a beacon to millions of people in an otherwise dark world. Never. We are the Greatest Nation, and yes we are definitely facing a very dark moment in our Country, but don’t delude yourself; what makes us “good” are our PEOPLE, their strength, courage, and willingness to do what’s right. We the people will right these wrongs at the voting booths this November and in 2012.
Iran has vowed to destroy Israel. Israel is our staunchest ally. We will, and should, protect Israel. If you’re gonna use wikipedia as a resource, I highly recommend you get more reliable information.
Apart from the Swiss of course. The happiest, healthiest, most educated, most democratic, most neutral, oh, and richest people on the planet.
USA is a baby in real world history. I know you mean right but take a step back and see what the vote achieves.
The corruption is so deep your dont vote it out its in the levels under the chief.
These people in the other levels of government like your senate have long term careers in corruption and the vote is only allowing one to not get enough time to do anything about it.
I am all for the democracy model yes but sometimes when corruption is more powerful on the lower level government democracy fails to do anything about it.
This is where the great America is going to learn its first lesson in politics.
The USA model of government is very young and the country is heading to new undiscovered territories when the population reaches saturation.
All new stuff. I do hope the USA gets control before the world says FU. Being alone in this world will be a new experience for the new US generations. Maybe this will a sobering experience when the intelligence starts to leak like the runs and that country you rely upon say you cant park you battle boats here no more and get fuel.
@honeygetoverit “and yes we are definitely facing a very dark moment in our Country” and yet you do everything to push it further on the wrong path.
Do you really think that you will be on the right side of history, or rather people who did everything to end this war?
@ all the American People,
do you really think that they ( your gov and others ) telling the truth ?
If yes, you are only dump sheeps that would run into fire of your own burning Home.
Ask yourself WHY didn’t they tell you the truth about 911, and many other issus in War against afghanistan.
As a former member of the military, Fuck this piece of shit I hope they hang his ass out to dry, literally.
Your a disappointment…to americans and to our military…some things are better for certain eyes only….haha…you have your plate full now to deal with…you reap what you soe….
@honeygetoverit
they pay you for to write such a dumb shit???
or are u realy such a dumbass??
wake the fuck up!!
It’s one thing to see war crimes/inhuman behavior being displayed by other soldiers. But how did he think he was helping providing a host of top secret military information that could jeopardize troops on the ground to a WEBSITE???!!! He’s a moron!!! Why didn’t he take the information to someone who might have been able to alert those who needed to know without revealing that information to the entire world. He’s as guilty as the guys laughing about killing people, lying about being attacked and looking for any target to fire at, sad…..
Yeah, we’ve heard it before.
Your arguments are irrelevant.
We’ve heard your arguments too, Certain Quirk. Tired of your lazy excuses for why we shouldn’t be proactive. So sick of people like you taking their liberties for granted.
Shut up you WAR CRIME PROVOCATEUR. You work for the government… all of the scum that is on here tonight showed up as soon as all the WAR CRIMES started being exposed. You are scum.
Get your ass out of America pls.
Mmmm Steve baby, you so turn me on.
Yeah, who do you work for Steve? The US Military maybe? Hmmm?
Who’s paying you to spread your propaganda? Are we, the taxpayers paying for the pleasure tonight Steve? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Go through the comments on here and see how many people have been removed after exposing their military email address.
FEDERAL AGENT STEVE
We can own these cronies that claim take liberties for granted and crap.
Like the rest of the world owes them for a little help in WW2 or for independence day.
Get it right the world owes USA SFA and we did it together.
Liberty was granted and stolen and held hostage for beer and Gridiron.
The gasland is falling into the loom of toxic poison and they dont care as long as they can behave rudely to hospitality employees and expect be treated like kings and queens at yes starbucks. Pigs eating pigs IMO in a conveyor belt cafe.
What a con these people have fallen for. Wont take long and they will be silenced by their militant government scared to speak up at all.
If you call old Ops reports top secret, then wow how did Wikileaks get it. LOLOLOL
Its about bottom secret IMO.
Its about cover up secrets IMO.
Well it aint tops anymore. LMAO.
I look at them and I for the argument I simulate an attack from the information I see.
I cant see anything other than war crimes. The US attempts to install yet anothers government fall to pieces and every one they enlist to the new governments they install is at risk of danger.
I see US military’s brilliant success to achieve nothing good at all.
I see a good reason to remove troops. Maybe I am not all paranoid about government conspiracies and national security like some people are,
Its totally off the planet opinion that Brad exposed war crimes is the crime.
The military cover up a crime and expect it to be exposed. If US military cant do its dirty filthy laundry someone will air it sooner or latter and what it is hiding under will be exposed with it.
If anyone is stupid here it’s the US military.
HACKRIDER you are right on the money.
i had to comment again cause i am pissed…i wonder, were you the tattle tale of the family…you were intrusted by your country also representing the people of the mighty usa. you then turn your back on us by doing this….for my family who are veterans and protected us then and for my friends and family who serve now and to all people who have the right to be americans, why have you have hurt us like this? did you become suddenly mentally challenged? your gonna pay for this one….
well said…honeygetoverit and old holborn
@honeygetoverit
“…If you’re gonna use wikipedia as a resource, I highly recommend you get more reliable information…”
Ok, I know that wikipedia has not reliable information regarding some aspects, so I heard you and here it is:
Iran Nuclear Overview
It was Uncle Sam who first gave Iran nuclear equipment
Search for “Iran Nuclear Program Atoms for Peace” in Google or Bing
WTF? They all say the same: US helped Iran in their Nuclear Program
You all read news? Just see that USA says Israel can start war with Iran
Even US military leaders “…have warned that strikes could be catastrophic to US national security interests and could engulf the Middle East in a «calamitous» regional war.”
And why is Israel so special compared to others so they can have nuclear weapons? Can somebody explain me that? Oh yeah, I forgot, it’s a US “friend” so they can have it..
So this is nonsense, Israel has nuclear weapons and it is all ok, but Iran, even if they claim they will use it for energy, and even without any proof of nuclear weapon production they can’t use it and US and “friends” have to destroy the non-existing nuclear weapons like they wanted in Iraq (and didn’t found any)…
Oh yeah, I forgot, this is US! Huray! It’s the “power” that does what it wants, and thinks that everyone else in the world must do what they want… just keep dreaming, because that wont gonna happen!
Someone once said “America is too powerful to be destroyed by an outside enemy. But, she will probably be destroyed from within.” (I’m paraphrasing) Does anyone recall who said this?
@Alvo5
Yeah… Abraham Lincoln said:
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves… Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step over the ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never!—All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth in their military chest; with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a Thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.”
Just go almost 60 years back in history, remember what Hitler was thinking? I remember you: That Germany was the most powerful nation of the world.
And what happend to Germany? I remember you again: They loose the world war 2!
“Under the Hitler regime, the Germans had created a superbly trained and very large military — the most powerful military the world had ever seen until then. Man-for-man, the Nazis had greater combat effectiveness than every other army in World War II, and were finally defeated because of the overwhelming size of the Allied armies and the immensely larger economic resources of the Allies.” – Hitler’s Control
Ahhh you think the USA can beat the world.
Do you think USA could of beaten Germany single handed with no help?
USA have been barging into other countries thousands of years older telling them how to be humane. Look at yourselves. 400 years old and a baby in real world history, give your ways another 500 years to stand the test of time beofre USA can be a judge in this much much older world.
USA is already falling to pieces after some big money lones and a mere 400 years of development. Jails filled with innocent people for no more than being homeless, or for victimless dis-ordinance.
War on every little country that would be lucky to defend itself for a few weeks against the USA bombs,
The only country that dropped an A bomb on another country is dictating to the world about nuclear arms.
Search for WMDS got turned into a war of terror when no WMDS were found.
When will the propagation of bull shit stop. When Bradley gets imprisoned.
Nothing really exposed but what we knew already just gave uis proof USA are destroying anothers country leveling it to the ground with the BS logo we are helping.
You clean the streets of your poverty and lock it away from people to see, but still those impoverished areas the uncle Sam prays upon for new enlistments are obvious and point at the USA is not all that great and sparkly as it seems on your TV.
He is a true hero.
All those saying nasty things about him are deeply challenged.
He opened your eyes, at the expense of his life. He gave you information, the most valuable resource of today, so you can make the right decisions. He showed you what the government is doing with your tax dollars. That takes one courageous man! But, as history shows, people like to crucify those who wish them well.
On the other hand, you have Bush&Co mumbling crap about WMDs and powdering your brain, so that they can make some more money. USA needs war for their economy, highly relying on weaponry & military. That must end.
The troops on the ground are not treated well, they want to come home. There will be many problems in USA society when they do, though, because war scars people forever.
Bradley Manning, thank you! I hope you opened a door and much more information will be coming our way.
Illusioned1, you are sadly mistaken.
What your “true hero” did was put the lives of my son and MANY OTHER American sons and daughters in greater danger. Anyone who has ever dealt with Classified information knows that there are secondary negative consequences in such actions.
And why you think US is in danger? You wanna know why? I tell you why, because US is always lying and never has the dignity to assume their mistakes… because US thinks that it is so powerful that they don’t do mistakes… and the rest of the world is sick of this kind of US!…
The helicopter video that was leaked is just one example… why didn’t US assume the mistake and apologizes for the victims? This would be a great moment of dignity for US… but no, US just tries to find some excuse for not assuming the mistake…
OH YES, the same old military propaganda. Doesn’t work with me though Alvo5. Your son put himself in danger… follow the logic, it’s really simple.
Actually, my son enlisted to make a better life for himself and his country: YOU INCLUDED. As a matter of fact, these were the very same reasons I served for 10 years. Geesh…go figure… that’s gratitude for you. BTW…I never killed anyone…and neither has my son. We’re not ALL baby killers.
Him – maybe, but me- nope. I don’t need to be protected, I don’t try to install democracies all over the place by force.
I understand he & you would enlist to have a better life, but how better was it?
Also, please do tell us what you did in the army? We need to know where the billions of dollars go.
Illusioned1:
Well, since you’re asking about my son and I, allow me to share “our” American Dream.
My son was a confused youth with plenty of “empty dreams” in 1993. I suggested the USAF to give him time to think and sort things out. He became a computer specialist and eventually went on to work on computer and satellite systems. He rose through the ranks from Airman (one stripe) and is now a Master Sergeant (six stripes) in 17 years. That’s a pretty good success story, I think. He’s managed to travel the world over: Okinawa, Korea, Saudi Arabia, England, Spain, and is currently living in Germany. I think he’s had a pretty good career and a pretty good life in serving his country.
Me, I enlisted in the USAF in 1969 because I KNEW the draft was going to eventually get me and ship me off to Vietnam. It turned out to be the smartest thing I’ve ever done. Not only did I take control of my destiny by VOLUNTEERING but I got assigned to some pretty good jobs. I was an Aircraft Mechanic for 4 years before cross-training into Electronics and landing a career in Communications. Upon leaving the USAF in 1979, I landed a job with AT&T and stayed with them for 9 years. In 1988, I landed a career with the University of California at Berkeley as a Network Engineer (a sizable achievement for a H.S. graduate that NEVER COMPLETED one year of college). At Berkeley I was able to work on one of this country’s most advanced Information Systems Networks, and I have contributed to to educational needs of thousands of students over the last 22 years. I will be retiring in the near future with a nice retirement package, and I marvel at the fact that ALL this took place because of what I learned in the military. THANK YOU AMERICA for helping a NYC ghetto kid’s dreams come true.
So, when you ask me how the military made our lives better, I can only say this. I love this country (despite all its shortcomings) and I’m eternally grateful for what it has given my family. I can’t account for the BILLIONS OF DOLLARS you asked about, but I can say this: “The taxpayers got a good return on the money they invested in my boy and I.”
So…in closing… we’re not as bad as you make us out to be.
Well, I for one am a soldier myself. Been in five years. Yes, the government does some f’ed up things BUT, he could have done this wiser. Why post it on the internet? He is now giving our enemies more reasons to try to destroy us. That was point blank stupid.I. know he felt he was helping other soldiers but he did the exact opposite. Please pray for our troops who are over there now and for those of us who are on our way. Not all of us are “bad” people.
My prayers are with you Soldier. Stay alert and come back safely.
Thank you for having the courage to volunteer. Vaya con Dios.
@truamericansoldier
Maybe some dumasses will try to “destroy us”, but most of the world will be holding their breath, waiting to see how this unfolds. Military can’t go on hiding these things from the public, I’m sorry. Military is 30% of US budget, they have to be accountable to us, the public. And without such whistle blowers, how can we discover that there are so many lies? How can we make sure we protest before the war starts, if we are fed lies and scared to death?
Trust me, I. Understand and know that there are a lot of “hidden” facts. My thing is, he could have done it it in a way that isn’t as public as the internet. That type of stupidity alone could be the cause of the next 9/11 attack. I understand hisfustrations but ome on now. I held my right hand up twice in the past 5 years to volunteer my service. Never in a million years if I knew it would cause my fellow comrades harm, I wouldn’t do that. There is no telling who has that information now.
But he could have also done it anonymously. He made it a point to disclose. Humans gotta learn to stop crucify their saviors and enrich their masters.
9/11 happened, because people in US intelligence chose to ignore all warning signs it was imminent.
People in Afghanistan will not be shocked by these news. They live there, remember? There are always crazy, unstable and ill-socialized humans ready to blow things up. You have these back here too. I hope they will wait to see if we make those responsible for these atrocities pay.
What I would really like to see, is see a real national guard instead of military or army. There is crime here, an oil spill to clean, kids with no dads to play with, moms with no sons to help them, wives with no husbands to love them. You name it! Lets try to keep protecting ourselves within, not fight wars on foreign land.
True enough. Hopefully now, a lot of things will begin to change for the better. Also the military needs a better system for their classified information. A few years back, a government employee from the pentagon took home a thumb drive with thousands of service members signatures and someone broke into their home and took it. Also I agree, we. Need to take care of home first. We are so quick to help others but not our own. With the haiti issue, their was once a time when haitians hated soldiers. Butwe were quik t support them. We still have this oil spill to worry about, I will. Admit, I don’t fully support the war . In fact the way I see it is that we go over there blowing up crap then spending millions to rebuild their cities. But…..we have to hope we get a raise every year.
Not to say that I hate my job. I love it besides the fact that its hard being a single parent. I just hope that people realize that not everyone in the military are bad people. There area lot of good amongst us.
We the people have that information now… make sense?
You do seem like a good, reasonable person, truamericansoldier.
I really hope this unfolds in a manner that will not jeopardize the troops, and I bet you, that B. Manning wants that too. He just hated seeing young american soldiers sent to commit war crimes, literally, on command, while everyone at home needs that and no one knows what the military is really up to. Everyone wins, if everyone’s military stays within their own borders.
Yes, he took an oath, but he also has a citizenship. That honor comes with a greater responsibility, than a job. He saw that american tax dollars were spent on a war that can not be won, a war that was conceived of to make money.
@Alvo5
I understand your worries and I honestly hope that NONE of the troops will lose their lives as a result of this.
But please, don’t forget about those who has sent your son there with false “intelligence”, corrupt minds and hidden agendas, all behind a national security lock. Don’t forget about those, too, that force soldiers to commit unspeakable acts on peers, civilians and prisoners.
I signed an employment contract too, so should I keep quite while your kids play with our led-painted toys? Should I telemarket your grandma out of her life savings, because a company told me to?
National defense is highly privatized by now, which I am sure, does not help the matters.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/?title=Private_Military_Corporations
If you work for Coke, you sign a contract not to divulge (or sell) the formula. If you work for Hasbro, you don’t sell the next big toy project to the competitors before Christmas. Parents should ensure their kids aren’t eating their toys. Your grandmother is a grown woman, not a child, don’t treat her as such. She earned he life’s savings, if it makes her happy, then support her. So what if you have to take care of her, she only gave you life.
Yes Brad sold the blue prints of the latest US weapons to the world.
If you see crime you report it.
If you cant go to the government you go to the media.
If you cant go to the media you go to Wikileaks. ROFLMAO
We need to see the rest of these documents already. They are going to do what they do anyway, so may as well show the lot.
Yes and those blue prints of the mach 501468b everyone needs to see too.
How about FUSA military and their top secrets they are so boring compared to what I do in life`or what we see in movies. Ah all boring too. I fail to be entertained by US culture so blindly.
No one make an anti American movie like the Americans can. Ask yourselves why.
Oh why, you digested the 90,000 already? dod you even try to understand them?
Blueprints – 1 thing. Check the war logs, see how many innocent people your country’s young men are sent to kill in name of money.
I see that all comments are not being “posted”… I assume that a fair and reasonable person {Mike??) is making the decision as to which is posted.
Yes, as I and others have suggested, this site has likely been infected by those who just want to disrupt what could be helpful to Manning. It is likely that some are being paid, directly or indirectly, to do so.
There is a basic difference in “world view” between those who are on opposite ends of this issue. I think that most of you must understand what those differences are and how they contrast.
I wish that the discussion of these views could result in atleast a compromise… that would be better than what we have now. Unfortunate, as in today’s politics, such does not seem possible. So very sad for eveyone involved.
@Howard Fauss
I also find it wierd, how the comments appear here. But I get nitifications for all of them. I think something is up with the order… I hope admin gets back to us on this.
As for compromise, well, I am willing to compromise on certain things. But they don’t involve shooting teenagers from a helicopter, that’s for sure…
We got to keep hope, that the govmnt can also be fair & reasonable. On the other hand, they seem to be taking fast steps towards shutting everyone up… I like Obama, he better not sign that thing, or I will be deeply disappointed.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-06-18/new-bill-would-let-obama-police-internet-for-national-security-reasons/
I must admit that I did look at your website to try and ‘understand’ where your organization was coming from concerning Pfc Manning and the desire to defend this person. I now know where you are coming from. After reviewing the BIO’s listed on your site, I noticed that there are a large number of them being tagged (by you or themselves) as a “visionary”. That means “not realistic; impractical [a visionary scheme] one whose ideas, etc. are impractical”. There is also large reference to the title “ambassador”. That means “the highest ranking diplomatic representitive of one country to another”. Considering what your titles are, reading the BIO’s, and seeing the FACES of your ‘members’; I have advice for you…
Keep looking to the stars for answers… Sell all of your posessions and give it to the people you think would best benefit from your ultimate act of ‘love’… Then, let me know where you bead wearing, freaks meet (and when)… And then I, with some really eager and pleasant Americans will be sure to provide entertainment (for the entire group) that will stay with you for, well, eternity…
With Respect, The Marines
p.s. Leave a message if you need help.
I must admit, I didn’t give you a second glance before I knew you were straight out of the GOV GOON dept. You are a paid military employee, it’s quite obvious. You get off on innocent people being killed, don’t you?
BABYKILLERS
AGENT PROVOCATEURS
THUG BOOTS
WAR CRIMINALS
Get out of here you scum.
Innocent until proven guilty….
But if he did it, the government should bury him.
The problem with entry-level type whistleblowers, they are rarely privy to all the facts. And in the military that can be deadly.
WriteLoudly, GOV GOON
How much is the military paying you to try and back down the movement that is out to get their asses for WAR CRIMES? How do you like working for BABYKILLERS huh? Know what that makes you?
I’m betting you work for the government. You work in the propaganda dept because no one else in their right mind who has read the stuff that is coming out now would be saying the shit you are.
You stink of innocent blood.
@CertainQuirk
Really, don’t feel obliged answering every negative commentator. If they would actually take a glimpse at the data of the war now available, a war they are trying to protect, and the efficiency of the military (which eats up 50% OF YOUR TAX MONEY, USA) – they might have spoken differently. Let the catch on.
And we suddenly found billions for healthcare & education
Yooohooo!
@ certainquick, if u want to be politically correct, some of those “babies” are being used as mortars. Yes in certain situations, soldiers. Maybe have to shoot a child that comes to close because their parents strap bombs to them or them give them loaded guns to “play” with soldiers. Their is a good and bad side to every story. Only the news show the bad. So how dare u talk bad upon us “government employees”. I sacrifice the free of seeing my daughter grow up to protect this country. Do u not know what that means as a mother. I missed. First crawls, walks and talkibg because I was over seas. Now I’m not saying that we walk around just killing but until u are put unto certain situation and not being mesmorized by the news then shut up. Its either kill or be killed. Tell me, do u know about all the mentor programs we runs for their kids, how many of their sick we treat?my thing is, just by what manning did, he has nowput alot of us in a hostile situation. Too late to reverse time, i hope he doesn’t get the seath penalty but its truely out of my hands. I hope. In the end it works for everyone
You’re screen name and point of view contradict in so many ways.
You talk bill of rights and constitution on one level with the Innocent until proven guilty and write loudly screeny…
But freedom of information and free speech is not a right for Bradly.
Exposing war crime or any crime, covering it up is.
Bradley is toast.
“There are always crazy, unstable and ill-socialized humans ready to blow things up.”
That defines anyone who goes over to another country blows things up and laughs at there peers driving over the tops of the bodies in a nut shell.
The videos Ive seen does indicate these soldiers are not up to the task of even socializing with the residents little only helping them.
0% success USA has had with such occupations with the attempt leading to a acceptable outcome..
No one is being helped here just death and destruction fueling the next generations of long felt hatred for your so-called free nation.
What does the average Afghan or Iraqi citizen talk about at the breakfast table? There new boat in the driveway? The new decor revamp to their home. Or how noisy and annoying the David Letterman show is?
If USA thinks it could take on the whole world and win man some of you have tags on theri own countries capabilities,
USA always picks a fight it can win. OMG Iraq was like a challenge. WW2 The Germans were weakened ti the core already before USA got involved, and the rest of the world fighting them made no difference?
USA are assisted and allowed by other nations to be so powerful, take that away and you cant even beat a small baby.
Any one with a brain and a little money can disable the rinky dinky tech USA rely upon. USA just supported by those who know how to render the tech useless. Come against the world and USA would fail in a heart beat.
Defense secrets are not tactical they are criminal cover ups. Time to visit the war crimes committee “USA if you are that free big and tough.
Ahhh an Aussie internet web master is so powerful to put so much controversy upon the big US military with their own documents, Honestly the troops in Mid East have little support by the world and these bungles will not be fled from with the use of fear tactics and lies. Threats of imprisonment and death penalty will be met with more public outcry and fear will make the public around the world respond with more leaks and dissent.
When the Gov tries to take me on I fight harder not run away. there is nowhere to run but face the government and put the power mongers in there place again. They are public servants, nothing more.
If anything the document leak proves
That Manning should be free and the USA military war lords should be in a war crimes trial.
The USA occupation is only propagating insurgence by their attitudes of engagement resulting in the bungles we see in the videos.
(If no one will fight we will make them want to fight sort of thing.)
They are often fighting Mid East residence in dissent not any real organizational consenting war machine.
Ohh and the WTC.
IMO it was leveled by the pre-implanted detonations. Not for conspiracy purposes but it was a saftey protocol installed incase they needed to bring down the building in an emergency.
I did hear of such a safety protocol a long time before this sad event.
The message given was the building is comming down, no one was to know how.
Very sad watching people fall from the WTC. Very sad that children are being shot by military adults.
WTC was a message. Shock and Awe was the counter message to the whole Mid east, do it again and you get some bigger woop ass.. We get that much. But that’s all was needed. The rest forget it.
USA should of pulled out after the Shock and Awe.
Here’s your hero… I hope they Bury this guy…
Manning wrote: “my family is non-supportive . . . im losing my job . . . losing my career options . . . i dont have much more except for this laptop, some books, and a hell of a story.”
An Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Eric Bloom, said Manning, who entered the Army as a private in October 2007, was demoted last month for an assault. He said he was not facing early discharge.
In one message, Manning said: “i’m exhausted . . . in desperation to get somewhere in life . . . i joined the army . . . and that’s proven to be a disaster now . . . and now i’m quite possibly on the verge of being the most notorious ‘hacktivist’ or whatever you want to call it . . . its all a big mess i’ve created.”
Anyone that doesnt enjoy killing children might feel exhausted.
One account the terrorists forced children to be in a mosque.
Umm children in a church is considered a war crime? Maybe look in your own places of worship ohhh and when a tornado is bearing down to destroy their town, Maybe be a safe place to run and yes you would say stay inside to any child wanting to run out into danger. Maybe a safe place to run when bombs and bullets are raining down.
Lies have been exposed nothing to do with national security.
When you use children as human shields, it called a WARCRIME. When you go into a populated bazaar and blow up an improvised explosive device – indiscrimanently killing ALOT of innocents, in a failed attempt to get soldiers 400 meters away, its called a WARCRIME. When you don’t wear any discernable uniform, shoot at a foreign military, drop your weapon and hide with civilians, it called COWARDLY. When you use antiquated terms like “babykiller” it’s called laughable… I’m a soldier. National security is just that, security for your nation. Why aren’t you calling on North Korea to open it’s borders to THE REST OF THE WORLD. Why don’t you condem Iran for wrongfully improsoning college student/hikers… Oh wait, those countries have a right to protect their security concerns, but we in the US don’t…
@ Facts, that is totally my point exactly. People are so quick to judge but that’s because they only. See what the media tells them, they don’t know about the children bein used as bombs to kill soldiers or the ieds set off in market places that kill all of “their” people in attempts to get us, and what do we do, we provide their wounded with medical treatment including those who shot at us. People need to get facts not he say or she say. Put on a uniform and experience it yourself. So many troops come back scared and need mental treatment because of what goes on over there. To me it seems that manning is just resentful about the way things turned out for him. I hold a security clearance and would neer leak info if I knew it could be harmful. I wonder how many more soldiers and troops will die now? Everyday when I hear of a death, I wonder if it is someone I knew. Its is truely sad.
There are 204 Nation States in the United Nations. 130 of them have got american troops stationed in them, that is more than 60%.
Most of the so called american allies play at being friends of the USA, because failing that, the most brutal self righteous nation in the world could easily turn on their friends at any time. Saddam Hussein thought he was a friend of the USA, the Taliban was an american creation, Bin Laden was a CIA operative.
Obamaa, the serial killing telepromptor reader, came to power on a promise of peace. Now we are wondering will we be lied into Nuclear war with North Korea before or after your nation of self righteous shits will initiate world war 3 against Iran.
You forgot how to build a decent car, but you can murder babies fucking well.
We shudder in revultion that the people that pioneered individual freedom could degenerate to something as disgusting at this.
Worst of all whem a hero like Bradley Manning uses what ever means is at his disposal, to try and slow the american killing machine, masses of people that live comfortably off the defense spending turn on him with vennom.
There’s nothing so contemptuous like exposing a war criminal machine for all its worth. That will get the cronies all worried and yelling in the name of national security.
The more the war criminal supporters spit the venom the more us healthy minded libertarians see the real reason for such concerns.
They use language tools like, hang, toast, and bury to promote the same fear they feel being exposed of these war crimes.
Because what is the sentence for such war crimes? Yeah, now the fear mind set psychology the pro war criminals are projecting out there makes more sense to me.
They give up their stupid secrets already known and hunt down Wikileaks web master as the US have foretasted before this incident.
This whole thing could be a setup.
Lets say for the benefit of the doubt its not a setup. The US military are dictionary definition guilty of war crimes.
Bradley on the other hand has not been treasonous. His actions were not that of one who desired to infiltrate the military to undermine the US efforts to do SFA in the mid east nor did he conspire with any enemy unless the US military deem the world an enemy..
Any classified information was due to expose war crimes. This is the actions of a young man attepting to be responsible. I say he nailed it.
The beans are split and the goss is out. The rumors about US war crimes is no longer seen as a propaganda tactic started by the Mid East sympathizers. They are now confirmed IMO.
No use crying over spilt milk I say.
I think someone should come clean and stop expecting us to consume the vomit they have been serving us for so long. It smells of vomit and I never lapped it up for a moment.
Bradley did what any humane person should do. Expose a war crime.
Most the world already know the USA forces have committed war crimes in the past.
No secrets to hide IMO. Just a smoke screen to put up and some more vomit lapping cronies following the leader.
I am truly saddened at the baby killer taunts on here. I have seen soldiers weeping for the dead children they see, I have seen soldiers patching up children left and right, war wounds, spider bites, fungus, cleft palates etc. I know many service members, none of which particularly are callous to, or enjoy the sight of maimed and hurt children. Let us not forget that terrorists love nothing better than using women and children as shields and that soldiers get killed as opposed to shooting and saving themselves because of this. Let us not forget that many service members join to do some good. I do not agree with this war, because I do not see the benefit of our country being there at this time, but I do not agree with the likes of Bradley Manning. He is putting Afghans (sources, informants and their whole families) at risk as well as service members. Have you even read some of the documents? One paints a picture of the frustrations of trying to do well by Afghans by building them an orphanage only to have t he Afghans ruin it all by taking the money and running-soldiers fearing for and trying to care for children.
Mainstream media is fraught with corruption, so is the US govt and everyone knows that, Bradley is exposing the ugly truth about two misguided and violent wars that never needed to happen. Our soldiers are spilling their guts -then return home limbless to no jobs, & no medical help.
Oh yes, they shoot up soldiers with experimental drugs which cause cancer while they are over in Iwrack.
Get real -the military is doing their duty for oil, profiteering, corporate interests and nothing more. The US could care less about Ben Laden, wars are about greed, profits, imperialism -U have to laugh at right wing war activists-they are disgraceful and are killing America.
China, Russia and the world are laughing at the US for borrowing money from China to pay for these two wars and putting their own economy in the toilet. Americans are by the millions slipping into the poverty levels of post war Germany and we have just as many Nazi’s in the government right here.
Bradley is a hero for truth, freedom and he deserves a medal of Honor -there is very little of it left today.
There are laws that protect whistle blowers in other countries except for the corrupt United States. Heck Even BP Oil fires its whistle blowers and the US govt is no better.
And that is why the americans play with led-painted toys, eat contaminated meat, swim in oil ect ect ect. Sad all around.
Irrespective of the content he had no right to disclose classified informatiom. A lifetine sentence would be appropriate.
@Peter Ungvarski
As someone here pointed out, if there would have been a Manning amongst the nazis & wikileaks back then, then maybe 9 million people would not have been eliminated.
Stop with your stupid “classified” info. This is war crimes, we are talking about. And spending of 50% of tax dollars on fuelling a war machine.
Geez, where were you during Vietnam, under a rock?
Wanna know what war crimes? wait, people are shuffling through the data as we speak. Wouldn’t hurts u to check it out either.
Rules of Engagement… Obey, or else. They were following orders. No one said the individual soldiers are at fault here. Its those who give orders to shoot, while they have no proof that the enemy is the, that are at fault. They should be jailed.
Bush, Cheney & co should each get 52 years.
IDK, but this-
On the Cybersecurity Act of 2009
“This is a bill that is moving very quickly through Congress that would allow the White House, in a period of national emergency, to declare something called a ‘cyber-emergency’ and, in extreme situations, shut down portions of the Internet or at least block Americans from having access to them. And that’s produced an awful lot of concern among civil liberties groups.”
Pisses me off. What else the gov wants to control? Is the next step putting chips in all of us, so we can be tracked?
http://www.vpr.net/npr/128485967/
Forgot one thing… the trials after WWII in Nuenberg (can’t spell it but I think I know what happend there).. with the cooperation of the USA and all the allies..
It is clear from that what Manning was “alled upon” to do… others as well, but he did it.
What represents a “crime against humanity”??? Have we, as a nation been guilty of that… or are we just the “good guys that are trying to bring peace and prosparity to the entire world??”… Ofcourse there are elements of both… which should prevail and how and who is responsible for that happening or not happening,.
Is the defense of “just taking orders” a vaid defense… we did not take the position that it was back at that time…. what are we saying now???????????
I support Bradley Manning.
Yes we are living in a world where the minions do what they are told to do, give up their lives for countries that sell illicit drugs, and support oil production, yes we are all the sheep that follow others to the slaughter house. Not. If you were alive during the Vietnam war you will know that many Americans moved to other countries to avoid being slaughtered in Vietnam. The same is happening today, the US has to get out of Afghanistan and Iwrack, and the government should hold no secrets especially on war crimes and hiding the dead like Bush did for 8 years. IF you don’t want to know the truth then don’t listen, but the majority of people want and expect the truth. If this is the only way to get at it, then praise Bradley Manning to have the guts to do it. A real soldier who is fighting to keep our freedoms from an imperialist and corrupt government.
IF you do not like this site, then buzz off it now Facts. The fact is you don’t know your head from your @#$&*.
Hey Alvo, this is not your site, so go blow on some other site, we don’t need any more sheep here, we are up to our eyeballs in sheep. Baaa…..Baaaa…..The fraud is the US government. Run along now…there is nothing for you here.
Private Manning – congratulations on a job well done in exposing the truth. We already know our governments are corrupt and quick to point the finger at ‘the enemy’. Gov’t will not take blame for their mistakes and misjudgements but willing to put innocent people in the line of fire once they have conceived ‘news of the enemy’. We are only told what we are meant to know – it is about time we (the world) know the truth. There is no truth in government – it is time they are accountable for their actions.
Unfortunately, it is a human trait – curruption, deception. One we always fight against, but never win…
That is why I believe governement should be local & transperant. We pay for it. Massive army, huge govmntal bureaucracy, corruption, all those things tend to remove the need for citizenship activism. The only thing REQUIRED to make a democracy work.
@Fletcher
Spoken like a true Marine. If our own people don’t agree with us, kill them. To Hell with freedom of speech we put on our military uniforms to protect. You were born too late for Kent State. You would have been perfect in the National Guard back then.
Obviously, the website has been targeted by the military kids who have been trained not to think (with one exception, if his parent status is true). I went through it in my twenties while serving. Eventually, they will look back and wonder how it could have been so easy to lose independent thought.
One can only wonder if this is a concerted effort conducted by the miltary leadership, or only a few individuals registering under multiple email addresses. I hope the website Admin is checking IP addresses (which may explain why some are not being posted – duplicate IP’s?). If these people with opposite beliefs are, in fact, legitimate I say, “Great.” It stirs up the hornets nest that keeps this issue at the front and gets it noticed.
@ those who berate the U.S.:
Granted, we have some serious problems at home and abroad. Many of us are actively trying to correct those mistakes, but we are doing it in the only way we should. Openly voicing our opinions, demonstrating, and voting. We don’t do coups. We respect the Constitution that gives us the right to do what we can. The same Constitution that gives other Americans the right to disagree with us.
In any event, Pvt. Manning has been charged with passing a video of an attack on civilians. In the first part of it I can understand the a camera with a telephoto lens being mistaken for a weapon. For those in combat, hesitation can get you dead.
I have a serious problem with the attack on the civilians from the van. These were obviously NON-combatants who were obviously only trying to provide aid to a wounded man. They posed no threat in any manner, shape, or form. If it were a medic of ours that was sniped while providing aid I guarantee the video would have been released by the military within the hour. It was simple blood lust and the official military version of events (calling all the participants anti-Iraqi insurgents) is plainly a cover-up of a war crime. That shit needs to be exposed.
The documents… “100′s of lives put at risk,” the military says. Bullshit. If Pvt. Manning did pass those along he should be given a medal for putting his own freedom on the line by exposing with FACTS, what our government and military have been lying to us about. It’s hard truth about what had been previously reported as rumors with no supporting evidence.
Eisenhower berated the German population for not exposing and acting against what they knew and ignored – genocide. It was their fault for not taking action against it. Apparently, exposing the truth and taking action against crimes and deception is only acceptable when it is others who are wrong.
The bottom line is that this one incident (the leaks) just might have most of you snot-nosed kids living to a ripe old age and realizing you owe Pvt. Manning for exposing the BS you are being put through.
Yes, backstaber, you are right on!!! Now the question comes… what should be done about it… what can we/I do about it?? I am afraid that unless we are ready to be fitted up with one of those explosive vests.. not much.
That makes it easy to understand what must be in the mind of some of those who greet us with one of those self-destructive devices… No way they are any crazier than we are.. only in a different direction… Some persons have an answer for anyone who disagrees with them.. it is used a lot… and they do not expect to be questioned about it or even have it revealed.
There are things we can do.
Personally, I’ve called all my state Senators and Reps directly by phone and voiced my opinion, asking them to put any pressure they can on the military to keep this kid from being crucified. I’ve written to the President asking him to consider a pardon for Manning if he is convicted, or amnesty from prosecution – stating my reasons for the request.
I’m adding articles to a blog I run that relates to this issue. On my other websites (about 100) that are for my Internet Marketing business I have added a “Free Bradley Manning” banner I created, that links to the appropriate website so that people are informed.
I’ve added a signature code to my emails so that a link is always included at the end of them. Whenever I send an email to anyone about anything, Brads’ Banner is at the bottom of it. Which, by the way, I am in the process of creating a download that will have instructions on how to this, if others are interested. Once done, I’ll provide the link to the download to the Admin of this site so that others can do the same.
This will not be an overnight success of getting people to understand the facts and get active, or to even care enough to do something other than sit on their couch and say, “I’m too worried about surviving in this economy to get involved.” I personally have talked to many that think Brad did the right thing, but convincing them to make a simple phone call to their Senator is like pulling teeth. Some don’t want their name on government records for fear of being put on some “watch list.”
Eventually, God willing, there might come a Walter Cronkite moment when some well known conservative makes a statement that pointedly confirms that not only did Brad do the right thing, but our government has been deceiving us. Cronkite gave America a wake-up call about Vietnam and it only came after years of “Hippies” and educated people constantly keeping public opinion against the war on the nightly news.
America needs to put down the xbox, turn off the reality shows, and get their heads out of the sand. If all of us do whatever we can to get the media to take notice that there are people who give a crap and our attention span is going to last longer than 48 hours, we have a chance to wake up those who have been blindly led into a situation that is just as wrong as it was when GWB got us involved with fictitious WMD’s.
If Pakistan continues to allow safe haven for the Taliban, in an area of their country they can’t control, and Afghanistan leadership remains as corrupt as it is now, our kids are nothing but cannon fodder.
Thank you BackstabberReport, it really does make the difference.
The governement is given right by us, the people. They seem to believe that most of us do not want to be aware of the truth. They want xbox, reality shows & being able to shoot squirrels in the park. We have to remind them, that the only reason they are there, it is because, we, as a society, agreed for them to be there. They need to be accountable to us – the public. That means – quarterly reports, just like in any other service industry. Then – we will see if 50% of the budget is not a waste on military (yes, it is, but now we have proof too).
Okay,,, I just did that… US Rep 16th district… John Boccieri. I have met with him before and he is a good guy… but also has a military background. Will keep pressing him.
Will write a letter to the editor and personally contact the page editor..
IS THERE ANYWHERE RELATED TO THIS MATTER WHERE A DEMONISTRATON MIGHT BE EFFECTIVE.. SINCE HE IS BEING HELD OVERSEAS… CAN THE MILITARY BE FORCED TO BRING HIM BACK IN COUNTRY?? ANY BODY KNOW??
@Howard Fauss -I think it’s best to open that discussion on the forum.
I think that Americans should protest this Cyber-Security bill:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html
And at the same time, it is the perfect occasion to ask to free Manning.
Sorry, that link was a year old, here with updates:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-06-18/new-bill-would-let-obama-police-internet-for-national-security-reasons/
the bill is moving at the speed of light…
I just read that he is back in the United States.
Hey genius PFC Manning doesn’t have the same freedom of speech when acting in uniform. It also doesn’t apply to his top secret level clearance. What a complete dumbass you must be. Too much chiba in the 70s maybe?
Pete,
If your comment about Brad not having free speech was directed at me, I don’t believe I ever said he did. I do say he has the balls to expose BS. You also need to get something straight in that “mind” of yours. Putting on a uniform only places you under the UCMJ guidelines. You do not give up all your rights and responsibilities as an American citizen. Nor are you excused from reporting war crimes because you were ordered not to, or have secret clearance. “I was only following orders” didn’t fly in ’45 and it doesn’t work today. If your superiors refuse to act it is not only your military obligation to expose it, but your moral obligation, as well.
Now, go wash that brown shirt you’ve been wearing far too long.
The above, of course, should have been directed to RedLeg 6.
“Backstabber”.
I spent my life(17-38)wearing that uniform to protect many things. To be honest, I never fought for freedoms or the flag; that’s the truth. I fought for the kid to my left and to my right. It was ‘just us’ and we depended on each other with absolute trust. I believed that spending my youth trying to protect those unfortunate souls that cannot defend themselves was a worthy and honorable life. If you disagree with me, that is ‘your’ right. It will always be your right..
As far as your projection that I want to kill ‘anybody’ is way off. You chose to personally attack me for ‘my’ comments concerning a young soldier that has been indicted for crimes concerning national security, who is the aggressor here ‘backstabber’? My God, I am merely in disagreement with the theory of an ‘entire movement’ involving the support given by another group… Have I ‘earned’ that ‘right’ to speak, like you right?
Strange how my original comment was ‘removed instantly’ to make room for ‘your’ attack on ‘my’ comments; which noone was allowed to enjoy. Who is truly ‘censoring’ what we do or say? Your actions have made it clear; ‘oppose and be hammered’. Lighten up ‘backstabber’, That was NOT an attack on YOU… It was my ‘free speech’ that I was sharing with the world. The ‘world’, not ‘you’. Either way, we still need each other. Without the other, there is no argument to defend and learn from, right? My view on the soldier in question remains the same. Let’s let history be the ‘final’ judge to determine how the world views his actions. I truly hope your involvement with your side of this issue brings the results you desire. I, will continue my efforts. Good luck to you Sir/Ma’am. ‘Backstabber’ leaves that kinda open. I like my own name. Let’s ‘debate’ without another dismissed comment from me, and without you using my name as a rope to hang your disagreement. Play nice, remember? I look forward to your comments…”Fletcher”
I support Bradley Manning.
And we support Bradley Manning.
If he really is this person who has done it? Until now nobody knows this.
We people of Germany know what war is and we have learnt out of our mistakes
We do not wont war anymore, never!
Unfortunately, our government is just a tool of America and therefore we are in this terrible war in Afghanistan.
But our whole nation is against this war.
Please stop wars!
wars are no answer of conflicts, let us start a new way of live, let us talk with each other, we do not neat war in this new age anymore, war is only primitive, let us start to go new ways in the future.
We are friends of America, please let us stay friends, and please protest against your government if they push you in wars again, do not believe because they only take care of the money in the pockets of the rich people, they do not care about you, they only use you.
What have they done for you in the past time?
Think about it?
Yours faithfully
Amelie out of Germany
I wish everyone felt and believed the way some here do… regardless of what the belief is… there will always be another generation that will have to learn the “truth” for themselves. To them, this and Kent State will only be “history”.
Well said Backstabber, well said. When we lose our freedom to speak out, to point out the mistakes of invading other countries we have lost our dignity and yes the honour of our own military. Kent State was a glaring example of foreign policy gone wrong and yet we do not learn from history we keep repeating the same mistakes. When we can’t trust our own govt., our own military to tell us the truth we’ve lost the battle. Prv. Manning should be released immediately, without delay -he is a War Hero not a criminal unless we have chosen to imprison whistleblowers who bring the real truth to the American public. The truth is the very least we can give Americans when their futures are being destroyed by the debt of both wars for 10 years!!
Amelie- thank you for posting your comments, Germany is a good example of governments fooling the public, and destroying most of Europe in the process. We are as sick as our secrets, and quite frankly Americans need to know those secrets or how are we to resolve this mess? War is not the answer, never was and never will be in the future.
In Arizona today – they are arresting protesters against the illegal Arizona law, imagine being imprisoned for speaking your mind? What has this country become other than a totalitarian government -state or federal -this military take over of government has to stop also. We blame Iran for attacking their demonstrators, how much better are we to imprison the truth tellers, the whistleblowers, and who gave the military the right to run this country?
I support the truth, therefore I support Bradley Manning.
Hey genius PFC Manning doesn’t have the same freedom of speech when acting in uniform. It also doesn’t apply to his top secret level clearance. What a complete dumbass you must be. Too much chiba in the 70s maybe?
This is how twisted the right wing nuts have become, just another example of the liars and cheaters in the military that want to control our govt., and by the way you’ve added tens of billions to the national debt. Perhaps your kids will be paying for this -the rest of their lives and so will their children. That is if you could pro-create.
Who ever said that a uniform makes you allergic to telling the truth, who ever said a uniform gives you the right to hide the truth?
Oh good lord here we go again. For the record I am not a right0winger, I am a Libertarian. But anyways, the rights applicable to civilian citizens of the United States do not always apply to servicemembers, especially when in uniform.
For example: Freedom of Speech, active duty member of the military are not allowed to make disparaging remarks about the President or Members of Congress…. The list goes on. This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the role of the military. I am not stating a political opinion, I am pointing out constitutional and military law to a group of people that are obviously oblivious to it.
I support brave Manning.
Whether or not he should have released the links is of course a very difficult moral conundrum. However, I hope he doesn’t spend to long in prison for it.
Manning is a true hero for democracy.
Pvt Manning-years from now will go down in history as one True and Brave Soldier, and a credit to the US military that is bent on reducing the United States to a bankrupt third world country.
We are almost there now. These wars must end now, before any more of our brave young men coming back limbless to a VA that deserts them and a country that puts them in the poverty zone. The disabled soldiers are thrown to the wolves in this country and they deserve better. Wake up America, your being lied to and cheated out of yours and the future of your children-just follow the money and who is profiting from the two wars.
I hear so much that I agree with that is in support of Manning and I feel so sorry for those who can not see what is happening and are sold on the way things are and have been. I am an agnostic but it is clear to see what is required of us….. and it is not to see how many people we can kill and then try to justify and find reasons for it. It would follow from that bankrupt view point that Manning is a man who has not been true to the calling of supporting his country in all it is doing: not working for god and country, freedom and the ammerican way of life and so forth.
I say “good for him!!!!”.. we should save him if we can but he is in the hands of those who are determined to make the world be “not good” as I see it… and that makes them be “not good” and blind!! He has made a great sacrifice… the greatest sacrifice.. he has given himself.
The Congressman is calling for Bradley’s execution. Shocking!!! I am not a proponate of killing anyone…BUT if anyone should be executed it should be the soldiers in the helicopters who shot the innocent civilians for no reason and wounded 2 small children and then said it was the parents fault for bringing their children into a battle zone. Those soldiers are nothing more than grievious murderers. And the U.S. government wants to cover it up? Hide the truth and the facts?? If President Obama does not step up and pull Bradley Manning up and out of this mountain of military rubble that he is buried under….and free him….then how can we trust President Obama if HE doesn’t stand up for the TRUTH, and instead chooses to be part of the cover up. Or maybe we have such a government that if Obama speaks out against the military, they will do away with him too. I wouldn’t put anything past them after seeing that video.
It is not surprising that the US congressman who wants to “kill” the whistleblower if found guilty of leaking so called military “secrets” is a Republican Mike Rogers. Here is a perfect example of a a government official being the judge and executioner of a man who tells the truth. Nazi Germany pales in comparison and exterminating someone who exposed the truth about the war is a war crime. If that is the way Americans hold their justice system then lets start with George W. Bush, his father, Dick Cheney and Rumsfeld who invaded Iraq and Afghanistan because there are plenty of nooses to go around for all of them.