What Bradley did, he did out of conscience and THANK GOD SOMEONE there did. The aide actually seemed to agree with my comment. I never detected a tude from the guy.
]]>Re: Pfc. Bradley Manning:
Sir,
I support ALL our men in uniform. We in these United States rely upon our citizenry to man our armed forces. We expect our soldiers to proudly represent our form of government, and the people of our union as well.
Further we expect them to honor our constitution at home or abroad. However, we leave the reading, understanding and interpretation of that constitution up to the individual.
If were are interested in liberty, how could we do otherwise?
Sir, the charge of ‘Aiding the Enemy’ in this case is misapplied. It was clearly NOT Pfc. Manning’s intention to betray his country, but to AID his country.
I do not doubt your commitment to justice, but agree or disagree with Pfc. Manning’s actions, one must admire his courage to stand for his view of our country.
I hope this note aids you, and I sincerely thank you for your service and time.
]]>Perhaps you can update people on getting down in the weeds if the only choice is to send a letter.
Or, remind me again (in another email) to try calling again.
Thank you for fighting.
To Whom it may concern,
The case of Bradley Manning is of such significance importance that I feel compelled to join the ranks of those demanding that he be judged fairly.
I respect that the complexity, and stakes involved in the decision making process of the military apparatus are beyond my capacity to understand. I know that more lives are at stake than just that of one soldier.
At the same time, I am, and represent the general public. In my case I am also a member of the international public. Although the case of Bradley Manning is not well covered by the media here, it is in the corner of a great many people’s eyes. I feel a responsibility to inform you of my observations in the hopes that it will compel you to do everything in your power to assure that justice is done. It is clear to myself and to all those of conscience that Bradley Manning is being and will be used as an example to dissuade other members of the military from following his example. It is clear that his human rights have been violated, and that if found guilty of the charge of “aiding the enemy” the rights of all people of conscience in the military will be violated.
One of the arguments for a compulsory military is that by including all levels and members of a society in its ranks, the military can assure that the decisions and actions of that body are checked and balanced by the conscience of all its members. Even though this is not the case in the US military, Mr. Manning has demonstrated that this mechanism can function. By punishing him for that which has functioned correctly you will destroy one of the last safety valves which prevents the US military from becoming that which great fascist militaries of the past were.
Please punish Bradley Manning for the crimes he committed. But do not, for those he didn’t.
I hope that it helps … for all of us.
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