Presentation by Bradley’s attorney David Coombs, transcript and video
David Coombs, lawyer for PFC Bradley Manning. Photo by Owen Wiltshire.
December 3, 2012 presentation by Bradley Manning’s attorney David Coombs at the All Souls Church, Washington DC, hosted by the Bradley Manning Support Network. C-Span video below.
Transcript of David Coombs’ initial presentation:
Thank you, thank you. Well, I really appreciate the turn-out here and especially the turn-out by the press – thank you for that. As many of you know, I have not participated in any public events before today. I also avoid any interviews with the media. And it was and still is my belief that Bradley Manning deserves an attorney that is focused on what is happening in the courtroom and only what is happening in the courtroom and that is why I have chosen not to do media interviews at this point. But today, however, marks a milestone and it was actually suppose to be an ending point really to the motions hearings that we were going through, and it would mark the end of the motions phase working our way into the trial phase. And the motion that we were doing and, unfortunately, still are, is the unlawful pre-trial punishment motion. And it’s taking longer than expected, but I must tell you I’m not really that disappointed by that. I’m enjoying my opportunity to cross-examine those who had Bradley Manning in those conditions for nine months.
As I take an opportunity, though, to reflect on the last two years, I think it’s fitting that we’re here today at the end of the motion phase with a motion that really brought the world’s attention to this case and that was how Bradley Manning was being treated. Brad’s treatment at Quantico will forever be etched, I believe, in our nation’s history as a disgraceful moment in time. Not only was it stupid and counter-productive — it was criminal. An entire group of individuals, who I [have] no doubt are honorable men and women, chose to turn a blind eye to how Bradley was being treated. Those who could affect change, did not; they were more concerned about how the attention might be put on them if something happened to Brad as opposed to what was their conduct doing to Brad. But it turns out those same people cared about something more – and what they turned out to care about more was the media impact and for that, I must thank each and every one of you here today. I must thank each and every one who is listening or watching, because without you, change would not have happened. Your actions resulted in Brad being moved from Quantico to Fort Leavenworth, make no mistake about that.
And with your actions, the draconian conditions that he lived under for nine months came to an end. The magical waters of Fort Leavenworth apparently healed him and he was no longer required to live in the conditions that he was in. Now
we all know Brad cannot be here tonight, but he knows tonight is happening, and he wanted me to personally thank each and every one of you. Thank you for taking the time to write to him, for signing petitions, for attending marches, rallies and other public events. Thank you for writing to the military and to our government complaining about his conditions, thank you for donating to his legal defense, for volunteering at Courage to Resist and the Bradley Manning Support Network. But most of all, he wanted me to thank you for caring, caring about him. The battle that we have waged for the last two years could not have been fought without your help. And it has been a hard fight so far, we are currently at over 450 appellate exhibits in this case and that amounts to just over 20,000 pages of written motions and attachments. I am confident by the time this case comes to a conclusion, the record of trial will be the longest record of trial in our military’s history. And that record will reflect one thing – that we fought at every turn, at every opportunity, and we fought to ensure that Brad received a fair trial.
My office website can keep track of a few things, and I want to share some numbers with you that I am personally, I guess, happy to see and that is over 764,000 people today have gone and read at least something about Brad on my webpage. We’ve received over 72,000 pieces of mail for Brad since his beginning in confinement. Over 14,000 individuals have donated to either Courage to Resist or the Bradley Manning Defense Fund. And 754 supporters have donated directly to his legal defense fund managed by my office.
And today, I want to take the opportunity to thank you. Thank you for getting involved, thank you for taking the time out of your busy life not only to be here today and to listen to what I’m saying, but thank you for caring about Brad, thank you. When I’m in the courtroom, I stand up and I look to my right and I see the United States government, the United States government with all of its resources, all of its personnel. I see them standing against me and Brad, and I have to admit to you that can be rather intimidating and I was intimidated, especially when the President of the United States says, “Your client broke the law.” Especially, when Congress members say, “Your client deserves the death penalty.” I want to tell you, though, today as I stand here, I’m no longer intimidated. I am not intimidated because when I stand up, I know I’m not standing alone. I know I’m not alone because I turn around and I see the support behind me. I see members here today in the audience that are there every time we have a court hearing. I see, what now I’m going to affectionately call the “truth battalion,” those who wear nothing but a…well they were other things…they wear a black shirt, it has the word “truth” on it and they’re behind me. I look there and I know that I also have unlimited personnel and unlimited resources.
But perhaps the best evidence for me that I am not standing alone when I stand for Brad is a website called Iam[.]BradleyManning.org. I personally have to tell you, I go to this site at least once a day. I go to this site when I need to recharge my batteries after working a long day on the case, and I just peruse the photographs – people with a simple statement in front of their face, “I am Bradley Manning.” It’s amazing the power of those simple words. What those words mean to each individual, I do not know, but I want to take a moment to share with you what that may mean to Brad.
During our countless conversations, I had an opportunity to talk to him about his future. And I said, “Brad, what do you want to do when this eventually comes to an end?” And he told me that his dream would be to go to college, to get a degree. And as a young man, at that time he was 23, that makes sense. We all know that college degrees are pretty much the ticket to a productive future. So, I asked Brad, “Well, with that degree, what do you plan on doing?” And he said, “I want to go into public service.” I asked him what he meant by that. He said, “I want to join some sort of campaign group, go into public service, and perhaps one day run for public office.” And I asked Brad why would he want to do that and he said, “I want to make a difference. I want to make a difference in this world.” I can tell you that standing here today, I hope that someday soon, Brad can go to college. I hope that someday soon, he can, in fact, go into public service. But I am confident, as I stand here today, that Brad doesn’t have to worry about making a difference in this world– he has made a difference.
Last Tuesday, the President of the United States signed into law the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act. As President Obama was signing this bill into law, Brad and I were in a courtroom for the start of his unlawful pre-trial punishment motion. How can you reconcile the two? I don’t know the answer to that question. One of our nation’s most famous whistle-blowers, Daniel Ellsberg, has, on multiple occasions, spoken out for Brad. History has been the ultimate judge of his courage and sacrifice, history has judged him well. I hope that history will judge Private First Class Bradley Manning in a similar light. I thank you for coming here today, I thank you for listening to me.
Last night, David Coombs, defense attorney in the WikiLeaks case, US. v. Bradley Manning, gave his first public presentation to an audience of over 100 at All Souls Church in Washington DC. In addition to being defense attorney in one of the most controversial and important ongoing cases today, Coombs was described as being a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves having done 12 years of active duty, with 15 years experience practicing and teaching law. Additional speakers included Emma Cape and Kevin Zeese of the Bradley Manning Support Network, Michael Ratner of the Center for Constitutional Rights, Jesselyn Radack of the Government Accountability Project, and Marsha Coleman-Adebayo of the National Whistleblower Center. Media in attendance included C-SPAN, Reuters, CNN, CBS, 60 Minutes, Fox 5, Arte (Germany), Al-Jazeera, Channel 5 DC, EFE (Spanish news agency), and the DPA (German news agency), among others.
CSPAN video:
Mr. Coombs spoke on Bradley’s mistreatment at Quantico, Bradley’s personality and future dreams, Mr. Coombs’ own opinion of the military, and how having supporters worldwide inspired him and gave him hope. Bradley Manning spent the first nine months of his pretrial incarceration in a 6×8 ft cell in solitary conditions described as “degrading and inhuman” by the UN Chief Rapporteur on Torture Juan Mendez. Regarding Mr. Coombs’ lengthy ongoing motion to have Bradley’s charges dismissed due to ‘unlawful pretrial punishment,’ he explained, “I’m enjoying my opportunity to cross-examine those who had Bradley Manning in those conditions for nine months”
The audience was particularly excited to hear Coombs talk about Bradley as a person. Coombs said that Brad is one of the smartest young men he’d ever met, who does things from the heart, and relayed a conversation he had about Bradley’s future goals: ”And he told me that his dream would be to go to college, go into public service, and perhaps one day, run for public office. And I asked Brad, why would he want to do that? And he said, ‘I want to make a difference. I want to make a difference in this world.’”
While Coombs acknowledged he has been intimidated facing off against a government prosecution with “unlimited resources and personnel,” he relayed that actions by supporters gave him hope. He also acknowledged the political significance of his case, “It is by far the most important military case, but it’s a case that is significant for all of us,” says Coombs. “We live in a country that is built on freedom of speech. We live in a country that is built on government accountability and informed citizens.” He said that Bradley is “excited” his case is finally going forward.
Photos:
Original announcement below:
December 3, 2012
Washington, DC
6pm doors/refreshments – 7pm event
All Souls Church Unitarian
1500 Harvard Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
(2 blocks from the Columbia Hts Metro Station, Yellow/Green lines; also near the S2, S4, H8 and 42 bus lines)
On December 3, 2012, Army PFC Bradley Manning’s civilian defense lawyer David Coombs will make his first ever public appearance to provide an overview of pending defense motions before the court and other facts regarding U.S. v. Manning. Mr. Coombs is expected to focus on the unlawful pretrial punishment that PFC Manning was subjected to for nine months while at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia – the subject of international outrage and a UN investigation. The government’s denial of Bradley Manning’s right to a speedy trial will also be before the military court. Accused military whistle-blower and Nobel Peace Prize nominee PFC Manning has been in prison for over 900 days. His court martial is currently scheduled to begin February 4, 2013.
Thanks to the release of the documents in question, American journalists and citizens have a far greater window into the reality of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, and secret corporate influence on foreign policy. While no specific harm resulted from the release of this information, PFC Manning faces life in military prison if convicted.
A $5 to $10 suggested donation at the door will be collected to cover event expenses. The event will also feature brief presentations from Bradley Manning Support Network spokespeople Emma Cape and whistle-blower Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, and an appeal from David House in support of Bradley Manning’s defense fund.
Media are welcome to record Mr. Coombs’ presentation. This event will also be live-streamed at bradleymanning.org. We ask that you consider organizing a group viewing of the presentation. Go here to register, if you wish to host a public screening.
This handicap accessible event is hosted by the Bradley Manning Support Network, with the support of:
Center on Conscience & War
CODEPINK: Women for Peace
Courage to Resist
DC Metro Science for the People
Dorothy Day Catholic Worker – DC
Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace Committee
International CURE
National CURE
National Lawyers Guild
Peace Action Montgomery
Positive Force
Veterans for Peace – DC
Veterans for Peace – National
Washington Peace Center
Witness Against Torture
Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom – DC
World Can’t Wait
Frank Blackstone , Retired Military and Ashamed of the Govt and its ilegal actions all over the world and there Leaders suporting them at the highest levels . BUT one asks what can be done ..Power in Govt is far reaching and the money that they pass between one another and the things handed out to one another in Promotions and Ata-Boys at the highest levels on Military and Govt ..These things make them un reachable in there prosicution and desclosure of there acts of Astounding ilegal acts against the constution they are suposed to be defending , This Amerikan Govt is Corupt at the verry top and slithers through there corupt establishd comunity ..SECRECY is all they hide behind and the TRUTH is no ware to be found ..And telling on them is a child in the playground of humanity being punishd by a jealous teacher or Childish Bulley …Ashamed of this Govt and what they have become …What can be Done is a BIG QUESTION Un Answerd ..to demonstrate in the streets is to be rounded up by police and ridiculed by fellow Amerikans unaware of there own rights being violated ..SO WHAT TO BE DONE???..Anyone have that answer….LOVE to Hear it…Frank Blackstone ……out
Hi Frank and thanks for speaking truth to power. I am also retired from the military after 23 years of service from the Coast Guard. I too am ashamed of this government for its atrocious behavior around the globe and here in our own soil!!
As for your question regarding “what can we do”? I have embarked on a quest to become a United States National by rejecting to be a part of the Corporate UNITED STATES. The process by which you do this is called the “redemption” process. You will be able to fight the corrupt government we abhor.
To find out more, go to http://www.freedom-school.com.
You will be amazed at how corrupt our government truly is!!!
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Javier Gonzalez
I’m not American but I want to say all the same something. As a citizen and lawyer I’m disappointed and shocked about the treatment human beings get in the USA.
Amerikans receive the treatment through there own Actions of a Govt put in place by themselvs and Not standing up to Corruption at the top of a Govt that has been alowd to Rum Amok by the verry citizens that are suposed to be protected by these Elected Corrupt Govt and Military leaders Getting paid Laviously and protecting one another and hiding behind the verry Laws they pass to alow there Corruption to exist ..It is astonishing the lack of Amerikans aware of there Govt and Military Corruption going on and on and on and no end in sight ……Frank….out
Unfortunately, collusion between government and corporations to make the citizens complacent and malleable by use of media saturation, mis-information,
the gradual but persistent lowering of the standard of living for the 99% and the resultant decrease in education has all begun to serve the larger purpose of keeping the 1% wealthy and the rest of us either in jail or laboring for the 1%.
As long as at least 45 to 50% of the laboring middle class are fighting among themselves, then the job of keeping the 99% in line is far easier for the police, army reserves and private troops. Having an uneducated, non questioning, middle class also helps maintain the status quo. There won’t be an uprising until the workers ALL realize that Bill O’Reilley, Rush Limbaugh, etc are not looking out for “Joe the Mechanic”.
Yeah’ the un educated going into the enforcment of others is ever increasing , along with the Military Enlisted ranks looking for nothing more than a pay check. And the ones with education comming frome the Eletist Group educating the others to become followers and enforcers of there wills
This is nothing new ..It is generations old and growing and has become the Amerikan way .
And the few steping up and out of the line are fast to gain the rath of other fellow Amerikan that are following the leaders . Like ‘Lord of the Rings” It is the one with the sharp stik and forming its own laws that are self protectionism and written and re written to insure there survival at the top ..
Ah’ Bradley Manning now: He rated out something so Positivley Illegal in the Realm of Human and Governmental Laws ,BUT under the protection of Military and Govt. protectionism and vertualy un touchable as long as it is the winning side . There once was long ago . an Enquestioning force in Nuremburg to determin what was right and what was wrong when a Govt and its Military leaders did JUST THE SAME THING , Its rulling ended with long sentenances and death to some at the verry top .BUT only after determining WHO WON and who was left to Judge.
There is little to learn or to be done when a world is blinded by political Propogandizing ..I ask what could the people do ..It is realy Un Answerable ..The leaders hide behind the laws passd by citizens and enforced by the Ruling class ..Those that see can not and the ones wish they could are few and the others look away …So it goes on untill an outcome …Relegious sects call it Armogedon , Military call it Global domination , But maby one day it will come down to Throwing Rocks as Einstein once said …Frank Blackstone …..out
Laissez le en liberté !!
Free Bradley Manning
LIBERTE POUR BRADLEY MANNING SVP
Can someone respond to this matter? What has occurred since the first request for information from FOIA?
It says “can appeal” the army’s letter [see below],
and then, has it been appealed? What was the response the 2nd time? What is the nature of their review?
How do we get the federal govt to honor the FOIA and reveal this exploration by the army into the lives of U.S. citizens who are supporters of Bradley Manning?
Rather, how do we help the feds to NOT allow the army to commit another breach of justice by invading the lives of those who adhere to justice, to the laws of this land – simply because people support a person who revealed [?] the killing by the army of innocent iraquian lives, children, parents. This is unreal, what is happening, and the people of the U.S., whose tax dollars go to sustain wars that the people do not even agree with, have the right to know how those army soldiers and equipment are expending our dollars.
We have the right to know, and to conscientiously object to wrongful treatment of our citizens, Bradley Manning, and wrongful treatment or killing of innocent lives anywhere in the world. We have this right to know whether or not we will continue to support a federal govt that performs & sustains such heinous crimes as those viewed in “Collateral Murder.”
To view the letter I speak of, go to:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/98775790/Army-CID-Bradley-Manning-Support-Network-Letter
The letter from the army in response to the Manning support group’s request of the FOIA, as to what that army “criminal investigation” dept is doing investigating U.S. citizens who are merely supporting the just work & life of Bradley Manning.
Has anyone heard further, beyond that letter?
Let me know.
JM
We do not know anything further regarding the extent of the possible government investigation into the Bradley Manning Support Network. There may be a huge surveillance operation underway, or military police at Fort Meade may simply be keeping tabs on those of us you show our support for Bradley at the Main Gate and in the courtroom. Maybe pending FOIA requests, or simply the passage of time, will tell–but it doesn’t really change much regarding our efforts.
Bush lies us into war and gets a pension instead of jail, Manning tells the truth to get us out of war and goes to jail and is tortured.
Jerry, you said it all, short and sweet.
Very good response.
And yep – there is no real justice in Amerika.
The cognitive dissonance between the honorable actions of Bradley Manning and the selfish, corrupt high treason of General Betrayus and the respective way they have been treated under the so-called “Uniform” Code of Military Justice illustrates America’s downward spiral perfectly. Betrayus put our entire nation at risk from the highest level. We may never know to what degree our national security was compromised, but he’s walking around loose, probably working on a book and readying a speaking tour or hunting for a job with some innocuous-sounding fascist think tank. Meanwhile Manning was tortured for revealing war crimes that took place under that self-absorbed lunatic’s command, and is only now getting his day in court. How in the name of any pretense of justice is it possible that Betrayus is running around loose after putting the ENTIRE NATIONAL CIA PROGRAM at risk, while Manning has languished for years without a trial for a bunch of pissant Secret NOFORN cables? ON WHAT PLANET it possible that a Private First Class can outgun a Four Star General when it comes to the relative seriousness of the threat against national security created by their perceived breach of responsibility and the law?
Sorry, but what idiots are you ? What are you doing there ? Bradley Manning is for real the “absolutely enemy of the Al Kaida” and islamic fascists. everybody knows that. For real, the CIA is the chief and supporter of Al Kaida. They supported Al Kaida in Afghanistan, Bush was a good friend of the Bin Laden Clan, and, as i wrote in internet, Hillary Clinton at last had to tell the truth, CIA was the chief of Al Kaida. We, the friens of Bradley Manning dont support Al Kaida. We are for Tahir Movement, in all islamic states, and for “green revolution iran”. But the CIA supports Saudi Arabia and the Scharia and the crimes against humanity in Saudi Arabia and strongly support the islamic fundemtalists. So it is needed to get a real “sherlock holmes” detectivce from Den Haag, to proof, that CIA is the reason for WTC attack, what is a result of the support of Al Kaida, that the US millitary make conspiracy with Al Kaida, that today, in syria, lybia, tunesia, they make conspiracy with the “enemy”. So this liars sitting there and tell, uuuhhh, Bradley Manning supported the enemy, no, Bradley faught the enemy, with what ? With bringing the facts over them all into the public, and tell the people the truth about them. OK, for simle and stupid canniballs like the “Holzhacker from germsland” which psychophatic infect the US environement and frack the whole USA, its not to understand, what the strategy of “whistleblowers” is. Whistleblowers help, with information to deescalate the conflicts and the last what Al Kaida wants or all the other state terrorists is, inforamtion about them. So as the CIA is the biggest drug dealer on the whole planet, dealing the afghanistan opium with thoudands of tons. It is recommended to make a accusation agaisnt this CIA conspiracy, cause everybody know, that they support the criminal fascists, like they supported Adolf Eichmann. It seems now, that they must be “psychophatological” liars and insane psychophats, from what the US citiziens must be saved, before they make their pervert experiments with the US citiziens like in shutter island. So go to Den Haag of found a “institution” which brings Bush war criminals to court, and stop this psychophatical cannibals in US Army.
Bradley Manning is a beacon of light for humanity.
“Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.” Louis Dembitz Brandeis, Other People’s Money—and How Bankers Use It (1914), Chapter V.
“We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” Louis D. Brandeis. As quoted by Raymond Lonergan in Mr. Justice Brandeis, Great American (1941), p. 42.
Social injustice (distributive injustice and economic disparity) is a social disease. Shining a light on social injustice and the machinations of the power elite is a courageous act that benefits the public interest and all humanity.
Peace.
What no one is saying in a succinct manner is that the government has no case and no reason for their inhumane treatment of Bradley other than to try to prevent anyone else from exposing government illegality and corruption.
Reading these Comments is interesting But does little to determin the outcome of this Little Pvt in the Mighty Military system determind to squash him like a bug and burrey him telling there unwawfull acts against humanity . It is only the looser ever get punishd and the Military and Govt beleive thimselvs the winners ..The people of Amerika are So far devided that the front is like the back and Standing united is far from either. anyone speaks out is fast ridiculed by the majority that has no idea the things that are being spoken out about .Sadley how many think Manning is the Enimy and needs to be silencd..when they themselvs are the enimy he was trying to inform ..
So few speak up and So very many dont care .And the Ruling class with power continue to do whatever they want ..Change can only come about with united people speaking out as one ..Small country like the Philippines did it and the Mighty U S Amerika lookd on and never took a single note ..It takes more than a few , as the protesters in the parks learnd ..while the majority lookd on and stood silent or laughtd at them ..To Do Nothing when a crime is being comited is is the bigest lie and crime of all..But to be abel to understand there is a crime being commited is for some hard to see ..
So realy there is little to be done , The Majority goes out and votes for the ones they think will lead sensably and the lesser of there evel politican in there opinions ..when usualy neither can care less for the citizens ,,it is self government and protection that alows the coruption to continue while the Citizens do little or nothing …
Sad indeed to write this …Frank Blackstone ..
Wow I just watchd david Coombs video , He aplauds the military Court systenm , I found that particularly interestin as I disagree whole heartedly , There was once a verry interesting article publishd in News week magazine I beleive , It was publish beceause A young enlisted man had found serious descrepencies in an inspection and gone to the local NIS office to report it , No sooner had he left than the office calld his Co telling them of serious alogations by this enlisted man ..Well they were certainly waiting for him at his ship…His Family had to enlist the help of the local FBI office to git him protection..WELL NOW ,,THE ARTICLE MENTIOND: The FBI made public and it was publishd the NIS and Military Justice is For the Military and in the interest of the Military and No one can expect justice frome telling on there descrepancies . AND WENT ON TO SAY..Anyone descovering a descrepancy should beware of the NIS and Military help..as they will prosicute the indevadual trying to make desclousure,
SO David Coombs thinks there Good and Honest ,HOWEVER…they are for the Best Interest of there Military ..So how can this be Honest and Truthfull? Anyone care to Ask Mr Coombs??
I am not impressed with Manning’s lawyer David Coombs.
First, he does not appear to understand importance of media so he doesn’t talk to them. He should be pounding on the media and not letting the trial be quietly ignored. He has a very important role here.
Second, his high praises of military court are in stark contrast to Ratnick’s description. The military is on trial too and probably will find itself innocent.
Third, his history of Army to Army reserve and unemployed unable to find a job (he cannot excite employers) so he has to hang out his shingle.
Fourth, his discription of himself and how he met his wife sounds nerdy but I won’t say more.
Fifth, his overall demeanor is uninspiring, to say the least.
To Brad and friends at Courage to Resist: beware.
Skeptical One, very good response. We have three lawyers in our family (non-military) but they all three have told us that the “connections” the lawyers have with the judges, the friendships, bondings, “understandings” goes a long way towards being able to win or loose a case.
It’s all about who you know and who you bl**.
I’m very disappointed in Coombs as well.
But than again, I no longer trust our government.
Our government leaders, including our military have sold their souls to satan.
Research Bohemian Grove.
Coombs is a big let down, a do nothing. I wish some high profile lawyer with real connections would have taken Bradley’s case.
But again, our entire Amerikan system is now under the domain of satan and I wasn’t always a Bible Thumper. I don’t say this lightly.
Two troubling points linger after David Coombs’ presentation:
(1) David Coombs presented a long and detailed defense of the Military Court Marshall process. **However, not once did he assert that he believed his client, Bradley Manning, was innocent of the charges against him. Not once did he say that he considered his client a whistleblower.** I find this very troubling. (2) How can David Coombs possibly assert, with total confidence, that client-attorney privileges were being respected, specifically, that his conversations with Bradley M were not being monitored? No one in their right mind would expect tape recorders to be left on the top of a table for everyone to see.
It is rather inspiring to read so much ‘real’ comment here ….and to see the extent [and depth] of the support Bradley has gotten. We have been involved in a small way through firedoglake.com for some time. I am sorry that ‘firedog’ had not led to the other, more profound and effective support as we have now found ….and are excited to join. Thank you all for your perspicacity and your courage.
Julian Assange also deserves greater support ….as the bully our Nation has become knows very little restraint when it comes to exercising its power.
It is a great sadness to have to write so piteously of our country. It was once an ideal and a hope to so many of our parents who believed in it, gave their lives for it.
I remember seeing “Hiroshima, Mon Amour” in the early fifties, walking out of the theater and barely making it to the no-parking signpost to hold my body up, so wracked with shame and pain….
To see no end to the ‘collateral damage’ our violence continues to inflict is a grief I shall never forget ….because of it I have left this world and begun work on the next.
We shall nonetheless battle injustice until there is no more of it, so help me God!
Bradley Manning’s lawyer, Coombs and our military judicial system suck BIG TIME.
Bradley Manning should have gotten a medal and the Nobel Peace Prize – not Mohammad Obama.
There will be justice, unfortunately not within this lifetime here on Earth.
OJ kills two people, Casey Anthony killed her own baby as did Patsy and John Ramsey and they get off scott free.
So did the helicopter pilots giggling about gunning down fellow human beings.
Bradley Manning, a human with real honor gets life imprisonment for snitching on our Government’s wrong doing.
Lady Justice is deaf, dumb and blind.
I have no faith in our government nor in our judicial system, both private and military.
Coombs, you’re not working hard enough, you’re not connecting with the right people…..Bradley deserves better.
even though I’m a Thai citizen, i feel for Bradley manning and all the inhumane treatment he’s been through. when asked how many Thai’s would like an opportunity to be American, you’d see countless raised hands as they know it to be the “land of opportunity and freedom”. which obviously includes the right to information by the general public. why then is Mr. Manning being put through all of this insanity? is it because he chose the righteous path of humanity and disclose the truth or is it because he followed what was preached to us since child hood; non violence?
if only the people here were aware of the situation in the states,i can guarantee, not a single hand would be raised for a green card.
even if after all the support by the people Mr. Manning isn’t favored and released, i am glad I’m not a citizen of the “big Nation” where torturing is the ultimate result of humanity.