After years of abuse in confinement from denying him a charge to denying him counsel, Pfc. Bradley Manning finally had a trial on the most serious charge against him: aiding the enemy. He was convicted on lesser charges. The verdict should again focus attention on the mistreatment of Manning by the Obama Administration for leaking classified reports and diplomatic cables. Many of these documents showed that the U.S. government was lying to the public and to its allies.
Manning previously pleaded guilty to 10 of 22 counts of lesser charges in giving the documents to Wikileaks. He could still face a long sentence and the Obama Administration has clearly worked to make an example of him after he embarrassed the government with both the public and allies.
The documented abuse of Manning by the Obama Administration while in custody will result in a four-month credit toward his sentencing. Yet there has been virtually no demand for the punishment of those responsible for the abuse.
The acquittal is a victory for military justice. There was never any evidence of an intent to aid the enemy and the overcharging of the case was indicative of the excessive response of the Administration — the same pattern shown with Snowden and Assange. Of course, those false or controversial communications in these documents have not been the focus of coverage by the media.
The verdict is also a vindication for the defense in taking a plea on the earlier charges to focus on the most serious charge.
Source: Politico
This is very on topic, matter of fact it’s right over the target in 11 seconds.
Infowars Film Fest: Movie on Drone Murder Wins Second Place
The $10,000 second place winner
http://www.prisonplanet.com/infowars-film-fest-movie-on-drone-murder-wins-second-place.html
@Dredd – Mithras? No I don’t confuse him with Jesus. It is said that the birth of Mithras was a virgin birth, like that of Jesus. No ancient source gives such a birth myth for him. Mithraic Studies states that he was born as an adult from solid rock… like the Perseus myth…
When reading this teachings of you-know-who (1 Timothy 4:1) I can only think of one thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62Qfbrc1jdo
😉
If convicted of “aiding the enemy,” Bradley Manning could have faced life in prison.
But convicted of a swarm of other ridiculous charges, he now faces up to 130 years in prison.
What a victory for military justice that he doesn’t face “life in prison.”
As the Chinese say: “Kill the chicken, scare the monkey.”
Motive is not relevant to the doctrine. Necessity and the net effect are relevant. Drunk driving is a facile analogy. Drunk driving is never okay . . . unless it was done out of necessity for the common greater good. Consider: Billy Bob getting loaded on PBR and wheeling down the road whether someone is harmed or not is malum prohibitum and his mens rea is irrelevant. Jimmy Ray, drunk, finds a woman bleeding out in the parking lot although he’s called a cab already as he is a responsible drunk. The hospital is five blocks away. He drives her there and her life is saved by his timely albeit technically criminal intervention. The Doctrine of Necessity dictates that to punish Jimmy Ray for driving drunk is unjust and inequitable. Circumstance controls the Doctrine of Necessity, not mens rea.
Gene: “He’s being scapgoated, as is Assange and Snowden, for doing a lesser wrong for the greater good.”
You brought motive into it. I simply responded.
Tony: I’m hardly a binary thinker. Calling Manning a hero demeans all real heroes. Heroes aren’t merely interested in saving their own behinds.
What some seem to forget, or perhaps not realize, that the actions of whistleblowers has a common law corollary in the Doctrine of Necessity: in which extra-legal (or ultra vires) actions by state actors designed to restore order or to prevent or mitigate disaster are found to be constitutional and otherwise excusable. The Doctrine of Necessity in equitable application applies to whistleblowers – military or civilian – taking actions that would otherwise be criminal or tortious to expose an even greater wrongdoing by governmental (or corporate) actors. If the harm being exposed is greater than the harm in acts toward exposition, it is just and equitable that those lesser transgressions be excused in pursuit of the greater justice and the greater common good.
Did Manning “do wrong”?
Yes he did.
But it pales in comparison to the wrongs by other state actors that he revealed.
He’s being scapgoated, as is Assange and Snowden, for doing a lesser wrong for the greater good.
That’s neither just nor equitable.
Gene, Manning’s motives weren’t pure, so he couldn’t have been “doing a lesser wrong for the greater good.” That it may have turned out that way is of little consequence. Using that same logic, driving drunk is okay, so long as no one gets injured and no property damage is done.
sonofthunderboanerges 1, July 30, 2013 at 5:02 pm
“I, Bradley Edward Manning, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies … domestic … That’s a big difference from violating the ESPIONAGE ACT of 1917 which Bradley clearly did with intent.
I think it can be clearly established that Julian Assange and Bradley Manning are WORKING for a so-called friendly country to USA …
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The supreme law is the Constitution, the Espionage Act is a lesser statute which the military judge said was not violated.
That friendly country is called the people who made and ordained the Constitution which puts them first.
A domestic enemy is one that considers that friendly country, the people, to be an enemy.
Such as the military NSA who is spying on them because they are a domestic enemy.
Manning, Snowden, and the rest are trying to show us that the NSA blackmails high government officials, all the way up to presidents, so they can spread the coup.
Those patriots (e.g. Ellsberg, Manning, Snowden) are the true heroes.
Your comment advocates an espionage act.
And BTW, read up on Mithras, the one you mistakenly call Jesus in comments from time to time.
@Squeeky Fromm, Girl Reporter – It’s funny you should mention B-52’s going to bomb someone allegedly innocent… I wonder when Julian, Bradley, and Snowden are going to uncover the deep dark secret POTUS-43 tried to hide from the American public in 2007 about 2 such aircraft loaded with nuclear warheads (AGM-129’s with W80-1’s) destined for western middle east to be off-loaded onto a “friendly” nation’s heavy bombers (F-15I Thunder’s – 69 “Hammer” Squadron) to nuke strategic targets of opportunity east of the Zagros mountains. Thank God for JCoS Admiral Michael Glenn “Mike” Mullen told POTUS-43 to go f&&& himself and told the planes to stand-down and return to Minot AFB in ND! They had made it all the way to Louisiana – Barksdale AFB.
Source: You know who… 🙂
Lets not even bother classifying information, anymore. After all, shouldn’t everyone in the entire world have access to everything? And why bother making people promise they will protect information, if we’re just going to pat them on the head and send them home, if they don’t.
I’m looking for information about PROMIS. It is supposed to be a federal prosecutors’ system but it also includes information about investigations. Supposedly it is a really super high tech system that can read data in from other systems.
Release the truth-teller now; free Bradley Manning from US military imprisonment and torture; aided and abetted by bho.
dredd and anon yours:
I think Snowden is a hero, and Assange. Manning is different. He was in the Army, the “service.” He was not asked to do anything illegal that I know of. let me give you a hypothetical. A flight of B-52s is on their way to bomb the crap out of an enemy force. Innocent cows, horses, and sheep will also die. Even little kittens and puppies.
A PFC, who is also a member of PETA, lets the enemy know the flight plan, so they can scatter, thus negating the purpose of the bombing raid, and thus saving the poor innocent little animals. I love little animals, but I would be calling for a firing squad. People in the military are expected to follow orders, and obey the rules. They don’t even get to commit adultery. These rules are for good reason. You don’t really truly want people with dangerous weapons doing their own thing.
Sooo, IMHO, a brick wall, a blindfold, and a last cigarette is what Manning had coming.
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
WikiLeaks On Bradley Manning Verdict: ‘Extremism From The Obama Administration’
By CALVIN WOODWARD
07/30/13
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/wikileaks-bradley-manning_n_3678046.html
Excerpt:
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange branded Pfc. Bradley Manning’s espionage conviction Tuesday an episode of “national security extremism” while other supporters expressed relief that he was acquitted of the most serious charge. Among Manning’s critics, House intelligence officials said justice was served.
From the courtroom to world capitals, people absorbed the meaning of a verdict that cleared the soldier of a charge of aiding the enemy, which would have carried a potential life sentence, but convicted him on other counts that, together, could also mean a life behind bars. Manning faces up to 128 years in prison if given maximum penalties in a sentencing hearing that starts Wednesday.
In Washington, the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House Intelligence Committee joined in a statement declaring “justice has been served today.”
“Manning harmed our national security, violated the public’s trust, and now stands convicted of multiple serious crimes,” said Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, chairman of the House Intelligence committee, and Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the panel’s top Democrat.
Assange, whose website served as the conduit for exposing Manning’s spilled U.S. secrets to the world, saw nothing to cheer in the mixed verdict.
“It is a dangerous precedent and an example of national security extremism,” he told reporters at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, which is sheltering him. “This has never been a fair trial.”
Glenn Greenwald, the journalist, commentator and former civil rights lawyer who first reported Edward Snowden’s leaks of National Security Agency surveillance programs, said Manning’s acquittal on the charge of aiding the enemy represented a “tiny sliver of justice.”
And Christian Stroebele, a German lawmaker for the opposition Green Party, tweeted: “Manning has won respect by uncovering the U.S.’s murderous warfare in Iraq.”
But the advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said the verdict is a chilling warning to whistleblowers, “against whom the Obama administration has been waging an unprecedented offensive,” and threatens the future of investigative journalism because intimidated sources might fall quiet.
Siince my first comment I’ve given this some thought. The “not guilty” verdict might have been some clever PR to give the appearance that this was a fair trial. No trial is a fair trial when the defendant has been tortured and in solitary for years. With this judgment they can still sentence him for life and to many in the public they will be mollified thinking justice was served.
Gene,
Actually 150 years is possible…. But…. I’m surprised by the verdict….
I’d like to take this moment to remind everyone that Manning still faces over a century in prison.
Jill 1, July 30, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Dredd, I think the govt. covers up wealth inequality over and over because they can’t have people realize what is happening. Most Americans are getting poorer but think they are to blame. Worse yet, we still hate poor people. Manning exposed a crucial cause of that inequality; constant warfare. Drones, surveillance, arms dealing, etc.–all the accouterments of the “war” on terror, paying for those is sucking the life out of most people. At the same time it makes a very small group of people incredibly rich.
Illegal diversion of wealth into the hands of a few is dealt with through several mechanisms. Manning’s trial works as a feel good moment for some. Sending a message that no one had better speak up about where the money is going or what is being purchased with it– very effective lesson.
It is essential for the govt. to pit people against one another. A united populace is a scary thing to a colluding block of powermongering thieves.
So USGinc. is going after their whistleblowers and opposition in the public by all means at their disposal. If we could break through the illusions that keep us apart, we would be a force to reckon with.
In this regard I look at the Egyptians with awe. They are starting the “Third Square” movement. They are faceing a murderous govt. and they seem to understand how to work through all the lies and pull together to demand justice. When they fail, they keep trying.
=============================
Well said.
I hope the Egyptians understand that their military is not a friend in all circumstances.
So far, the Egyptian people are competently playing the cards they have been dealt.
Katie Couric Exclusive Interview with President Obama and John MCain
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4472925n
Katie asks both candidates about deception (aka lying). Notice how Mr. Obama takes the narrow and difficult road with his answer… however he allowed for EXCEPTIONS… John McCain’s answer is not needed to be viewed if you don’t wan too. Just listen to Mr. Obama’s answer to Katie…
With this in view and the Biblical scripture below, why is it a shock to you JT that people in Washington lie and deceive for all kinds of valid reasons? IMHO Manning will get the same treatment as Christopher Boyce of TRW/CIA infamy. Google him and see how doing the CIA a favor gets you a life sentence that doesn’t actually involve doing any real time in jail (so to speak). I mean you and your partner are ALLOWED to escape a SuperMax prison, commit 17 bank robberies, then when returned by USMS only spend a short time before being let free…
I wonder who was DCI in 1977 when all this happened? Hmmm… “Could it be &&&&&!” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62Qfbrc1jdo – Church Lady from SNL – or his close 2nd on earth? The guy who just loves Dana Carvey (aka The Church Lady – click on Carvey’s impersonation of the DCi/VPOTUS/POTUS) (LOL)
Daniel’s Prophetic Scripture About Today – of all places from ancient Iraq (aka Babylon)
“And as regards these two kings, their heart will be inclined to doing what is bad, and at one table a lie is what they will keep speaking. But nothing will succeed, because the end is yet for the time appointed.” – Daniel 11:27
Dredd, I think the govt. covers up wealth inequality over and over because they can’t have people realize what is happening. Most Americans are getting poorer but think they are to blame. Worse yet, we still hate poor people. Manning exposed a crucial cause of that inequality; constant warfare. Drones, surveillance, arms dealing, etc.–all the accouterments of the “war” on terror, paying for those is sucking the life out of most people. At the same time it makes a very small group of people incredibly rich.
Illegal diversion of wealth into the hands of a few is dealt with through several mechanisms. Manning’s trial works as a feel good moment for some. Sending a message that no one had better speak up about where the money is going or what is being purchased with it– very effective lesson.
It is essential for the govt. to pit people against one another. A united populace is a scary thing to a colluding block of powermongering thieves.
So USGinc. is going after their whistleblowers and opposition in the public by all means at their disposal. If we could break through the illusions that keep us apart, we would be a force to reckon with.
In this regard I look at the Egyptians with awe. They are starting the “Third Square” movement. They are faceing a murderous govt. and they seem to understand how to work through all the lies and pull together to demand justice. When they fail, they keep trying.
Squeeky Fromm, Girl Reporter 1, July 30, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Some of these comments are UNBELIEVABLE. Manning was in the Army, and while in uniform you do not get to “do your own thing.”
…
==================================
The Code of Military Justice requires soldiers to disobey illegal orders.
The supreme commanders of the military and the supreme commanders of the civilian government, the people, command whistleblowers to put the people first, and command that such whistleblowers be protected for their patriotic whistleblowing.
Otherwise presstitutes like you will flourish and the people’s freedom will die.