posted on Nov, 30 2012 @ 07:22 PM
Having followed some of the Manning case, there are a few things that can be stated:
While it may have been noble that he did copy and release some of the information, all of which was classified, the real problem is that he did such.
While the government has tried and been struck down by the courts in the past, specifically the Pentagon papers, the facts remain, he did release
classified information to the general public.
As noble as his intentions may have been, he is still going to have to pay the price for getting caught. He did not release this to say a
publication, he released it to wikileaks, and got caught. While the information is deemed to be in the public interest, and the damage that it caused
from its releasal, has caused problems, what Private Manning did, in short was wrong and he did break the law.
While it may seem that his punishment is wrong, or even cruel, the question is what should he be entitled to while he is in jail? Is he fed,
cloathed, cared for and in short his health maintained? Yes it is, that is what the law, both the civillian and the military prescribes. As long as
they do not violate the UCMJ or the legal precepts put out, then he is not going to be released, nor should he be.
War is not a pretty thing, the movies do no justice, nor can they. People die, on both sides, and there are often wrongs that are further inflicted
during any armed conflict. People get hurt, die, that is the nature of war.
For my ownself, I do not believe he release all of that information, or had access to such, and if he did, then our government is in a far worse
situation. He is being used as a symbol, all though a poor one, but a symbol and a message for those who would follow in his footsteps and release
classified information.
Be it that he is innocent or guilty, it is now in the perview of the lawyers and the Court Martial board to determine such and what his punishment is
or should be. And if he is indeed guilty, then he needs to be punished, as perscribed by the law.