Today marked the first day in the ongoing trial against former intelligence analyst Bradley Manning, who previously pleaded guilty to 10 of 22 charges against him after submitting over 700,000 classified government documents to WikiLeaks. Manning faces life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge: endangering American lives by aiding the enemy.
Manning’s defense presented him as “naive but good-intentioned,” claiming his “struggles” while stationed in Iraq are what caused him to leak the classified documents.
In the defense’s opening statement this morning, prosecutor Capt. Joe Morrow unveiled the government’s secret weapon in the case against Manning: evidence that proves material found in Osama bin Laden’s hideout can be directly linked to the leaked documents.
Morrow also says materials submitted to WikiLeaks presented “potentially actionable information for targeting US forces,” and Manning “used his military training to gain the notoriety he craved.” During the rest of the trial, Capt. Joe Morrow plans to also convince a military judge that Manning “attempted to hide what he was doing,” which would prove he had a sense that what he was doing was wrong.
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Manning’s attorney, David Coombs, painted his client as an eager soldier wanting “to make Iraq a safer place.” After witnessing a troubling attack on a convoy with his comrades, Manning began struggling with his time in Iraq, and believed the information he released would ultimately lead to restrategizing the war in Iraq, making operations safer for US soldiers.
It was reported that Manning was also offered a plea deal, which would take a life prison sentence off the table if he pleads guilty. We’ll keep you updated as additional details are revealed.
Will L
“good-intentioned” is not an adequate defense in this case. Life in prison would be letting him off lightly.
charlestrubl
its too bad that more americans wont use his courage to do whats right. he is
definetly an American hero who sent people to jail who deserve it!
MikeE
@Will L: Manning release NO documents that put anyone in any form of danger.
ALL of the documents he leaked were either
1) diplomatic cables ((with “embarrassing” comments by AMERICAN diplomats regarding foreign heads of state), documents that put American foreign policy under a spotlight and clearly demonstrated the over-arching hypocrisy of the US government in relation to its supposed “allies”
or
2) videos of ILLEGAL actions taken under DIRECT orders of military leaders, such as the assassination of journalists and civilians.
The man isn’t a “traitor”. He’s a legitimate whistle-blower and as such deserves to be commended for his bravery at exposing illegal government activity.
LandStander
@MikeE: 100% right. It is hilarious that they tout the line “he put US soldiers lives at risk!”, when the leaks exposed illegal activities such as the killing of innocent civilians. But who cares about their lives right? As long as nobody finds out and gets mad at the U.S.
tchuy03
PVT Manning is a traitor and an admitted criminimal. Remember he has already pleaded guilty to 10 charges. This so called hero deserves the death penalty for hs crimes. The UCMJ is clean and consice in this matter.
jeff4justice
Bush and Obama deserve a war crimes trail. Manning is a hero.
Manning but no one in danger. The The 2-party system charade, their lie-based wars, and the voters who keep electing them over and over put us all in danger.
The 2-party system charade = war, pollution, poverty, and (as we see with today’s Supreme Court ruling on cops being allowed to take DNA without a warrant) the erosion of civil liberties.
greyhound1954
After Manning is found quilty, Obama should give him a pardon. Manning is a whistle-blower who assisted in exposing the hyprocrisy of American foreign policy. The fact that George W. Bush is walking around free while an enlisted man faces death or life in prison is a travesty. Bush is directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of American troops.
greyhound1954
After Manning is found quilty, Obama should give him a pardon. Manning is a whistle-blower who assisted in exposing the hypocrisy of American foreign policy. The fact that George W. Bush is walking around free while an enlisted man faces death or life in prison is a travesty. Bush is directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of American troops.
Gusteau
He will probably get more time in prison then some actual war criminals. Pathetic system…
Gusteau
He will probably get more time in prison than some actual war criminals. Pathetic system…
Caleb in SC
Just because he is gay, it does not give him a pass when he obviously broke the law. It is not the place for a PFC to determine whether American foreign policy is just or not. When he enlisted, Manning swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and obey the UCMJ and the orders of his superior officers. Not only has he broken the law, he violated his oath. These are not the actions of a “hero.”
2eo
Bradley Manning is perhaps the best example of American courage in the armed forces since Audie Murphy. He is a man who is only guilty of having a conscience and representing the ideals America was founded on.
He not only upheld the constitution, but also the freedoms it is supposed to represent. He should be getting a medal for his service.
Geoff B
Caleb, you are right. Yes, it can be argued he put no one’s lives at risk, but he didn’t know that then and it wasn’t for him to decide. He wasn’t forced to join the military, and he wasn’t forced to violate his oath. He was sworn to protect his country and chose not to. Wether his reasons were right or wrong to him doesn’t matter. We rely on our military to protect US.
Kieran
The funny thing is, if this guy were a Russian or Iranian being treated by Moscow or Teheran like this, he’d be held up by the media as a “political prisoner”.
It’s like “terrorism”. Who is a “terrorist” and who is a “freedom fighter” depends on whose ox is being gored.
miagoodguy
Worse than this traitor are those who defend his actions.
Polaro
I’m pretty sure he outed American agents or spies that were then killed. If he really wanted to air something specific that was evidence of a crime, that is one thing. Dumping every document he could get his hands on, whether it was a crime or actually risked US interests is idiotic. Manning is going to jail because he is guilty, that part is simple. He is a symbol, for sure, but just don’t be so quick to embrace his ineptitude. He betrayed the trust that was placed in him…and still cannot coherently explain why.
Caleb in SC
@Kieran: Ok, so if he stole all of those classified documents and gave them to a specific country, he would be a spy. But he stole classified documents and gave them to a forum open to all so it’s ok? Not buying it.
2eo
@Kieran: Indeed, these horrible show trials would have pride of place in Stalinist Russia, it’s the United States you are supposed to applaud people defending the ideals of the nation, which is empirically proven Manning has done.
War criminals are allowed to walk free, and someone who loves his country is persecuted by people who are fundamentally liars, and supported by people who are fundamentally stupid.
2eo
Judging by the comments and their commenting past, it’s clear to see that the less intelligent members [Caleb, Polaro, Balehead et al] are in support, but then they’re right wing people who not only don’t listen to reason but ignore the facts.
2eo
Perfect time to pull out how you’ve served Caleb, that’ll really show me who the man really is.
Caleb in SC
@2eo: Your personal attacks more than show what type of person you are. As for intelligence, I’ll stack up education against your any day.
Caleb in SC
And, by the way, I am the most liberal person you will ever meet. I do, however, have a crazy notion that people should not break the law for no good reason and then lie about why they did it. If I recall correctly, didn’t he initially say he leaked the information to protest DADT? Nevertheless, that excuse was BS because DADT was already voted by Congress to be repealed but had yet to take effect. Then, he switched his story and said it was to protest American foreign policy. The fact he can’t stick to one story speaks volumes.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Yes, you’re liberal like Joseph Stalin was liberal. There’s just no end to your trolling. If you want to live in a place where whistleblowers are prosecuted and killed, go to China. As a “liberal,” I’m sure it would be paradise for you. Stop trying to destroy my country with your fascist nonsense! America was made great by people like Bradley Manning – people who were not afraid to stand up to tyranny by exposing and fighting it. But unfortunately quislings like you are winning, as there is no doubt in my mind that the criminal Obama administration will have its way with Manning, just as it is having its way with the entire country.
2eo
@Fawkes: “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” – Malcolm X
Isn’t it sad that something said by Malcolm X of all people would be absolutely relevant in 2013. Because Wikileaks wouldn’t bow down to media demands for source namings and exclusives they decided to crucify Manning and Wikileaks.
Manning should be awarded the highest honours America can give, there are still many people in the nation with a conscience and ability to question evil things done in their name. Manning is a hero, a genuine American hero. There is no question.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: @2eo: Talk about ignoring facts!!! Ok, seriously, Fawkes and 2eo, and without personal attacks, please explain to me why Manning’s case is different from the I comment I posted above: If someone steals classified documents and turns it over to one country, they are a spy. If someone does it and makes it public, they are a whistle blower? The result is the same and the motivations are completely irrelevant.
mlbumiller
@Caleb in SC: Thats right. If he was having such a hard time he had many way to get out.
1. He broke military law, he release cliassified documents. it still not ok even if you feel that it didnt put ppl in harm. He swore an oath to follow orders, and disobyed them. He didnt follow procedures to make know his concerns.
2. Using the excuse that he was so stress is no reason.
3. There are ways to whisle blow within the military.
4. If you have never served in the Military, repeated the oath, signed the documents… really feel you do not know what the F**k yor are talking about!!
2eo
I was wondering when we’d get some eagle touting ultra patriotic right wingers on other than Caleb.
*sigh*
It’s a shame such closed minded people exist within our own community, and society at large, we’re supposed to be better than this. It’s 2013, the days of communist witch hunts and show trials are supposed to be over.
Caleb in SC
@2eo: I get it. You are incapable of arguing a point without personal attacks. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean that they are closed minded, and just because you say something does not mean it is true.
Caleb in SC
@2eo: By the way, I asked you to comment on my hypothetical without personal attacks. Not only did you engage (yet again) in personal attacks, you failed to address my sincere question. What is the difference between a spy and a whistle blower?
DuMaurier
Manning exposed some horrible, hidden truths the government was hiding, not to ‘protect lives’, but to protect iteself. I’m glad he did it (with the slight modification that I think that officials should have the right to privacy when chatting and/or grousing about foreign politicians) But the comments suggesting that not only we, but the legal system, should be celebrating and commending him are absurd. Part of the civil disobedience deal is you accept that in breaking the law for your higher cause, you willingly accept the punishment if you’re caught. That was the credo of Gandhi and Dr. King (and of course, their jail time actually helped their cause) I think Manning was over-charged, but he knew the deal going in. Maybe someday his picture will be on a postage stamp, but that time is not now.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Because what Manning did was expose corruption and human rights violations by the United States government. His intent, which has been clear, was to make the American public aware of the evils committed by their government as so it can be stopped. On the other hand, a spy’s goal is to undermine the targeted country with the hopes of bringing it down. Intent matters, though clearly not to trolls like you. As for personal attacks, you statists deserve to be personally attacked, just as pedophiles, murderers and rapists do. It is only by shaming the likes of you that we can hope to overcome the damage that people like you have done to this once-great republic.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Who is the troll? I disagree with your point of view and make no personal attacks, and YOU liken me to pedophiles, murderers, and rapists??? THAT, my Dear Sir, is a tactic right out of the Republican Party’s playbook. Congrats on your hate speech, TROLL. DO NOT FEED THE FAWKES TROLL!!!!!
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Are you so young that you don’t even remember that, until very recently, this “once-great republic” could have given a crap about our queer asses?
jeff4justice
@Caleb in SC: The 2-party system crooks also swore oaths but they all break the law or bend it to enabling them exemptions to be above the everyday citizens.
You don’t have to respect some stupid-ass law just because it’s a law. You also don’t have to have mindless allegiance to any idea once it becomes clear it’s no good.
Thank God brave, common-sense activists and whistle-blowers know this.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: I wouldn’t expect you to make personal attacks because being “polite” is the tactic of the fascists. They try to seem moderate to lure people in who are on the fence. But when they finally have the numbers amassed and have enough people sucked into their cause, they go for the nation’s jugular. Your tactics are as old as time. As for the “queer” comment, this country has never been perfect, but it has always been great. This is evidenced by the fact that oppressed minorities have repeatedly used the language of the Constitution and of the Founders to stake their claim to the rights they were born with but their government refused to recognize. Your lack of understanding this is once again evidence of your loathing of America. If you hate this country, fine, it’s your right to. But don’t parade around as some fake patriot troll as you repeatedly do. It gives real patriots who actually care about this republic a bad, bad name.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: You use the language of faux-Patriots, a/k/a the Tea Baggers to allegedly prove your point, but you really have no point, except to make random, nonsensical comments. Well done, Sir. Well, done.
Caleb in SC
@jeff4justice: When was the last time you were arrested for your activism? Are one of those that can talk the talk or are you one of those that only post anonymously from your computer, pontificating about that of which you have no personal knowledge?
I seriously love hove how I am attacked on this individual issue by so-called politically correct queers, but 99% of my other posts draw rickets. Baby gays need to study and respect our collective history before they put out their ill-informed, and ultimately, incorrect views.
Caleb in SC
*crickets*
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: The fact that you would use the word “queers” to demean gay people you disagree with shows your nature perfectly. You are driven by your self-loathing, not just of your sexual orientation, but of your country. People like you do what they do out of a deep hatred for their fellow man. If you want to sell yourself out to this out of control government then go right ahead. Stop trying to drag the rest of us down with you.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Jesus Christ, Fawkes, then you need to attack all of liberal academia and “Queer Theorists.” Are you that uneducated? Are you that unread? Are you that ill-informed about the language of anti-oppression? Get a life, get an education, and then post.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Seriously, how old are you? What is you level of education? Google the term “Queer Theory,” you’ll find it enlightening.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Since you are incapable of independent thought, here’s a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_theory.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Is all that back-pedaling making you dizzy, or is baby just cranky because he’s up past his bedtime?
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Ah, so the troll spewing the government’s message is going to lecture me about thinking for oneself? It must be April Fool’s Day again because nothing else would explain such an unbelievably sick joke.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Answer my questions: Are you that uneducated? How old are you? Baby gays need to know our history before they judge others, who sacrificed so they can build a better dance club.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Of course I know what Queer Theory is, schmuck. I also know a self-loathing gay boy when I hear one.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Still didn’t answer my questions. Oh, well. By the way, I am a gay MAN, bitch.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: I guess some else is past their bedtime! LOL!!!
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: I answered your stupid questions. Just because you don’t like answers that don’t involve licking government boots is your problem, not mine. And pardon me for mistaking you for a child, as you only think, behave and sound like one… bitch.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Oh, using my insult to you against me is so . . . fifth grade. I am going to bed now and am going to dream of a world where you and your uneducated views do not exist. I called it “Nirvana.”
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: You’ve really shown what an immature turd you are. You’ve added nothing to the conversation but statist ramblings and child-level insults. I’m really glad that the government has people like you to make them look worse than they already are.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: I’m thinking if anyone really looks over this thread, they will be convinced that YOU are the one who launched the personal insults and childlike insults. I got tired of your BS and you dragged me down to your level. My bad on that. It still does not excuse the fact that you cannot have anyone disagree with you without you attacking them. Par for the course for your posts.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Nope, just can’t have fascists like you go unanswered as if you’re speaking for the entire LGBT community. You are outnumbered and one day the evil you promote will be defeated.
Caleb in SC
@Caleb in SC: No, the evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with the bones. So let it be with you, if there is any good in those bones.
Again, I cannot simply disagree with you? Let it go.
2eo
@Fawkes: Don’t think I’ve ever seen such a lob-sided discussion. Caleb shows his true colours, but he was never good at hiding them anyway.
Caleb in SC
@2eo: Wow, the personal attacks just keep coming. Why do you never attack me on any other topic save this one? Because we agree on 99% of LGBT issues, but when it comes to this one, I can’t simply disagree without being personally attacked. I am fine with people having a differing point of view, but apparently Fawkes and you are not. Fine, but trolls like you are what ruin public discourse. Your lack of civility and polite discourse are as bad as those of the far right that seek to exterminate all LGBT people. Just saying.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: I guess you’re not aware of this, but there is such a thing as right and wrong. The thing about right and wrong is whether or not someone agrees or disagrees with it does not change what is good and what is evil.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: I get it — you are very young. You have not lived long enough to know that there is about 10% completely right and about 10% completely wrong, and the remaining 80% are shades of gray.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Spoken like a true moral relativist. There are certainly shades of gray on many matters, but this one is as clear as day, and could not be more so.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: No, not a moral relativist, just a person who has lived long enough to know. Sorry, my lawyer training has taught me as much. So go ahead and make personal attacks about that too.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Don’t need to. That fact speaks for itself.
Caleb in SC
@2eo: @Fawkes: Ok, I am fascinated by you two and would like to get to know you both. I created an email account that I am willing to throw out in public just so we can have discourse on various subjects. If you are so inclined, you can contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to it.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: I’ll pass, creep.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Olive branch extended and promptly burned. Nice.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Sorry, I’m not Neville Chamberlain.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: And I am not Hitler.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: It was a joke, lighten up.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Lighten up? After the vitriol that you and 2eo have given me? I am one against two (and sometimes three).
If you had been Chamberlain, you would have accepted my offer unconditionally, out of a sense of appeasement. Maybe I am Chamberlain and you are Hitler?
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Ugh, more melodrama. Spare us, please.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Thus spake Zarathustra!
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Classy.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: I learned from you!
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Well at least you’re capable of learning.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Do I have to repeat this?
Soft kitty, warm kitty
Little ball of fur.
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty
Purr purr purr.
Now close your eyes and let the adults have their happy time, i.e., time without your annoying presence.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: Awe, it’s so cute. You care about me enough to stalk me on two pages! Who ever said fascists don’t have a soft side?
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: If I am a fascist, the world is going to hell. Karma is a bitch — I am merely her messenger.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: BTW, that would have been funny had I not said, “Stalk me in the morning” on the other page. That, coupled with your remarks to me that I had already posted elsewhere about the GOP, lead me to conclude that you are incapable of independent thought. We’ll work on that in the months to come.
Fawkes
@Caleb in SC: I really have no idea what you posted about the GOP. I’ve only ever read your posts in regards to Bradley Manning. And again, it really is a sick joke to hear some big government troll who regurgitates nothing but talking points have the audacity to lecture me about independent thought. And with so many people like you, this world is going to hell, no doubt about it.
Caleb in SC
@Fawkes: Ok . . . whatever . . . you win . . . you can have the last word. Get over it.
mlbumiller
wow…. why dont Caleb, 2eo & Fawkes go get a room and fight it out? Can’t wait for some dipshit in Britian gives 700,000 classified government documents to WikiLeaks and see what happens.