Bradley Manning wants to tell court why he committed treason
About Michael John ScottMr. Scott is the owner and publisher of Mad Mike's America. He is a U.S. Army veteran, career law enforcement executive, and dog trainer. He is a university professor, and criminal justice consultant, holding several degrees, including a master's in criminal justice and human services. He has completed the requisite coursework toward his doctorate, and is still working on his dissertation.
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I’m going to take an unpopular position, at least for a guy who sits on the Left side of the aisle, in saying that Bradley Manning is no one’s hero. He is a criminal and a traitor who betrayed his oath to the United States Army and his promise to his country.
Pic courtesy of www.kevinwebb22.com
It’s not about the importance of what he leaked, but that he leaked classified material at all to the press. The military has a chain of command and it is the accepted mechanism for bringing issues to the attention of superiors. If those at the top of the chain want the press to have this information it’s up to them to release it, at a time and place convenient to the service. Manning was part of the military machine. There are no individuals in the military paradigm.
When Manning joined the U.S. Army he committed to the Armed Forces of the United States, not to himself or his own agenda. If everyone in the military, with security clearances, working with classified information were allowed to release whatever they saw to the press, chaos would ensue, and America would be subject to attack by its many enemies. There’s a reason for the rules, and the military cannot have soldiers running off on their own making their own rules, any more than they can allow a sergeant stationed in Afghanistan to start opening fire on innocent civilians.
This young private first class is no hero. He’s a criminal and needs to pay dearly for his crimes, so that others get the clear message that this sort of behavior is not acceptable, and that it puts America’s security at risk and threatens its very integrity.
Bradley Manning passed classified documents to WikiLeaks because he wanted to “spark a domestic debate on the role of our military and foreign policy in general,” says a statement he’s hoping to read in court tomorrow. The statement, which prosecutors read segments of at a press event today, would be Manning’s first public explanation for his actions.
Prosecutors are arguing that it shouldn’t be allowed, because Manning would be admitting to “uncharged misconduct”—admitting he was trying to spark debate, for instance, could open Manning to a charge of trying to “discredit” the US military, NBC News reports.
The battle comes on the same day the Pentagon agreed to publish 84 previously secret rulings in the case, the Guardian reports. Some of the rulings had paradoxically been read in court in front of journalists, but hadn’t been published. One example: Yesterday, the judge read a ruling stating that Manning had not been denied his right to a speedy trial, despite years of pre-trial incarceration, the AP reports.
Military courts and civil courts differ in procedure, and there will be no sympathy vote for his youthful looks, only a cold, direct look at the evidence; an intense examination that will be final and conclusive. I look forward to the decision, as we all, included Manning, have waited far too long for that “day in court.”
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James Smith
February 28, 2013 at 5:25 am
Right and wrong in this case is a slippery subject. Yes, he is certainly guilty of breaking his oath as a military man. To me, that seems beyond question.
Did he have a higher duty to humanity? If I discovered a close relative was guilty of a serious crime would I remain silent to protect not just the guilty party but the rest of my family? Would I be qualified to decide what was the better course?
It appears that no one has died as a result of this case or has even been seriously discomforted. Perhaps the government was, it’s true.
It can also be reasoned that all governments engage in covert acts that may appear sleazy and even illegal but also serve a higher truth.
I’m happy I don;t have to make the decisions in this case. OTOH, I’m not sure whom I would trust to be objective with it, either.
Michael John Scott
February 28, 2013 at 8:11 am
Trust is the key to this puzzle James. If Manning had trusted the chain of command he wouldn’t be where he is today; then again could those in the chain be trusted to move the issue up? Complicated, but the tree is poisoned, I think, when Manning betrayed his oath.
Joe Hagstrom
February 28, 2013 at 8:31 am
I could never figure out how a young private was put in a position to have access to this information. What were the higher ups thinking with this set up. Will any of them be at least dismissed for this incredible stupidity?
That still is no excuse for what Manning did. I’m in total agreement with you Mike.
Arthurofone41
February 28, 2013 at 9:20 am
I’m of the old school where being part of the military was an honor and a duty, and pricks like this sully that honor. I think he’s needs to be taken to outside, stood up against the wall, given a blindfold and a last cigarete and shot. SEMPER FI…..
Michael John Scott
February 28, 2013 at 10:24 am
Thanks for stopping by Arthur. I’m old school as well.
bensteel1949
February 28, 2013 at 4:26 pm
The libs are whining about this poor guy, how innocent he is, doing a public service, etc. I’m a liberal but I know better when it comes to this clown. The guy is a freakin’ traitor to his county. He doesn’t get to make the decision as to what needs to be released to the press. How this idiot got into this position speaks volumes about the militayrt screening system.
James Smith
February 28, 2013 at 4:47 pm
I tend to agree but it will still be interesting to hear his reasons. That is, if it’s the real reasons and not some coaching from a trial consultant. If he actually speaks his mind, it might give a clue about where we went wrong.
Damn, two fascinating trials in the same year. Manning and Pistorious. What a great time for the talking heads on TV!
Bill Formby
March 3, 2013 at 2:08 am
I have to be with Mike on this. While I normally lean left on most things one thing I cannot ignore and that is the oath and commitment one makes when entering the military. Aurturo while it is an honor to have served my country, I also feel that it is an obligation every man and woman in this country should undertake for a couple of years so they understand the meaning of sacrifice for the good of the country. When I was in the Marines there was nothing I would have ever done to betray my country. I had a Top Secret Clearance and would have never considered violating for any reason. In Private Manning’s case he is a traitor,pure and simple. There are no “if’s or but’s” about it. There are no higher callings than adhering to his oath. He is a traitor..