Bradley Manning Finally Gets a Hearing

Next week, as the country’s Christmastime frenzy is in full swing, a 24-year-old American Army private will be on trial for his very life. His supporters say “we are all Bradley Manning,” and perhaps they are right. His first hearing since he was arrested in May 2010 and put in military custody takes place on … Continue reading “Bradley Manning Finally Gets a Hearing”

No One Supports the Troops More Than Bradley Manning

Even though the yellow ribbons of the Bush era are out of fashion, the admonition to support our troops continues to grate. In January 2006 then-Los Angeles Times humor columnist Joel Stein wrote an inflammatory oped titled “Warriors and Wusses.” “I don’t support our troops,” he began. “But I’m not for the war. And being … Continue reading “No One Supports the Troops More Than Bradley Manning”

Fair Trial for Manning Now Impossible

The credibility of the military justice system is being undermined by the prosecution of Bradley Manning. His abusive punishment without trial violates his due process rights, his harsh treatment in solitary confinement violates the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, and now the commander in chief has pronounced his guilt, making a fair trial impossible. … Continue reading “Fair Trial for Manning Now Impossible”

Prisoner Isolation, From Jefferson Davis to Bradley Manning

One hundred and forty-five years later, the room was almost pleasant. There was an embrasure with an open window at the extreme end of the casemate, looking out over the moat and the pretty buildings of Fort Monroe beyond. The sun played over the water and sent dazzling reflections back into the room, which boasted … Continue reading “Prisoner Isolation, From Jefferson Davis to Bradley Manning”

We Are All Bradley Manning

The following is a speech given by Kevin Zeese in support of Bradley Manning at Bus Boys and Poets in Washington, D.C., on March 13, 2011. His cell is six feet wide and twelve feet in length. It has a bed, a drinking fountain, and a toilet. At 5:00 a.m. he is woken up. He … Continue reading “We Are All Bradley Manning”

Punished for Seeking a More Perfect Union

Reports that Bradley Manning is being held nude every night at the Quantico brig and is forced to stand naked in the hallway while he waits for his clothes shows the inconsistency of Manning’s treatment with basic American values of due process, fair trial, and human dignity. Here is how his lawyer, David Coombs, describes … Continue reading “Punished for Seeking a More Perfect Union”

Manning Prosecutors: The Enemy is Us

Having held Private First Class Bradley Manning prisoner for nine months, under conditions tantamount to torture and beyond doubt intended to break his will, the US Army recombobulated its allegations against him on Wednesday, adding 22 counts to an already lengthy charge sheet. As a practical matter, these changes probably don’t make a lot of difference to … Continue reading “Manning Prosecutors: The Enemy is Us”