Excerpt: "Is this Quantico or Abu Ghraib? Officials have confirmed the 'non-punitive' stripping of an American soldier who has not been found guilty of any crime. This 'non-punitive' action would be considered a violation of the Army Field Manual if used in an interrogation overseas."

Rep. Dennis Kuchinich says the stripping of Bradley Manning is a violation of the Army Field Manual. (photo: AP)

Is This Quantico or Abu Ghraib?

By Rep. Dennis Kuchinich, Reader Supported News

05 March 11

fter initial allegations of mistreatment, I requested a visit with Private First Class Bradley Manning, the soldier accused of leaking classified information to WikiLeaks, to see for myself the conditions of his treatment.

Despite the fact that Manning has not been found guilty of any crime, his lawyer reports that he is in isolation 23 out of 24 hours every day, conditions which may violate his 8th Amendment protection from 'cruel and unusual' punishment. This treatment is in stark contrast to a presumption of innocence and raises questions of whether Pfc. Manning can be fit for trial.

My request to visit with Pfc. Manning must not be delayed further. Today we have new reports that Manning was stripped naked and left in his cell for seven hours. While refusing to explain the justification for the treatment, a marine spokesman confirmed the actions but claimed they were "not punitive."

Is this Quantico or Abu Ghraib? Officials have confirmed the "non-punitive" stripping of an American soldier who has not been found guilty of any crime. This "non-punitive" action would be considered a violation of the Army Field Manual if used in an interrogation overseas. The justification for and purpose of this action certainly raises questions of "cruel and unusual punishment," and could constitute a potential violation of international law.

The Army Field Manual, 2-22.3 (FM 34-52): Human Intelligence Collector Operations, Page 5-21, section 5-75 clearly states that: "If used in conjunction with intelligence interrogations, prohibited actions include, but are not limited to -- Forcing the detainee to be naked, perform sexual acts or pose in a sexual manner."

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+88 # rangerrandy 2011-03-05 09:15

Why is this man not being put on trial?
What is happening to the justice system in the U S A?
What justification does the government have for the mistreatment of this person?

+92 # Riley1 2011-03-05 10:22

They have no real evidence to put this man on trial. They that hold him incarcerated are in fact guilty of torture so then can force this soldier to admit to crimes they choose to charge him with under duress.
You have to realise the USA does not in fact have a legal system.
It has a political system which is totally polarised and partisan. The definition legal is invalid in this context.
The current US administration has no justification at all to treat an american citizen in this way and have choosen the draconian act called the patriot act to control all US citizens by the threat of being held incumunicado for whatever time period of thier choosing without being arrested , charged. and brought to trial. Although charges can be arrained against the individual concerned . A very kafaesque situation indeed.
The old addage applies here. You can fool the people all of the time and they can be made to fear government legislation. That is called control. They also call that democracy sadly in the USA of today .. Read President Eisenhower on the Military industrial complex and what it's true purpose is.
You will gain a better understanding of what is happening in the USA.
I could go further here and give you game , set and match . However you wont thank me as i am sure you would prefer to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

+19 # Gene Small 2011-03-05 11:18

Riley1, Well said!

+24 # BobHG 2011-03-05 18:43

Regrettably, the founding fathers set up the constitution so that they could control everything, even suffrage, and to-day, sadly, the US has become a fascist state, or, at worst, a plutocratic ogligarchy. Few listened to Eisenhower. Greed overcame restraint and now US hegemony beggars belief, driven by the gravy train of the military-industiral-congressional complex. Recently, the phoney "War on terror" was conscripted to disguise the truth of US intentions - ubiquity. In the meantime, millions of Americans live in reduced circumstances, whilst their tax dollars are squandered on needless invasions and they are fed economies of the truth by state-controlled media. If the US really considers itself the de facto world government, then it needs to lead by example and desist from bullying dissenting voices into submission.

+14 # genierae 2011-03-06 06:10

"control everything, even suffrage" Anyone who pays attention will realize that the corporate Republicans are working very hard to abolish every program that improves women's lives and helps them to be independent. These neanderthals want to take our country back to the 50s where women were only seen in the background, as household slaves, subject to their husband's rule. They are terrified that a majority of women will wake up and demand equal say in their government. If this should happen, their tyranny would end, and so they must put us back into the domestic cage that we broke out of, if they want to hold on to power. Easier said than done, we will never again allow ourselves to be muzzled! Republicans take heed. Its time for women to once again make our voices heard across this country, NOW is the time for us to roar!

+3 # genierae 2011-03-07 04:59

I must add to my statement that in a true democracy there would be an equal number of men and women in government positions. There should even be a co-presidency, one woman, one man. Think of the contributions that women would make, but they would have to be intelligent, enlightened women, who operate from the goodness of their hearts, not from their selfish egos. Mark my words, we will have this kind of government one day, and what a glorious day that will be!

+14 # genierae 2011-03-06 05:38

Its also true that those who hold Bradley Manning are trying to pressure him, using abusive treatment, to say that Wikileaks recruited him. This is not true, that's not the way that Wikileaks works, but they are using mind games to break him, and I'm concerned that he might "confess" under this harsh treatment. Many of those at Guantanamo "confessed" to crimes they did not commit, because of torture.
It seems to me that it doesn't matter these days who is president, the military establishment, including the CIA, no longer answers to its commander-in-chief. That's why transparency is essential if we are ever to change this nightmare status quo, and heroes such as Bradley Manning, and Julian Assange deserve our everlasting support.
Dennis Kucinich, you are a class act! Thanks for being who you are!

+61 # spktruth200 2011-03-05 11:03

Quoting

Why is this man not being put on trial?
What is happening to the justice system in the U S A?
What justification does the government have for the mistreatment of this person?

The military is trying to break him, believeing he will "rat out Assange" so they get him executed. These monsters at the Pentagon and within our government will stop at nothing to make sure no secrets of their planned war crimes are known. Manning did nothing wrong. There is NO real proof he is the person who leaked to Wiki....but if he did, he is one of the bravest, one of most courageous young man in our military. They have to squash him like a bug, guilty or not so they can stop future whistleblowers. Even Assange doesnt no who delivered the documents...its called Freedom of the Press. That is the press job but not in Amerikka where the press are embedded with the government and the multi nationals. The collusion is exactly what the word "fascism" means. We are not living in a democracy, but an oligarghy of mult nationals using our military to steal resources around the world. they dont care about the people they kill or even the blowback this country will one day get....thats common sense.

+32 # soularddave 2011-03-05 12:50

Quoting

Why is this man not being put on trial?

What justification does the government have for the mistreatment of this person?

The longer PFC Manning is held like this, the farther and more unapproachable any truth becomes, and more undecipherable it would be for him.

The young soldier is a political prisoner, and NOT a war criminal. As such, WE HAVE THE DUTY to see that justice prevails.

Perhaps we should inquire of Rep. Dennis Kuchinich for his wisdom, and possibly discuss that here before adopting an "action step".

+1 # Homer Peters 2011-03-05 13:37

10-4 ranger, but why is Dennis still "requesting" to see Manning? What happened to demanding to see him. I like Dennis but he has as few balls as the rest of the DC wankers!

+47 # Observer 47 2011-03-05 16:06

Dennis Kucinich is my Congressman, and I've followed his career for two decades. He's got more balls than almost all the rest of the Congress critters put together. After all, he stood up in the House and called for the impeachment of Dick Cheney. For that he was crucified in our local press, but he didn't care.

+16 # genierae 2011-03-06 06:17

Observer 47: I live in Ohio, and I fervently wish that Dennis Kucinich was my Congressman. He has more courage and grit in his little finger, than most people have in their whole body. He grew up poor and so he is not spoiled like most of those congress fat cats. He does the right thing no matter the consequences, how many who are reading this, can say the same?

+6 # maddave 2011-03-05 22:21

Quoting

Why is this man not being put on trial?
What is happening to the justice system in the U S A?
What justification does the government have for the mistreatment of this person?

rangerrandy does not understand the judicial tyranny under which we have slipped: with the exception of the trillion-or-so dollars looted by Wall Street - which the law chooses to ignore - our judiciary is more interested in bringing cases to closure than in dispensing justice. This is the result of BOTH the Senate GOP caucus' refusal to allow federal judgeship appointments to progress AND the weakening of -of if not the downright disregard of - Constitutional protections against cruel & unusual punishment.

+53 # Gary Ray Pierson 2011-03-05 09:15

The pawns of money and power are just puppets to the Beast.. Let this man go.. He just told the truth.. That's what scares our GOP and others.. The Truth... Why??? They don't know what truth is..I may be wrong but, I'm almost sure their mental and in need of help.. Like time in jail.. Get to know some great people, get some tattoos... Running scared and when they do get really scared.. Out comes the guns and badges and uniforms and meat heads.. At least some aren't.. Glad some see... Hey Folks, I'm just doing my job ya know? Love that excuse or reason, their both the same, depends on what asshole is talking.. Cpl. Pierson 101st Vietnam

+27 # John Lewis 2011-03-05 13:01

It is the world upside down... The liars are rewarded, the ones who tell the truth emprisoned. We all know too darn well whom should be behind bars. Unfortunately they are running scott free. Fortunately this will only last a lifetime. After, well guess what?

+6 # genierae 2011-03-06 06:26

Thoreau, who was imprisoned for refusing to pay his taxes, said that in a criminal society, a prison cell was a place of honor. Gandhi felt the same way. I am very happy to agree with them.

+98 # Dr. Robert McGinty 2011-03-05 09:29

President Obama is the Commander in Chief, as such the treatment of Private First Class Bradley Manning is happening "on his watch."

+52 # \jpmilner 2011-03-05 10:08

Well said, Dr., It is not up to me, but I think that you should send this brief, telling message, directly to the White House.
Those of us who supported this Administration, full of hope, are dismayed
at the lack of truth and transparency.

+10 # Homer Peters 2011-03-05 13:46

Dr and JP, the white house doesn't give a flying rat's ass what you or I think. They and the power (and $$) that resides within the 14 counties making up the greater DC schitthole could not care any less what the average US wage earner thinks.

+22 # William Johnson 2011-03-05 16:04

Yes, I find it unconscionable that Obama has not stepped in to rectify this truly deplorable situation.

+71 # O. Gail Poole 2011-03-05 09:42

Pvt. Manning's treatment and the public airing of it, is obviously an attempt to squelch any duplicate actions by other soldiers. But it is wrong. It flies in the face of a nation supposedly dedicated to fairness and equality and openness.

+32 # Gary Ray Pierson 2011-03-05 10:19

Quoting

Pvt. Manning's treatment and the public airing of it, is obviously an attempt to squelch any duplicate actions by other soldiers. But it is wrong. It flies in the face of a nation supposedly dedicated to fairness and equality and openness.

People with information who tells on the powers that be, usually end up dead.. Check out Joseph Wheeler the 3rd.. He had some thing to say and was found in a dumpster.. Like human trash and trash he was not.. It's been the same for a long time.. Eye witness's at JFK's assassination, just had all these coincidental deadly accidents and such, while alone..... Be prepared.. Say too much and your gone baby... Obama, what the f**k happened to you.. You join the club? That would be the club that most of us aren't in... The owners of this Nation.. It's a deadly game they play... And were all targets... And their all, well, can you smell it? Death has a smell of it's own and they have it all over them..... Maybe some cement blocks and dip in the Gulf of Mexico would clean em up a bit, eh? No? Some one will replace em.. More f**kers.. Cpl. Pierson, 101st Vietnam

+30 # w wheelock 2011-03-05 11:16

Amen! We have been lied to and deceived for decades. The ones that are treated the worst are those who deserve it the least-those who have defended and continmue to defend a country they trusted and believed in. We both took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, not the Wall Street banksteras and their stooges in the government. Look how Vietname vets have been treated. The "elected" officials who sold us out took the same oath, betrayed it, and are the real traitors. Sadly the America I served for 25 years no longer exists. God Bless and Semper Fi!

+16 # soularddave 2011-03-05 13:06

Thank you for your service, though. We were young, had read the Constitution, and were oh, so idealistic then. We believed that the America we knew would endure.

+7 # genierae 2011-03-06 06:36

soularddave: Idealism is absolutely essential if we want to take our country back. Ideals are not unrealistic dreams, they are principles to be aspired to. We keep our ideals in mind, and we work to build a society that solidly supports them. We are presently in transition to a better world, and so there will be much sacrifice necessary to bring this about. We must refuse to be afraid of what's to come. We must open our minds to new possibilities.

+10 # Linda 2011-03-05 12:05

Maybe the same mind control the military used on those Senators were used on Obama when he paid a visit to the Iraq. Hasn't anyone noticed how quiet Obama and Michele have been for awhile now Not even to say anything about whats going on in Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana with the unions right to bargain. This is not like Obama to be so quiet! Not so far fetched when Petraeus had it done to those Senators to make sure they got their military spending.

+6 # soularddave 2011-03-05 13:00

Quoting

[quote name="
People with information who tells on the powers that be, usually end up dead.. Check out Joseph Wheeler the 3rd..

Check out William Colby! He WAS one of their own...

Check out David Kelly...

+25 # Archie1954 2011-03-05 09:47

I wonder if that Denise whoever that ordered his stripping wears leathers and carries a whip like her more famous predecessors during the National Socialist era in Germany? I think they probably used the same kind of mistreatment to soften up their prisoners for what was coming.

+54 # Buckles 2011-03-05 09:57

This old vet is getting so displeased with President Obama regarding the treatment of the american soldier, plus the Wisconsin govenors rape of the unions and teachers bargaing powers.

+29 # w wheelock 2011-03-05 11:18

We who served have been betrayed. We have been faithful to the oath we took to protect and defend the Constitution, not to defend the criminals on Wall Street and in Washington. Those who have betrayed their oaths are the real traitors.

+11 # Gringaryan 2011-03-05 17:37

Quoting

We who served have been betrayed. We have been faithful to the oath we took to protect and defend the Constitution, not to defend the criminals on Wall Street and in Washington. Those who have betrayed their oaths are the real traitors.

You who served... YOU ROCK... Keep up your comments. . our generation (yours and mine) is so saddened, discouraged and disgusted!

+52 # Len Carrier 2011-03-05 10:00

Defense Secretary Gates needs to step in to halt this disgraceful treatment of Private Manning. Manning is being used as a scapegoat to cover up the shameful behavior our government has been involved in.

+15 # w wheelock 2011-03-05 11:19

If not, then Gates has been exposed as just another puppet.

-27 # rom120 2011-03-05 10:02

Quote: "...like her more famous predecessors during the National Socialist era in Germany? I think they probably used the same kind of mistreatment...."
You would do better not quoting stuff you only learned from TV mini series where your education obviously comes from.

+20 # w wheelock 2011-03-05 11:20

Could that be worse than learning from Faux News?

+29 # Noitall 2011-03-05 10:21

As the dollars flowing from 'Power' to the media moguls prove, TRUTH is to be feared and treated like the enemy. The house of cards in the USA is no more sturdy than in Libia, Egypt, or anywhere that lies trump the truth.

+56 # Clayton Stouffer 2011-03-05 10:22

I hereby publicly request that President Obama, The Commander and Chief of our
Armed forces send a direct order to the command at Quantico to stop any abusive treatment of Corporal Bradley Manning and remand him to quarters suitable for a person who is presumed innocent until convicted of a crime which is what our
Constitution and legal system is all about.

-20 # w wheelock 2011-03-05 11:22

Calling presidents who have never served in the Armed Forces "commander in chief@ is a travesty and a part of the law that should be repealed. Those who have never served or had a family member in the line of fire can never understand what it means to be part of the greatest extended fasmily on earth!

+4 # aikidokurt 2011-03-05 14:56

you mean the greatest "communal" family on earth; unless the soldiers own their equipment, vehicles, barracks, resources, and bullets now...and what's with that socialized medicine they're privy to?

+47 # Clayton Stouffer 2011-03-05 10:31

I hereby publicly request that President Obama,The Commander and Chief of our Armed Forces issue a direct order to the Command at Quantico to immediately discontinue any abusive treatment of Bradley Manning and remand him to quarters suitable for persons who have not yet been convicted of a crime. To do otherwise disgraces our Constitution and the due process and justice of our legal system as well as our Nation in the eyes of the world!

+25 # mouna 2011-03-05 11:43

Beautifully stated, Clayton Stouffer. I hereby publicly join you in this Presidential request. May Obama's response be swift and strong!

+34 # Mack Boelling 2011-03-05 10:38

One has to but read Naomi Klein's SHOCK DOCTRINE to know the origins of this kind of treatment of prisoners, and to understand what "they" hope to gain by isolating and embarrassing the individual. This treatment of prisoners is well-established SOP of our CIA, and is supported by corporate America. Shades of Pinochet's Chile in the 70's and numerous others since.

+20 # ROADMan 2011-03-05 10:47

Well, I guess the real Barack Obama has shown his true colors again. It's on your watch Mr. President.

+11 # deadhead 2011-03-05 14:14

Quoting

Well, I guess the real Barack Obama has shown his true colors again. It's on your watch Mr. President.

Roadman -- You hit the nail on the head. I am astonished, jaw gaping to the floor, that the CINC is not intervening in events like these. He was elected to change things and to act with a conscience. He is running scared of the Republicans, instead of confronting this execrable behavior by the prison commandant. There are many unpopular stances, but history remembers those who act on conscience and do the right thing. Without that, slavery would still exist. You are right -- it is all on Obama's watch.

+20 # karenvista 2011-03-05 14:44

Quoting

Well, I guess the real Barack Obama has shown his true colors again. It's on your watch Mr. President.

I will probably be in the same circumstances as Bradley Manning for saying this but here goes: After researching the assination of JFK and how he went against the "powers that be" as well as saying that he wanted "to break the CIA into a thousand pieces" I believe that every President, no matter what his campaign promises is given a set of boundaries he cannot cross and people/purposes he can't mess with-on pain of a similar demise.

I think most insiders know about this and most candidates probably do too, at least broadly. They may not know the exact details but they will find out-and they know what the penalty is. Why do you think that all of them, no matter what they say support the exact same powers when they become president?

We are a Fascist state. No President, legislator or law has ultimate power. We are a nation of corporations and the government entities that support them.

+12 # asmilingmom 2011-03-05 20:23

I have also believed, for a long time, that our president has been given definite limits by the 'powers' who really rule our country.

+7 # CTPatriot 2011-03-06 01:42

I tend to agree with your premise, but would add that this does not in any way excuse Obama, who rode into office on a promise of hope and change, and to take on the corporations.

He has proven to be either complicit, or a coward who allowed himself to be captured by those forces rather than stand up to them. He gets no pass from me. No man is deserving of that job who would not sacrifice his life for the good of his country.

+4 # genierae 2011-03-06 06:55

I think that US presidents have become figureheads these days, and their powers are given them by the real owners of America. They are free to operate in a prescribed area, but cannot step out of that area, or they will be, as JFK was, eliminated. Yes, these men in the White House should speak out and inform the public, but they have families to protect. Would you be able to sacrifice your children for the sake of your country? If you can't answer yes to that question, then maybe you should rethink your assessment of Obama. He is just a side-effect, we need to stop hacking at the branches and go to the root.

+25 # muffy7 2011-03-05 10:50

This makes me ASHAMED to be an American, I wonder if his parents have contacted their senators and congressmen.

+13 # w wheelock 2011-03-05 11:25

Considering that so many of them are the liars who were being exposed, I doubt that it would do any good. The honest ones are gutless and the rest morally bankrupt. Considering how well they are paid, they won't be financially bankrupt unlike too many Americans they are supposed to be serving, not Wall Street!

+29 # angelfish 2011-03-05 11:10

Whatever happened to the"land of the free and the home of the brave"? We call ourselves "Christians" but Christ would rePudiate the torture being meted out to this soldier who has NOT been convicted of ANY crime. HE said, "As ye have done it to the least of these, ye hast done it to me". I don't see HOW the Military can condone what is being done to Bradley Manning. Bravo! Mr. Kucinich, for speaking out about this intolerable moment in our History! WHERE are YOU, MR. PRESIDENT???

+27 # DaveM 2011-03-05 11:25

Both military and civilian authorities are subject to rules of conduct. When they do not abide by them, there is no alternative but to petition their highest authority, in this case the President. I have done so, and hope all who read this will do the same.

Not noted in this article is that the same sort of treatment is practiced routinely in civilian jails by civilian law enforcement. "Suspects" are arrested on the vaguest of excuses, confronted with a frightening "stack" of charges, subjected to various physical and psychological pressures (yes, including non-punitive solitary confinement), and then provided with ineffective counsel (e.g a public defender). More than 1% of the American populace is currently incarcerated. One third of that number is believed to be innocent of any crime. 75% "settled" their cases via plea bargain after being "softened up" before trial.

PFC Manning has become the unfortunate symbol of Everyman in 21st Century America. Isn't it strange, even sick, that an entire army seems to have a need to prove itself stronger than one young man? And that the same can be said of our law enforcement system?

+34 # DIAMONDMARGE 2011-03-05 11:29

I AM soooo GLAD THAT Kucinich is on this; I cannot think of another MOC, except perhaps Senators Sanders, Sherrod Brown, or Barbara Boxer, who have the kind of ethical & moral worldview necessary to win this fight w/corrupt military officials. (And JUST WHO is behind the corrupt military? The public wants to know.)Kucinich will move this story to a good conclusion. I have every faith that he will do so. Meanwhile, there are non-profits that are backing Manning. Please do go online to these pro-Manning sites & add your progressive voice so that the Army miscreants behind this outrage will be shamed into releasing Manning. Just like the repeated Wisconsin voices that will NOT be silenced despite all the Koch Brothers and their lackeys [Gov of Wisconsin-at least until he is recalled)trying to smash unions and the middle class. Those Koch brothers have serious dysfunctional personalities if all their billions aren't--finally--enough. They obviously have a huge hole in their souls that enough is never enough. They don't give a damn if they destroy the whole world, just so they can pile up more billions. The military's obscene behavior is more evidence of serious dysfunction.

+12 # Homer Peters 2011-03-05 13:58

I hate it that Keith Olbermann is out of pocket at this incredible time. I do hope that in "late spring" when he premiers on Current TV that he's locked and loaded for some ass kicking w/o the interference of the schmucks at MSNBC.

+11 # Rothie 2011-03-05 11:39

The people have the power, we all should write our congress man/woman and speak out loud and clear. Also to Obama, he is in charge, he sure fooled us all. We don't have FREEDOM OF SPEECH" at all, they try to tell us we do but we are no better than the 3rd. world countries.

+33 # Jayne Milner 2011-03-05 11:42

I was in the U.S. Army. They routinely torture and bully people. This is just business as usual for them. I am sure most military organizations do this. That is why the goal must be to someday rid the world of all military organizations. Costa Rica is an example of what all nations should aspire to. No military or weapons - spend the money on people and protecting the environment instead.

+3 # genierae 2011-03-06 07:05

Ms. Milner: The sad thing is that if these rich elitists manage to take over this country, and also the world, Costa Rica will be stolen from its people to become a playground of the rich. That's why the grass-roots movement to take back our power must be global.

+47 # mkarenina63 2011-03-05 11:43

I am a grandmother who was assaulted, along with my best friend, who is also a senior citizen, by a tea party speaker when we were at a town hall meeting. She and her "gang" of friends shouted insults at those of us who were engaged in a discussion about health care. This woman inserted herself into the conversation and slapped me and threatened to commit other violence to us. We are educated women who have never been involved in violence. Because this woman was well know locally, the judge allowed her and her "witness" to purger themselves and say that we attacked her. She had a lawyer. We did not. The state police office knew what was going to happen, and took us aside and told us that he was sorry that we only have a legal system, not a justice system. The tea party movement is a sham, and Americans have been victims of a classic propaganda campaign. Fear, nationalism,hol low slogans, mixed with religious imagery have been used before to bring about tyranny. Money and power have already destroyed our democracy because too few people are informed by legitimate news sources and have succumbed to ranting talk show hosts, and fake new.. Justice is just a word, money buys it for the rich and the rest of us are mowed down by the "legal" steamroller.

+39 # mkarenina63 2011-03-05 11:56

We are already living in a fascist nation, and the Republican Party should be renamed the National Fascist Alliance, since it is allied with the rich corporate globalists who fund it. I've told my children and grandchildren to keep suitcases packed and money and things to barter, handy. Wisconsin is an example of the ramping up of oppressive tactics. The governor of Arizona has no
hesitation about allowing sick people to die even when she actually could shift money to save their lives. Does that not tell us that our lives no longer matter. How soon will the elderly have the Medicaid that keeps them in nursing homes, cut. How soon will the disposable poor be starved and exterminated because they are a drain on the system? Human resources are expendable! It's an old story, and it's happening here, and now.

+4 # genierae 2011-03-06 07:19

mkarenina63: I agree that the corporate Republican elitists are anti-American and they will do everything they can to destroy the rest of us. I see that you are a former Republican, and so maybe you would have more power to persuade the Republicans that you know, to repudiate the right-wing crowd that has taken our state governments hostage? As a progressive, I hold no sway over them, they are too wary of me, but you might be taken seriously. We Americans of goodwill must unite to rescue our country from these madmen while we have a few rights left.

+11 # stannadel 2011-03-05 12:03

"Military justice is to justice as military music is to music."

+25 # BishopAndrew 2011-03-05 12:52

Once again we see the hypocrisy of the Obama Administration. How in the name of justice can the President or his secretary of defense justify such unconstitutiona l treatment of a fellow citizen! The right wing Tea Party Republicans love to chant like some kind of mantra "american exceptionalism" which is nothing more than the extension of an arrogance of ego similar to that we accord, God help us, the cult of celebrity, now it is clear that the Obama elitists and their cowardly embasaries have embraced the same idolatry as they with impunity dismiss the Constitutional liberties owed everyone and especially to this young man who is treated like an enemy combatant or worse. When the Obama Justice Department defended the Bush Boys after taken office I knew we were in trouble and I fear this case is just the tip of the preverbal iceberg!

+16 # sebouhian 2011-03-05 12:56

We must seriously consider that our President is ignoring the egregious horror treatment of many months inflicted on a citizen of this country who has not been charged with any crime, and that his "hands off" position is itself a crime, a violation of our Constitution and apparently of International Law, as well as the prisoner's rights. Thus the man who was elected on the basis of promises to the people that he would support the ideals of human dignity and freedom and justice outlined in the documents of the Founding Fathers has betrayed the American People, and should be so charged by the People, in the streets across the nation, loud, long, and clear.

+15 # Jawbone Grouch 2011-03-05 13:11

How much lower can we sink into depravity in this country?

When we debase others we debase ourselves.

YES! Where is the president on this???????????????
????????????????????

+16 # minkdumink 2011-03-05 13:14

this kid has more guts than general betrayus who wears a purple heart that he got when he was shelled by his own troops. They must not like him either, you think?

+6 # Gary Ray Pierson 2011-03-05 14:50

Quoting

this kid has more guts than general betrayus who wears a purple heart that he got when he was shelled by his own troops. They must not like him either, you think?

You know Mink, while in the 101st in Vietnam.. Some of us draftees and volunteers got sick of what we were commanded to do.. Do it or get thrown in the brig and the brig in that case was Long Bin Jail... We would have officers from other companies come in and take off their little bars and Oak Leafs and Birds of a Feather. When we asked em why, they'd say.' We heard you guys shoot officers.' Yes we did.. Asshole is an asshole and needs to be wiped out to stop the stink.. I tried.. Busted some gun ho Majors jaw and nose.. Lost all my rank and got fined and spent a month of my tour of duty in a can.. Quonset hut,, Just a loading metal box with bars cut out to look thru... Did nothing but sweat twenty pounds off and talk to guards who stole pictures from other combatants and claimed em for them selves.. They took all of mine but, I still have casset tapes with guys screaming, shooting and dying.. Ask the VA head doc if they would like to hear em.. They told me to throw them away. I don't think so...Some carried cameras, I carried a recorder, so back home could listen to what we talked and heard about at night........... Some people get goose bumps. I get mad, again.

+13 # jefffillmore 2011-03-05 13:24

I somehow have the feeling that this kind of treatment can, or is also happening to American citizens. With the govt. out of control, citizens can and will be "detained" with or without charges or trail just because they disagree with the govt.

+11 # aikidokurt 2011-03-05 16:02

"a government that is ruthless about what it does to other people is often ruthless in what it does to our own people..."
ZINN 2002

+9 # kitster 2011-03-05 14:38

why aren't we in the streets protesting this shameful revocation of manning's rights as an american citizen? our corrupt plutocracy...financed and formed by the corrupt military-financial-industrial-complex...do what they want and treat him as a traitor without a trial? they're all culpable...congress, executive and judicial...republicans and democrats. they're all lap dogs of the cash cows that determine how this country is run. america is a mockocracy of the most horrific magnitude. citizens barely tip the scale when you consider how big money and corrupt influence weigh in on the other side. as long as we only lament the dimunition of our rights in these comments the corruption will continue. our children will not be enslaved because of faux profligacy on our part now, but by our blindness and concessions to the capriciousness of our fat cat comissars.

0 # aikidokurt 2011-03-05 14:48

Recent epigenomal research proves conclusively that even basic stress inducers like overcrowded living conditions and starvation cause gene/trait activation and suppression in DNA strands; activating new personality traits or excluding existing traits previously expressed by an individual. Torture induced traits are always undesirable to the tortured, and can even shorten the lifespan or destroy the health of the person. Torture has been undeniably linked to multiple personality disorder and induced psychosis. The irretrievable assassination of a personality caused by torture could be equated to murder of that individual’s previous self…hence deadly force is always justifiable when applied by victims of torture to their tormentors, even if the attacker’s goal was not permanent physical harm or death of the victim. This can further be applied to mental torture and stressors, like forcing someone to contribute to a war they don’t support.

+10 # RILEY 2011-03-05 14:54

and what about that speedy trial he is supposed to get...how long does it take for them to juke up the evidence? this is disgraceful!

+9 # RILEY 2011-03-05 14:55

I WROTE TO OBAMA TODAY ABOUT THIS...i think he is complicit to torture if he doesnt look into this!

+3 # maddave 2011-03-06 07:20

Quoting

I WROTE TO OBAMA TODAY ABOUT THIS...i think he is complicit to torture if he doesnt look into this!

So you "think" that Obama is "complicit", do you? Well, you are wrong on both counts!
WW II war trials established beyond any possible doubt that leaders are ultimately responsible-for and guilty-of any and all human rights violations and atrocities committed by their subalterns, regardless! The rule is that if (he) didn't know, he should have.

+5 # wcandler1 2011-03-05 14:56

I hate to be so dumb, but does anyone know how we can write to Bradley Manning to tell him of our support?

Thanks, Will

+10 # miltlau 2011-03-05 15:09

Venting justifiable outrage to RSN is preaching to the choir! Send your thoughts to your local newspaper, to your congressmen, and to the president. We need to be heard where iot can do some good.

+2 # aikidokurt 2011-03-05 15:28

there are some very astute comments here; excellent info to contradict the "shock-and-awe" of the imaginary people's (corporations) lackey's lying tongues!

+7 # John Hill, Jr. 2011-03-05 15:33

I agree with many of the comments above. Pfc. Manning is being held/detained illegally as far as I can see. I appreciate Representative Kucinich's out cry on this matter. I would like to see him and the whole Progressive Caucus demand to see Pfc. Manning. We are not headed toward living under a Facist Government, it is already HERE!!!!

-12 # chrisc 2011-03-05 15:57

With all due respect... I work as a mental health assessment professional in a very progressive county jail. If an inmate is suicidal then EVERYTHING is taken away; underwear included. I had a case where a guy killed humself in a hospital by sucking a towel down his throat. So until you know WHY this occured withold judgement

+3 # WanaCare 2011-03-05 17:33

There are now 185,000 secret service men working IN THE US, and this sounds like something "a big brother spy" on the citizens would say. Give me a break I don't believe this at all. Maybe this is the same type of lie that the General Petraeus said this week when he reported that the US had not burned the children in Afghanistan, but that the parents were doing it to their own children. If we use some critical thinking skills, you can look at the pattern of lies by those in the highest offices and the amount of abuse that has gone on in this era with Abu Ghraib, Sherbergham, Bagram, Black Torture Chamber sites, and Guantanamo. Canada and the UK have settled with giving $Millions to the men the US has tortured, even the last one out of 15 innocent abused men that is still in Guantanamo, cleared in 2007 is going to get $Million; Shaker Aamer has been requested to be reunited with his family in the UK by their Foreign Sec. Hague and yet Pres. Obama has not delivered yet.

+7 # giraffe 2011-03-05 16:02

I also hate to be dumb - but WHO has jurisdiction or the clout to stand up for Manning's rights? I hear and agree with the outrage. BTW, I've written and phoned my congress people (and called those from other states) but nobody seems to KNOW who/what/how to deal with this situation.

The Army didn't lock that data properly and THEY are to blame for leaks. Manning did not HACK into anything. In 2010 apparently the US is the only country who cannot lock down sensitive material.

The Chinese have (and are) hacked into the FED.

Manning has "a lawyer" but he needs more.

What about all these "rights' groups" that crack sex trading all over the world (but apparently not in the USA)? Hilllary? If Manning was held by another country (similar situation) - the USA would CRY OUTRAGE.

Obama? At least complain as you did when the Supremes "decided" to allow Kock bros (and other big$$) buy our elections.

Which brings me to -- Thomas and Scalia were wined/dined by Kock brothers and then did not recuse from any case involving Kock brothers --- THEY MUST be pprosecuted before they make another bad (UNCONSTITUTION AL INTERPRETATION.

+10 # Bill Clements 2011-03-05 16:14

Not surprising somehow that it's Kuchinich who is pushing this. Thank you. Rep. Kuchinich.

Others in Congress should be just as outraged. And the President? Inexcusable.

As for Manning's treatment, I'm sure they've determined his guilt (or think they have) and are taking matters into their own hands with "one of their own."

+16 # WanaCare 2011-03-05 16:48

When Pres. Obama ran for office he insinuated that he was going to care about human values. When he said he would close Guantanamo, he led the people to believe he would end torture and incarceration. UK foreign Sec. Hague has continually asked for the innocent Shaker Aamer, and Obama has not allowed him to be reunited with his family. Not only those in Guantanamo have been a lie by the PRes. but he has extended this inhuman treatment to US soldiers and it is time for it to stop. Pres. Obama should either change these situations and hold people accountable or be impeached.

Thank God we have Rep. Kucinich is standing up for what is right. Him and Barbara Lee are one of the few politicians I trust; therefore besides supporting these people I am voting for all Green candidates.

+12 # ritaague 2011-03-05 17:39

Yes, Rep. Kucinich, Bill Clements is so right. You deserve our thanks and then some. I know all too well the courage and determination it takes to speak up and act out against our villainaire rulers. For I, to a far lesser degree, am like you, sir. No easy job in today's U.S. of (greed and power) A. (ddiction), telling the villainaire rulers and their puppets and enforcers to go to hell, but tell them we must. And do whatever it takes to UNDO THE COUP.

Any possibility, Mr. Kucinich, that you can and will consider taking a shot at running for Pres. in 2012? There are a whole lot of former Obama supporters, including this "Old White Woman for Obama", who would consider it a real, true ray of HOPE. Hope for poor, tortured Brad Manning, and for all of us poor bushwhacked and karlroved sheeple. Yes, indeed, fascism it is, and evil beyond belief.

+3 # genierae 2011-03-06 07:40

Rep. Kucinich did run for president in the last two elections, he was made the butt of jokes and his wife was drooled over by the talking heads. Their contempt for him was thinly disguised. After all, there's nothing that frightens corrupt human beings more, than a good man who tells the truth. He has no chance of being elected president in today's immoral political environment. He is water to their sleazy oil.

+10 # photojack53 2011-03-05 17:45

Obama HAS to speak out against Pfc. Bradley Manning's horrid treatment as vehemently as if another country was mistreating him in this way. I voted for Obama and still support him in his fight against the obstructionist Repugnicans who are destroying this country. The chain of command in that prison need to be analyzed and blame laid severely on those responsible. WE CAN NOT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE! Figuratively, "heads need to roll."

+13 # Raymond Twodog Col. 2011-03-05 19:39

Thanks again Dennis, for having the balls to use the power of your office to confront the abuse of process that lead to the outright torture of unindicted, considered by the Constitution to be innocent, PFC Bradley Manning. I continue to yell into the wind,and flail at windmills, as do hundreds of thousands of citizens united in defense of liberty, justice and due process for all. We also deeply share the common bond of stopping all torture in our name. I'm so deeply ashamed by the war crimes committed wholesale by uniformed personnel and others in control of the US government.
The current government is just as barbaric as the last one. I quiver for the future of my nation.

Raymond Twodog, Colonel,US Army[retired]
Vietnam to Persian Gulf 1

+5 # Jim Purdie 2011-03-06 04:08

What justice system? The US is slipping toward Fascism like Germany did under Hitler, the rich and corporate interests control the game. Some politics of hope.
Big Jim

+2 # Rothie 2011-03-06 09:36

Ree: Riley who said he wrote to Obama, you woun't get a reply, I also wrote to Obama but didn't expect a reply in the mail, I waited and waited for some brass to come and throw me in with Manning. Obama don't care, I voted for him but as I told Obama I was sorry I voted him in, never again. He is one big phony, in one of his speech he said if the workers needed help he would put on his sneakers and go and march with them, well, where is he , I haven't seen him in Wiscon. at all, maybe I should send him a pair of sneakers to get the job done. I sure hope Rep. Dennis Kucinich runs for president because he is the person who should be in the White House, not Obama. As far as Gates goes Riley, he is just like all the rest of them, he will never have the balls to ok Kucinich to see Pfc. Manning. Our country sure got a big change with Obama didn't it! no jobs, banks took our monet and got richer, no freedom of speech etc. no need to go on, you all know the rest. Lets all write to Kucinich to thank him.

+2 # Jim 2011-03-06 10:25

Blindness is a fortress we defend. While the world looks on, we proceed blindly onward, pretending that our system is not horribly flawed, pretending to be a free and open society, pretending to practice democracy, all the while almost comically transparent to outsiders whose thinking is not manipulated by mainstream American media. And when the wikileaks lens shows us for who we really are, we react defensively, persecuting Manning rather than prosecuting those responsible for corrupting our system. This prosecution of Manning is serving as an international reminder that the American way, which used to be 'land of opportunity' driven, has degenerated into something closed and dark. Just another chapter in the fall of the American empire.

+2 # Heartbeatt 2011-03-06 11:19

In Europe it is really inspiring to read the articles and comments posted at RSN and to watch news programmes like Democracy Now! If it weren't for all you people one would believe America has completely lost it. One can feel the huge wave of indignation rising and the call for what we all consider normal, everyday justice.
It is hard to understand why Obama does not react more strongly. Is it only because of the money he will need to be re-elected? I heard the obscene sum of a billion mentioned. How about if he said: I will win this election without any corporation funding. We will do it purely with the help of Democratic supporters and donations....? Crazy, but possible?

+2 # Barry De Jasu 2011-03-06 15:02

Our country has changed so much for the worse in the last 30 years. George Bush and his gang decided that the Constitution was valid only when it first fit with their agenda. They did away with habeas corpus, posse comitatus and due process. Frighteningly President Obama has done next to nothing to reverse this misuse of our justice system. In fact in some ways he has only amplified on these outrages. We have chosen to ignore all the wrongs of the Bush years and all of those who, by pilfering our country's economy, brought us a great big economic crisis- only to be rewarded with a whole lot of tax payer money. Poor bradley Manning is just the latest victim of these outrages. We must make it clear to our government and to our President that true justice and due process are the tools of a true Democracy.

+2 # Diana Richardson 2011-03-06 15:20

Our comments and discussions show we understand what has happened in America. What we need to be talking about is what is to be done. A simple, powerful action would be to expand the boycott of Great Northern Paper products(owned by Koch)to every city and town in the country. Not illegal, not dangerous, not risky. Anyone can do it. Let's put our energy where our hearts and our mouths are!

+2 # socrates2 2011-03-06 18:58

An embarassing episode in American history. Manning is intentionally being driven insane by the Pentagon. His crime, if any was to use the First Amendment to get the facts out to us, the American taxpayers, so that we can understand the atrocities committed and lies said in our name. I denounce the people who are doing this to Manning. They will surely do it to you and me tomorrow, with the same impunity. This is what happens when the sovereign citizens of a constitutional republic surrender all power, control and freedoms to Wall Street/banksters and muntions merchants. Anything or anyone who rebels will be "prosecuted" under Constitutional cover, using the same legalistic terms, "security breaches," "violation of oath of office," etc. The point is, he is a free man and an American citizen, like you and me. He saw wrong and he exposed it. Since when is exposing wrong-doing a crime?

0 # Riley1 2011-03-07 07:24

I am Riley1. With respect writing to Obama I consider would be an excercise in pointlessness. Obama gave the American electorate many promises, those promises were built the people's expectations to escape the clutches of the mad,bad, and dangerous republican challenge to put in office another GWB. To gain the peoples trust Obama used his oratory skills which were exceptional howewer sadly his rhetoric has proved his words were hollow. Two years into his presidency what has he achieved? apart from letting the banking fraternity of the hook. I would say nothing of any true substance as he had to severely compromise the platform of bills to have any of his proposed legislation passed. That is in essence nothing. He raised the bar of peoples expectation far too high and failed in his duty of care to the American people on all counts including foriegn policy. I sincerely hope even with the fact of loosing the democratic majority in the senate the rest of this man's presidency will not be be in vain. If it is in vain the American people will be torn again between the devil and the deep blue sea as the electorate is far too polarised as it is. If the American people choose to elect another republican to the Whitehouse with a majority in both houses God help us all.

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