Sorry, but having signed “loyalty oaths” for several positions, and swearing allegiance to the Constitution (not an administration of military leadership of the day) I DO recognize and admire some “whistle blowers”, but the revelation of secret military or “defense” information IS treason. Now, had it been declassified information, or even outdated as with the “Pentagon Papers” about the START of the Viet Nam war, that also would be different.
What this ’toon does point to is the fact that Manning was certainly at best “divided” on his loyalties, and mental state, which should have been considered in his sentencing perhaps, but not his guilt. NOTE: the most serious charges dealing with his INTENT, were dropped by the court.
Sorry, but having signed “loyalty oaths” for several positions, and swearing allegiance to the Constitution (not an administration of military leadership of the day) I DO recognize and admire some “whistle blowers”, but the revelation of secret military or “defense” information IS treason. Now, had it been declassified information, or even outdated as with the “Pentagon Papers” about the START of the Viet Nam war, that also would be different.
What this ’toon does point to is the fact that Manning was certainly at best “divided” on his loyalties, and mental state, which should have been considered in his sentencing perhaps, but not his guilt. NOTE: the most serious charges dealing with his INTENT, were dropped by the court.