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| credit: Michael Daly |
Even if Bradley Manning gets every break in the book he will not exit military prison until he is an old man, probably never. Spared a sentence of life in prison without parole for "aiding the enemy"--and corporatist America is never without an enemy because having one or more is good for business--Manning still faces sentencing on espionage and numerous related charges. He is expected to receive 136 years in prison! That is very high price to pay for informing your fellow citizens of the nefarious dealings of their supposed democratic government. Potential whistleblowers throughout the security state will take notice of Manning's
harsh treatment at the hands of a vindictive government. Persons responsible for formulating an official policy of torture have not received a single day in prison. To be fair, the government did allow Manning 122 days credit for being tortured while in military detention
awaiting trial. The Current Occupant has prosecuted seven whistleblowers since occupying the White House, four more than his security state predecessor. Is it any wonder Edward Snowden chose Russia over prosecution in the United States for his revelations about massive spying?
US Person conjectures what President Putin thought of
Attorney General Eric Holder's letter assuring Snowden would not be tortured, receive a fair trial and not be punished with the death penalty if Russia surrendered him to US authorities. Surely, a thin smile crossed the face of the ex-KGB agent. It will be a cold day in Siberia before Russia reneges on the biggest propaganda victory over the United States since Francis Gary Powers.
awaiting trial. The Current Occupant has prosecuted seven whistleblowers since occupying the White House, four more than his security state predecessor. Is it any wonder Edward Snowden chose Russia over prosecution in the United States for his revelations about massive spying? US Person conjectures what President Putin thought of Attorney General Eric Holder's letter assuring Snowden would not be tortured, receive a fair trial and not be punished with the death penalty if Russia surrendered him to US authorities. Surely, a thin smile crossed the face of the ex-KGB agent. It will be a cold day in Siberia before Russia reneges on the biggest propaganda victory over the United States since Francis Gary Powers.