In my country prior to be allowed handling classified documents in the Army you first have to sign a document on your honour that you will never share the information with outsiders. Manning undoubtedly signed that document too. Manning considered this written statement to be of no more worth than toilet paper. In consequence Manning is a traitor to his/here country. All the other fuzz about the so called 'Ms' Manning is to draw attention away from that fact. In wartime Manning would be executed for treason in my country. Now he/she is allowed to play the drama queen. But we have to admit US law allows it. This means he/she can complain during 35 years about his/here hair. No bid geal.
21
Let her serve out the remainder of her sentence in a women's prison. She was already emotionally disturbed, and solitary confinement (which should be considered torture, by the way) no doubt exacerbated that beyond repair. I don't support a pardon, but at least have the humanity to let her be among other women and have social interactions.
10
So Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld et al lied to the American public to talk them into supporting a war in which 100,000's of Iraqis were murdered and 2.5 million were displaced. These true criminals are directly responsible for the deaths of about 5000 American soldiers, and many more who are grievously wounded and who will spend the rest of their lives disabled. So far the cost of this unnecessary war has cost the country about 4.5 trillion and that sum will continue to climb. How many young vets will end up living out their lives on the streets of the cities of America as they are mentally tortured and tormented by the fact that they killed innocent women, children and old men intentionally or by mistake. Murdering innocent people can make it very difficult for someone to live with himself. Meanwhile, the true war criminals live in big houses and have, in large measure, all the luxuries that living in the United States allows. Is it just that the real criminals are free to sleep in their own beds while an emotionally labile young soldier rots in jail for 35 years because he saw the murderous crimes that were being committed in his/our name(s) and tried to do something about it? What would St. Francis of Assisi have done? Or Pope Francis? In the Great Book of Life, Manning is a saint, not a criminal.
28
By the simple fact of attempted suicide twice, Manning is mentally ill. The USA solution to mental illness is prison, witness the statistics of incarceration in every state. The lack of a compassionate solution to the mentally ill stains the nation. There can be justice with mercy. It requires public will and public leadership. Neither is currently available.
12
There is an old saying for those who cannot handle prison:
"If you can't do the time, don't do the crime"
It is good enough for the rest of us and it is surely good enough for those who do wish to commit crimes.
"If you can't do the time, don't do the crime"
It is good enough for the rest of us and it is surely good enough for those who do wish to commit crimes.
35
Free Chelsea before the 20th.
18
Until everything she knows about is declassified, which could take many years or never, she must remain with, and only be allowed to verbality converse with, those she knew. She cannot be allowed to reveal any more secret information.
11
Please, Mr. Obama, ensure your reputation as a "good guy" and pardon Chelsea Manning. If a sentence this long isn't torture, I'd like to know what is.
17
There is a direct causal relationship between manning and the rise of assange and wikileaks. Without wikileaks there is no president trump. So I say, her prison sentence is not nearly long enough
20
I find it instructive to compare the treatment meted out to Ms Manning, who is serving a sentence of 35 years at the USDB at Fort Leavenworth, and who, in my opinion, performed a great service to the United States and to the world by leaking documents regarding the US war on Iraq to WikiLeaks, with that accorded to Anders Behring Breivik, who murdered 77 persons and wounded many more in Norway on 22 July 2011, and who was sentenced to 21 years in prison for his terrorist crimes.
Mr Breivik, who lives in a 3-room suite at the Skein prison, has taken the Norwegian state to court for 'violations' of his human rights (he is not allowed to interact with other prisoners, his living quarters are searched daily, and he is subject to being strip-searched and his correspondence is monitored), and won a partial judgement in a lower court ; an intermediate court, to which the Norwegian state appealed, is now judging his case. According to the Time's article, 'Ms. Manning’s cell', however, 'like others at Fort Leavenworth, contains a bed, toilet, sink, locker, storage bin, chair and desk, according to the Army. She showers in a nearby communal bathroom with individual stalls. She has no access to the internet, but says she receives “at least a couple hundred pieces of mail every week.”'
Henri
Mr Breivik, who lives in a 3-room suite at the Skein prison, has taken the Norwegian state to court for 'violations' of his human rights (he is not allowed to interact with other prisoners, his living quarters are searched daily, and he is subject to being strip-searched and his correspondence is monitored), and won a partial judgement in a lower court ; an intermediate court, to which the Norwegian state appealed, is now judging his case. According to the Time's article, 'Ms. Manning’s cell', however, 'like others at Fort Leavenworth, contains a bed, toilet, sink, locker, storage bin, chair and desk, according to the Army. She showers in a nearby communal bathroom with individual stalls. She has no access to the internet, but says she receives “at least a couple hundred pieces of mail every week.”'
Henri
10
Europe is of course nuts and coddles its prisoners. Sounds like he is probably living better than he did prior to the crimes.
15
Sympathy for the transgender part. No sympathy for the betrayal of nation and breach of contract.
21
“I am not asking for a pardon of my conviction. I understand that the various collateral consequences of the court-martial conviction will stay on my record forever,” she wrote in her commutation application. “I am merely asking for a first chance to live my life outside the U.S.D.B. as the person I was born to be.”
Unfortunately Pvt Manning, the time to seek a first chance to live your life as the person you think you were were born to be was BEFORE swearing the to oath of enlistment which materially opposes that possibility.
Oaths are NOT "terms of acceptance", to be mindlessly clicked through, despite many people's careless habits -- they carry grave consequences. (This is why you swear over something you hold in highest esteem. )
Yes, it is harsh. It's supposed to be. You swore to do specific tasks, in specific ways for specific reasons, even when you personally disagree, or do not understand, in full knowledge of specific penalties should you fail to do so. So many of those who stood beside you and did the same thing managed to find the strength and discipline to do what they promised, even when they disagreed. We would never wish a similar circumstance upon anyone, and we can grive or regret your condition, but despite the many additional failings around you, the sentence should stay as is.
Because unfortunately, Pvt Manning, you failed to uphold your oath.
And for that, we are all very sorry.
Unfortunately Pvt Manning, the time to seek a first chance to live your life as the person you think you were were born to be was BEFORE swearing the to oath of enlistment which materially opposes that possibility.
Oaths are NOT "terms of acceptance", to be mindlessly clicked through, despite many people's careless habits -- they carry grave consequences. (This is why you swear over something you hold in highest esteem. )
Yes, it is harsh. It's supposed to be. You swore to do specific tasks, in specific ways for specific reasons, even when you personally disagree, or do not understand, in full knowledge of specific penalties should you fail to do so. So many of those who stood beside you and did the same thing managed to find the strength and discipline to do what they promised, even when they disagreed. We would never wish a similar circumstance upon anyone, and we can grive or regret your condition, but despite the many additional failings around you, the sentence should stay as is.
Because unfortunately, Pvt Manning, you failed to uphold your oath.
And for that, we are all very sorry.
28
When Ms. Manning was working for the military, a psychiatrist recommended to her superior officer that she be relieved of duty because she was mentally unstable. The superior officer ignored this and a massive breach of security occurred. I want to know why this person was not punished. We shouldn't be having this conversation at all.
26
It's past time to commute Chelsea's sentence to time served. She is a whistle blower on war crimes - the murder of civilians and journalists - with a failure of the system to provide the appropriate avenues for analysts to go through. Her appalling 35 year sentence is an abomination of human rights - like something out of the Saudi system - and, in addition to the fact that she is virtually a political prisoner in the U.S.A. - she has already served well past the usual requirements laid out under these circumstances. Clearly she has also been targeted for discrimination because of her transgender status, among other matters. In addition, she has mental health issues that have been exacerbated by prison treatment that should be unlawful - including, but not limited to, isolation of a suicidal person - as well as a failure to recognize her transgender needs and status. Free Chelsea now!
13
This is news? This is nuts! She's getting lady voice lessons in prison? Are you out of your mind? Will someone walk 8th avenue NYC from 14th street to 23rd and reach out to the dozen or so people shivering in the cold on doorsteps? Donald Trump as president represents a wide spread belief that government has lost its ability to intelligently prioritize a national agenda of goals
18
This man was tried for serious crimes against the United States, found guilty, and sentenced. The fact that he imagines himself to be a woman is of no consequence to why he is incarcerated for 35 years. He committed his crimes as a man, should serve his time as one, and when he's released he can become whatever he imagines he ought to be. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
22
Who was responsible for allowing this individual to acquire and keep a high security clearance?
7
This woman broke the law and is serving her sentence, but torture was not part of the penalty. She said it plainly: "I need help!" So help her!
10
Commute Manning's sentence and let Manning be responsible for the cost of gender reassignment.
2
Ms. Manning is guilty - not unlike many heros (albeit historically) in our county's complicated past - - of whistleblowering deeply immoral, if not illegal, actions.
If President Obama - the only U.S. President who's been at war his entire two terms - wants to commit his legacy to a positive ethical review - he should commute her sentence in a reasonable way.
If President Obama - the only U.S. President who's been at war his entire two terms - wants to commit his legacy to a positive ethical review - he should commute her sentence in a reasonable way.
6
Incarcerated with things to read & work to do, friends, a clean modern cell with no cellmate, in safety, with a window no less! This is humane incarceration.
The question that ought to be asked is what about the huge numbers of men doing time in rotten old steel barred cages with a violent career criminal sleeping in the bunk below you ready to do you harm when he gets moody? It would take billions of dollars to upgrade all of America's prison cells to the standard Manning enjoys. And we ought to do it.
The question that ought to be asked is what about the huge numbers of men doing time in rotten old steel barred cages with a violent career criminal sleeping in the bunk below you ready to do you harm when he gets moody? It would take billions of dollars to upgrade all of America's prison cells to the standard Manning enjoys. And we ought to do it.
18
I wonder what thoughts went through his head when he decided to commit his crime. Did he say what is the worst thing that will happen to me when I get caught?
10
Wow. Just...wow.
A member of our military commits treason and receives a harsh jail sentence. And the Times indulges this criminal to write a sappy, sympathetic piece about how tough prison is for her? I'm sorry, should we have sent her to the Ritz instead? And no questioning of the utter absurdity that our tax dollars are paying for her gender therapy, but I am constantly handing out change to homeless vets on the streets of NYC because we don't have the resources to take care of them? Prison is hard, Chelsea? You know how many of our brave servicemen who did NOT commit a felony would kill for a roof over their head and three squares a day?
I feel like this exact article is why most of Middle America despises east coast liberals with such exasperation. The way the Times covers it - solely by identity politics crusading - is so disconnected from how most people in this country think. Please, let us return to common sense and not immediately give someone a pass because they belong to a minority bloc. This is insane.
A member of our military commits treason and receives a harsh jail sentence. And the Times indulges this criminal to write a sappy, sympathetic piece about how tough prison is for her? I'm sorry, should we have sent her to the Ritz instead? And no questioning of the utter absurdity that our tax dollars are paying for her gender therapy, but I am constantly handing out change to homeless vets on the streets of NYC because we don't have the resources to take care of them? Prison is hard, Chelsea? You know how many of our brave servicemen who did NOT commit a felony would kill for a roof over their head and three squares a day?
I feel like this exact article is why most of Middle America despises east coast liberals with such exasperation. The way the Times covers it - solely by identity politics crusading - is so disconnected from how most people in this country think. Please, let us return to common sense and not immediately give someone a pass because they belong to a minority bloc. This is insane.
43
This is about as accurate and comprehensive a depiction of the horrors of life in US prisons as the Shawshank Redemption. In case that remains unclear to anyone, there's absolutely no clue in either.
5
Friends? In a jail doing hard time? Plenty to do, plenty to read? No malodorous cellmate lurking over you while you sleep? Guards you are not driven to hate because of their abuse? This is not "bleak" in fact 95% of American prisoners doing serious time would change places given the chance. I'd be careful about demanding other housing if I were Manning, it does not get a lot better that this inside. And interesting fact not reported is the cost of this free room & board to the US taxpayer.
26
If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. She knew what she was doing was illegal. I was in Afghanistan in '12, well after her theft (and the documents themselves) became public, and the damage it did is incalculable. Attacks on US troops increased, in number and effectiveness, because of what she handed off to Wikileaks. If she wants sympathy, I recommend she get a dictionary. She can find it between sh--t and syphilis.
24
Since when is prison not bleak?
15
My takewaway from this article, and others about Manning drive home one thing: this individual is mentally ill. Was, is, and likely will be. If vetting of intelligence analysts was stronger this whole mess could have been avoided.
11
At a time when President Obama is considering commuting Chelsea Manning's sentence, this NYT story is unfortunately focusing on her gender rather than on her whistle blowing activities that brought to light horrific aspects of the Iraq War, including the killing of civilians and reporters by a US Apache helicopter. She is a hero, not a traitor.
8
This whole story is a dismaying display of special pleading, you have to wonder at the nature of the conversations at the NYT that allow this sort of bizarre approach to a story.
17
Bradley Manning is a traitor. His claims to be a woman have no bearing on his status in prison and shouldn't be considered in his plea for leniency. However, from a financial standpoint, it makes more sense to let him out, than to use taxpayer dollars to continue his "transition".
14
A criminal and a traitor - along the lines of a rapist. She should have got the death penalty and no amount of taxpayer money should be spent on the transition.
9
It's truly upsetting that so many Americans feel that individuals who signed oaths to protect secrets felt they could make the individual choice to leak those materials. I'll bet any soldier these days who gets the urge to betray his country shudders at the thought of the 35-year sentence Manning is serving. It was intentionally tough to prevent future betrayals, and I think that worked.
Similarly, if we ever grab Snowdon, he should get life without possibility of parole.
Similarly, if we ever grab Snowdon, he should get life without possibility of parole.
16
I appreciate that Chelsea Manning went through the court system, and has faced some consequences of her actions. In the traditions of Thoreau and MLK Jr., a central tenet of civil disobedience involves facing penalties.
However, I believe that Manning has paid that penalty in full, and that President Obama must commute her sentence before leaving office. To not do so would be a severe stain on his otherwise impeccable record, as the incoming administration will not do what is ethically appropriate.
However, I believe that Manning has paid that penalty in full, and that President Obama must commute her sentence before leaving office. To not do so would be a severe stain on his otherwise impeccable record, as the incoming administration will not do what is ethically appropriate.
20
Neither Thoreau no MLK were members of the military nor did they expose the government's secrets. There is a reason documents are classified and Manning knew it. It was not Manning's job to reclassify them.
Seven years of a 35 year sentence is hardly time to evaluate a prisoner for the privilege of parole, commutation or pardon. Manning doesn't seem contrite about the crime, only being caught. Using the other issue as a means to effect them is weaseling. The time to consider the penalties of an act is before you do it.
Seven years of a 35 year sentence is hardly time to evaluate a prisoner for the privilege of parole, commutation or pardon. Manning doesn't seem contrite about the crime, only being caught. Using the other issue as a means to effect them is weaseling. The time to consider the penalties of an act is before you do it.
9
Someone very close to me had their name exposed in the Wikileaks documents. I was mad and then I was scared. And that's only part of the reason I have never been able to join the crowd that salutes Manning, Assange or Snowden as heroes, even while acknowledging the utility of some of the revelations dealing with invasion of privacy.
But neither can I stand by while the values of mercy, compassion and forgiveness are so casually jettisoned in our current age of rage. The real test of whether we can nurture and save these "better angels of our nature" is the extent to which we can apply them to those who may have harmed or even betrayed us.
And that's what I hope we can do with Ms. Manning.
The age of Trump is going to present us with many occasions on which rage and disgust with an illegitimate president will be entirely justified.
The real danger is that we might, in the fog of our relentless resistance, negligently allow those noble compassionate qualities to erode and even disappear.
He may be hell-bent on taking our health care, on loathing the other, on elevating crudeness to our lingua franca.
We can't, though, let him take our souls.
Give Chelsea peace and compassion. Show the world that the decency in our hearts and souls is here to stay and that it can even withstand all the degradation that our President-Elect is so callously letting loose in the land.
But neither can I stand by while the values of mercy, compassion and forgiveness are so casually jettisoned in our current age of rage. The real test of whether we can nurture and save these "better angels of our nature" is the extent to which we can apply them to those who may have harmed or even betrayed us.
And that's what I hope we can do with Ms. Manning.
The age of Trump is going to present us with many occasions on which rage and disgust with an illegitimate president will be entirely justified.
The real danger is that we might, in the fog of our relentless resistance, negligently allow those noble compassionate qualities to erode and even disappear.
He may be hell-bent on taking our health care, on loathing the other, on elevating crudeness to our lingua franca.
We can't, though, let him take our souls.
Give Chelsea peace and compassion. Show the world that the decency in our hearts and souls is here to stay and that it can even withstand all the degradation that our President-Elect is so callously letting loose in the land.
27
I find the complaints about hair length odd. She looks fine to me - many women wear short hair and are no less women for it. I would support her having the surgery, then being transferred to a federal women's prison. She broke the law and was convicted of such. It sounds as if she has more attention, outside interest, and activities to occupy her time and mind than do the vast majority of prisoners. She certainly should have the psychological treatment she needs (which it seems she gets). Still, she should serve her time.
11
Perhaps Manning is carrying this harsh penalty because those responsible, who sent us into an illegal and unethical war, who condoned brutality against civilians and torture of prisoners, go free. People like Rumsfeld, Cheney and Bush. And other whistleblowers like Snowden and Assange evaded incarceration.
Additionally I'm deeply saddened by the comments condoning cruelty and abuse in prison. Once, long ago, the American concept of 'penitentiary' was intended to reform and restore people to good citizenship.I don't believe people should be raped and terrified because they've committed a crime.
Additionally I'm deeply saddened by the comments condoning cruelty and abuse in prison. Once, long ago, the American concept of 'penitentiary' was intended to reform and restore people to good citizenship.I don't believe people should be raped and terrified because they've committed a crime.
111
Don't do the crime and you don't do the time. It is not meant to be a country club but a Purgatory for those crimes.
7
Some murky issues here: the extent of criminality has already been determined, so commenters need to let go of that. Is the issue one of outrage over spending tax dollars on gender dysphoria treatment and sex change surgery? That may be a legitimate issue, but isn't related to questions about the crime committed or length of sentence. If this person wants to live as a woman, I would support confinement to a women's prison. Beyond that, all
the special accommodation seems disproportionate to me.
the special accommodation seems disproportionate to me.
82
Commuting her sentence to time served would spare the Army the expense of transgender surgery and treatment. Otherwise, she is entitled to the same medical treatment as non-incarcerated transgender soldiers would receive. If her sentence is not commuted, she should then be transferred to a women's prison and be treated as other women prisoners are.
2
Manning was Army intelligence analyst who betrayed that roll. Period. Everything else is superfluous.
131
Maybe we need a few people who are willing to reveal the corruption of our government?
7
Agreed. Mr. Manning has a mental disorder and it doesn't 'conform' to the prison he is in? Prison isn't supposed to be cupcakes and parties.
10
My god, what would they have done to her if she had betrayed that toast?
3
It has been obvious to me, after traveling to thirteen other countries, and living in four others, that the US is a uniquely vicious and cruel populace, with rulers who reflect that. Barely civilized, and it shows in the comments section of this article. It is one reason why we have the highest imprisonment rate in the world, and highest police murder rate, that is murder BY police, not of police, in the industrialized west.
Chelsea Manning put a light on the official murder of the past two regimes, of Bush and Obama, embarrassed them both, and Obama lashed back with a secret, military kangaroo court to silence the rightful criticism of the war crimes occurring under his administration. While there may be some valid criticism of Manning's methods, under international law, a soldier is not required to coverup war crimes he or she discovers.
All the recent laudatory comments about the departing Obama posted in the Times, of him being dignified, scandal free, etc., are made a mockery by how his administration treats Manning. I'll be happy to see the hypocrite depart on January 20th.
Chelsea Manning put a light on the official murder of the past two regimes, of Bush and Obama, embarrassed them both, and Obama lashed back with a secret, military kangaroo court to silence the rightful criticism of the war crimes occurring under his administration. While there may be some valid criticism of Manning's methods, under international law, a soldier is not required to coverup war crimes he or she discovers.
All the recent laudatory comments about the departing Obama posted in the Times, of him being dignified, scandal free, etc., are made a mockery by how his administration treats Manning. I'll be happy to see the hypocrite depart on January 20th.
38
Uniquely vicious and cruel? Here's another perspective - we don't take kindly to citizens who abuse the rights and liberties they're given, especially when it involves abusing those of others, violating an oath, or deliberately taking actions that risk our nation's security.
.
Living in a free society has responsibilities.
.
Manning also violated the trust our government placed in him, so I have little empathy for him. All he had to do is say, as he does in this article, "I need help," and all of this would have been prevented.
.
Living in a free society has responsibilities.
.
Manning also violated the trust our government placed in him, so I have little empathy for him. All he had to do is say, as he does in this article, "I need help," and all of this would have been prevented.
17
I thought you were good in the first two paragraphs, but the third, thinking that Obama is a Yuge hypocrite? Nothing quite like his replacement.
1
She betrayed her country in any case and could have been executed as it right. The sentence is lenient. I would support her no more than any rapist or child pervert.
1
So she tries to kill herself and they punish her for that with solitary confinement? This is cruel and unusual punishment. Perhaps she belongs in a hospital at this point.
48
I'm neither pro or con on commuting for Ms Manning. But, as an army Vietnam veteran I have had direct experience with some soldiers being completely in over their heads emotionally to be successful in certain situations and the Army usually (but not always) ignoring the situation.
101
It is past time for Obama to commute Manning’s unjustly harsh sentence. She did break the law as she confessed during her court martial, but she acted in good conscience, motivated to inform the public with no intent to harm the United States. It is troubling see other commenters throwing around the term “treason,” when she was found not guilty of aiding the enemy by the military judge at her court martial. She has suffered more than enough and it is time to let her go free.
69
News Flash: "Life in a prison is bleak." Film at 11.
Seriously, they are taking away health care from tens of millions of Americans and you are writing front page news that "Chelsea thinks prison is bleak"?
Seriously, they are taking away health care from tens of millions of Americans and you are writing front page news that "Chelsea thinks prison is bleak"?
160
Wow, so many of these commenters have hearts filled with hate. Chelsea Manning is a woman and a whistle-blower who has suffered more than enough. She deserves to be free.
76
Why is everyone who disagrees filled with "hate"?
It's that kind of rhetoric that led to Trump winning the election.
It's that kind of rhetoric that led to Trump winning the election.
7
I have my head filled with facts. Bradley/Chelsea Manning is a non gender conforming man.
Do you find that a hateful statement? Biological reality does not equal "hate".
Do you find that a hateful statement? Biological reality does not equal "hate".
8
Sorry Gordon, Manning leaked 700,000 documents — at the time, the largest-ever theft of classified US material — including confidential diplomatic and military communiques revealing the names of intelligence assets.
Handing over national-security secrets to WikiLeaks isn’t “whistle-blowing” — it’s espionage!
Handing over national-security secrets to WikiLeaks isn’t “whistle-blowing” — it’s espionage!
6
I cannot get over the fact we are footing the bill for a transition of a traitor.
105
I cannot get over the fact that ethical persons who expose US military war crimes, are considered traitors. Says more about commentators than Manning that their judgement is so skewed.
54
We are a civiized society, or at least we purport to be, and as such, we do not withhold medical treatment from our prisoners. Whatever crimes she has been convicted of are immaterial here.
2
Exactly, Michelle. Its ridiculous to expect us to supply Manning with cosmetic surgery. If a soldier requested cosmetic surgery, they would be laughed at, and refused. I can't even get discounted bifocals through my insurance. But if you're a traitor, with a history of mental illnesses, who wants to emulate the opposite sex by getting multiple cosmetic procedures, thats something we all should chip in to pay for? Come on.
9
Prior to any leaks, the military had ample opportunity to medically and administratively deal with a soldier displaying severe symptoms who had access to top secret material. While Manning did the crime and should do the time, the real and systemic problem is a total lack of military leadership and accountability at much higher levels.
28
Perhaps the best solution would be for Ms. Manning to serve her time in a female area of a military prison instead of a male area, since she identifies as a woman. I don't think she should pardoned, she had issues, but she knew right from wrong, and whatever her motivations, she did wrong. To me, that is the most rational solution. And her medical treatment should be the same as every other prisoner gets.
64
35 years is way too long for the crime that brought no adverse consequences !!! 7 seems about right especially since Obama is in the process of reducing sentences for drug mandatory sentences saying they were sentenced to way to long, well so is she. It would also reduce the need of the military paying for further help in her transition saving tax money as I am sure her followers would provide for her needs and with love !!!
28
A pardon, which she is not seeking, would erase her conviction. She is seeking a commutation of her sentence to "time served," which would leave her conviction intact.
3
But did she do wrong? Daniel Elsberg does not think so. I respect his opinion.
I am sure there are mitigating psychological factors at play, but the fact remains that what transpired was a breach of security and trust. Actions have consequences. A reduced sentence perhaps but betraying your nation is a serious offense.
94
I would like to thank the Times for highlighting the suffering of this prisoner. I hope it stands as a stark lesson for others who might consider betraying their country. When you assume a position of trust, that comes with great responsibilities. Betraying that trust comes with grave consequences.
Ms. Manning should serve her full sentence. Her gender issues have no impact on her guilt or innocence.
Ms. Manning should serve her full sentence. Her gender issues have no impact on her guilt or innocence.
125
Your argument would have more weight were it not for the sliding scales of justice in accordance with power. Note that Gen. Petraeus was merely fired and smeared for his trangressiona with classified information, and Sec. Clinton avoided legal penalties entirely for her private server debacle (for those who would quibble over this, I advise them to become familiar with the military concept of command and accountability).
1
Manning is a criminal ratting out a criminal government--what to do, what to do?
17
Being transgender should have nothing to do with the commutation of Manning’s prison sentence.
This article prompted me to go back and review the circumstances surrounding Manning’s crime, and I found this interesting quote, which is excerpted from an online chat Manning had with Adrian Lamo (the person who reported Manning to authorities) before being prosecuted:
“i wouldn't mind going to prison for the rest of my life, or being executed so much, if it wasn't for the possibility of having pictures of me ... plastered all over the world press ... as [a] boy”
This article prompted me to go back and review the circumstances surrounding Manning’s crime, and I found this interesting quote, which is excerpted from an online chat Manning had with Adrian Lamo (the person who reported Manning to authorities) before being prosecuted:
“i wouldn't mind going to prison for the rest of my life, or being executed so much, if it wasn't for the possibility of having pictures of me ... plastered all over the world press ... as [a] boy”
23
Maybe she could make it a part time job. We could all use a break.
13
Just because you are transgender, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be serving time for your crime. She has bigger problems than jail, anyway. She should have thought of the potential consequences when she performed the illegal tasks. Throw the key away.
72
AA,
Crime committed? Yes.
35 YEARS? No.
Convicted murderers are out in 10. Rapist out in 12.
This was a witch hunt by the GOP.
Crime committed? Yes.
35 YEARS? No.
Convicted murderers are out in 10. Rapist out in 12.
This was a witch hunt by the GOP.
50
GOP? His/her crimes were uncovered in 2010. I think Mr. Obama was President then.
As Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces, the prosecution of Manning occurred under Mr. Obama's watch.
Get your facts straight.
As Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces, the prosecution of Manning occurred under Mr. Obama's watch.
Get your facts straight.
6
AA - ditto, wish I recommend more than once.
4
As a physician who has worked with prisoners, what bothers me is how many medical amenities Chelsea is getting compared to the average prisoner.
Prisoners show up with horrific late stage disseminated cancers because of staff apathy. If a patient shows up struggling to breathe or talk because there's a laryngeal mass in their hypopharynx closing off their airway and they had to wait 2 years to be seen, why should Chelsea Manning get speech therapy? The system is struggling to have life threatening conditions treated, it is not justified to spend resources on elective therapy
Prisoners show up with horrific late stage disseminated cancers because of staff apathy. If a patient shows up struggling to breathe or talk because there's a laryngeal mass in their hypopharynx closing off their airway and they had to wait 2 years to be seen, why should Chelsea Manning get speech therapy? The system is struggling to have life threatening conditions treated, it is not justified to spend resources on elective therapy
217
J. What every prisoner needs then are volunteers who call everyday, a lawyer who waits for every new thing he can jump on. Both tell her what to do, how to do it, and help as they can. So, you can't blame her, because she has people to help. Blame everyone who thinks no prisoner should be helped. Her help is doing a good job. The others? Nope.
14
If you are a physician, then surely you are aware that her condition is medically treatable? The medication and surgery indicated is not elective. I am not aware that the prison system is triaging medical conditions into those that merit treatment and those that don't. Prisoners have the same rights to medical treatment as non-incarcerated persons do.
6
Thank you for bring the knowledge of your experience to this question. It is helpful. She should handle her transition issues with her own money when she has served her time for a serious offense.
5
Furthermore, The material Manning leaked did not contain sources and methods. A review of the approximately 725,647 documents leaked by Manning conducted by the Defense Intelligence Agency placed the risk to national security at moderate to low.
Brig. Gen. Robert Carr, the counterintelligence expert, who had directed the DIA Intelligence Review Task Force, testified that the disclosures did not contain direct references to human intelligence or sources. Although the Afghan SIGACTS did contained around 900 names, Carr testified that "Many of those names were of people who were already dead, had died at some point in the battlefield."
The matter is the length of sentence and it being an outlier and extreme. I believe Manning should have her sentence commuted. Moreover, she handled herself with complete candor to the court-- in that I mean she pled without the benefit of a plea. Finally, she was diagnosed with gender dysphoria prior to her arrest. In all this, the US Army's own role, and her specific chain of commands is somewhat loss. Manning has largely been scapegoat, in the information vacuum-- that is in the absence of a more robust and I believe balanced discussion and reporting on events, motives, and context.
Brig. Gen. Robert Carr, the counterintelligence expert, who had directed the DIA Intelligence Review Task Force, testified that the disclosures did not contain direct references to human intelligence or sources. Although the Afghan SIGACTS did contained around 900 names, Carr testified that "Many of those names were of people who were already dead, had died at some point in the battlefield."
The matter is the length of sentence and it being an outlier and extreme. I believe Manning should have her sentence commuted. Moreover, she handled herself with complete candor to the court-- in that I mean she pled without the benefit of a plea. Finally, she was diagnosed with gender dysphoria prior to her arrest. In all this, the US Army's own role, and her specific chain of commands is somewhat loss. Manning has largely been scapegoat, in the information vacuum-- that is in the absence of a more robust and I believe balanced discussion and reporting on events, motives, and context.
27
Um, so how is this any different from the Pollard sentence? Pollard received a punitive and ridiculous log sentence for espionage that didn't harm the US, despite Cap Weiner gers bogus assertion. If he had to serve that long a stretch, so should Manning.
11
Still did it. I'm too worried about Charles Manson's failing health to think straight enough to worry properly about this disloyal individual's comfort. There are innocent decent people without healthcare and manning gets it for free.
13
grafter,
If Manning's sentence was commuted to "time served," she would have to pay for her medical treatment like anyone else!
If Manning's sentence was commuted to "time served," she would have to pay for her medical treatment like anyone else!
3
Manning was a serving soldier, in the field, in time of war. He was not a whistle-blower. He was a traitor to his country, and to fellow soldiers. He put lives in danger. He betrayed the enormous trust that had been to him.
84
The jury ruled not guilty on the charge of being a traitor. And as any one from the service can tell you the military puts you where IT wants you and if you do not perform as ordered because you don't like the job the usual answer is dishonorable discharge not 35 more years in the military served in prison !!!
13
Soldiers should have all the rights of a regular citizen. When is being a soldier require giving up your American rights?
"Plaintiff feels like a freak and a weirdo"
Bradley Manning IS a freak and a weirdo! He had emotional issues and recognized them, so he should have sought treatment for them. Instead, he emails military secrets to a website. This is not just a grave error or judgement - it's an outright violation of the law and his duty as a member of the military. I don't care if he's transgender or gay - if you can't do the time. don't do the crime.
Let HIM rot in prison and serve out his full sentence.
Bradley Manning IS a freak and a weirdo! He had emotional issues and recognized them, so he should have sought treatment for them. Instead, he emails military secrets to a website. This is not just a grave error or judgement - it's an outright violation of the law and his duty as a member of the military. I don't care if he's transgender or gay - if you can't do the time. don't do the crime.
Let HIM rot in prison and serve out his full sentence.
79
That quote applies when you are committing a crime to enrich your self at the expense of another or cause bodily harm to another. You need to look t ? treat others as you wish to be treated under the same circumstances ???
8
Tis said before and still true: if you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
27
Shaft was a great show. I miss it.
Unfortunately, martyrs sometimes have to embrace martyrdom -- which generally does not involve donning a comically stereotypical costume of heels, wig and a pretty dress for a round of applause.
41
While I understand that many are quite capable of determining if Manning was a traitor based on their own standards; it's not a legal one.
She was acquitted in a court of law of aiding the enemy and mil prosecutors said she wasn't being charged with "espionage" (aka not a spy) but for willful disclosure. See the court record (FOIA Vol 18, Pg 1267).
Manning was convicted of disclosing (under Espionage Act) Secret portions 227 documents.
--90 low level battle field reports from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
--Five (5) Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs.
--116 diplomatic cables from the State Department.
--Two CIA Red Cell Memos.
--One U.S. Army Counterintelligence Center Memo.
--Approximately 13 CENTCOM reports and briefs on mass civilian casualties by U.S. Forces in the Farah province of Afghanistan.
The U.S. State Department declassified portions of 44 of the 116 charged diplomatic cables in a post-arrest review by Patrick Kennedy, the undersecretary of management, and the Department of State's original classification authority. The official review stated that a confidential 2007 diplomatic communication about Iraq was no longer sensitive, but its declassification would require Department of Treasury concurrence.
She was acquitted in a court of law of aiding the enemy and mil prosecutors said she wasn't being charged with "espionage" (aka not a spy) but for willful disclosure. See the court record (FOIA Vol 18, Pg 1267).
Manning was convicted of disclosing (under Espionage Act) Secret portions 227 documents.
--90 low level battle field reports from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
--Five (5) Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs.
--116 diplomatic cables from the State Department.
--Two CIA Red Cell Memos.
--One U.S. Army Counterintelligence Center Memo.
--Approximately 13 CENTCOM reports and briefs on mass civilian casualties by U.S. Forces in the Farah province of Afghanistan.
The U.S. State Department declassified portions of 44 of the 116 charged diplomatic cables in a post-arrest review by Patrick Kennedy, the undersecretary of management, and the Department of State's original classification authority. The official review stated that a confidential 2007 diplomatic communication about Iraq was no longer sensitive, but its declassification would require Department of Treasury concurrence.
11
Thanks for the information. She was, however, legally sentenced for something she did do and which she knew was illegal. She is seeking and getting special treatment because she has mental health issues. So do half the prisoners in America. She deserves to be treated like every other criminal. We have much bigger problems on the way with DT coming.
19
I respect that you have an opinion. For myself, Manning hasn't ever made excuses for herself. In re trans. She was diagnosed w/gender dysphoria prior to arrest; at a time when such a condition would lead to separation from the Army. There was scholarly study found in her containerized housing unit written by an Air Force psych called "Flight Into Hyper-masculinity" which stated that there are likely more transgendered people in the military than the civilian population. Many transgendered women join the military to try to rid themselves of the feelings that they have; because it is a hyper masculine environment.
In terms of her treatment, it is my understanding is constitutional at the fed level, and if not treated trans risk of suicide while incarcerated increase.
Furthermore, setting aside crimes for a moment, the US Army is pretty archaic in its treatment of vets, who have a higher suicide rate than the population. Manning is a vet too. So the US Army's treatment of her is in fact I'm line with their generally know abyssmal culture towards mental health(as evidenced by suicide as a violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice-- see news reports of this across the board). I want to know why the Pentagon put a US Army soldier in a Marine Corp Brig built for temporary prisoners (Quantico); a portion of that time at Quantico was deemed illegal by a military judge. There are so many examples of this kind of treatment in Manning case; plus sentence s outlier.
In terms of her treatment, it is my understanding is constitutional at the fed level, and if not treated trans risk of suicide while incarcerated increase.
Furthermore, setting aside crimes for a moment, the US Army is pretty archaic in its treatment of vets, who have a higher suicide rate than the population. Manning is a vet too. So the US Army's treatment of her is in fact I'm line with their generally know abyssmal culture towards mental health(as evidenced by suicide as a violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice-- see news reports of this across the board). I want to know why the Pentagon put a US Army soldier in a Marine Corp Brig built for temporary prisoners (Quantico); a portion of that time at Quantico was deemed illegal by a military judge. There are so many examples of this kind of treatment in Manning case; plus sentence s outlier.
My understanding is that her basic argument for clemency is that her sentence is and outlier for her crime. She has paid a steep price, let it not be understated, for what she did; and I have never heard her make excuses for herself; or play the victim. She is trans. This is a fact. And trans who do not receive treatment have a higher chance of suicide. The Manning I have seen is one who actually takes responsibility, treats others with deference, and is a self-effacing. That said, I agree that so many people who are incarcerated do not have even her public attention. So, I merely speak from my own point of view. Her sentence is not typical for her crime. I think her sentence should be commuted.
Prison is terrible. That's why people don't betray their country; it's best to stay out of it.
22
That is not why people betray their country. Some betray their country to win presidential elections.
22
If how horrible prison is, is the only reason to not commit treason or betray their country, than that does not say much for the country now does it?
I would not betray my country because I love it, and would do anything (including going to war with the upcoming regime) to save it.
What she did, and how she was sentenced has nothing to do with her gender identity. That is a birth defect. A mismatch between her physical body and her mind. There are many birth defects. Many sexual, or gender birth defects, some more physically obvious. Some are born with complete sets of both genders sexual equipment, internal and external. They all used to be 'assigned' the gender of female, because surgeons found the surgery easier, and did it close to birth. Bad idea. But, the medical community moves at a snails pace, and many are hurt by it. I suppose the writer of the comment who called her 'weird' would call someone born with one leg or one arm weird too. But, then anyone different in any way from them I suppose means I can call him/her weird.
I don't think the Army (AKA) us, should have to pay for surgery, or that she should have her sentence reduced. If there is a group that wants to fund, find a surgeon, pay all extra expenses caused by her being in prison, and any incidentals, she should be able to have the surgery. Sentence commuted....no.
I would not betray my country because I love it, and would do anything (including going to war with the upcoming regime) to save it.
What she did, and how she was sentenced has nothing to do with her gender identity. That is a birth defect. A mismatch between her physical body and her mind. There are many birth defects. Many sexual, or gender birth defects, some more physically obvious. Some are born with complete sets of both genders sexual equipment, internal and external. They all used to be 'assigned' the gender of female, because surgeons found the surgery easier, and did it close to birth. Bad idea. But, the medical community moves at a snails pace, and many are hurt by it. I suppose the writer of the comment who called her 'weird' would call someone born with one leg or one arm weird too. But, then anyone different in any way from them I suppose means I can call him/her weird.
I don't think the Army (AKA) us, should have to pay for surgery, or that she should have her sentence reduced. If there is a group that wants to fund, find a surgeon, pay all extra expenses caused by her being in prison, and any incidentals, she should be able to have the surgery. Sentence commuted....no.
9
Free Chelsea!
18
Free Willy!
8
I do hope President Obama will commute Manning's sentence.
29
Mr. or Ms. Manning is a traitor. I really don't care about his gender problems.
95
Read your Constitution, Article III, Section 3 for the definition of Treason; too many ignorants do not know what it is!
1
For this person it is,about punishment. Don't much care where he/she spends the time as long as he/she spends the time is pruson. What was it this soldier did not understand about treason?
18
Treason is a loaded term suited only for rhetorical purposes. PFC Manning violated the terms of service stipulated by her oath, and outlined under the UCMJ. Patriotism and treason are for ideologies; she's in prison for breach of contract.
As prisons go, Ft. Leavenworth's about as horrible as it gets in some ways. I'm sure the amenities are better than many state or private facilities, but there's a catch. Being forced to comply to military regulations without the social shield of honorable service is terrifying. I advise anyone not familiar to read Article 134 sometime and think about how it can be applied by a warden/guard to a inmate.
It's well past time service members convicted of crimes meriting federal jail time are fully discharged and sentenced to a normal federal prison.
As prisons go, Ft. Leavenworth's about as horrible as it gets in some ways. I'm sure the amenities are better than many state or private facilities, but there's a catch. Being forced to comply to military regulations without the social shield of honorable service is terrifying. I advise anyone not familiar to read Article 134 sometime and think about how it can be applied by a warden/guard to a inmate.
It's well past time service members convicted of crimes meriting federal jail time are fully discharged and sentenced to a normal federal prison.
14
Not is prison for breach of contact, which is a civil not criminal matter. She was convicted of massive crimes of espionage under the UCMJ. Treason is giving aid and comfort to the enemy, and she certainly provided then (e.g Russia and China) with reams of useful information, but she was not charged with treason.
8
Joining the military is not the same as taking a civilian job. Members of the military are aware that they are subject to the UCMJ (or should be, they are certainly instructed to that effect in detail). And they are all volunteers in today's military. No excuses, this individual violated the Code, this is much more than a breach of contract.
17
I respectfully but thoroughly disagree. Employees and service members alike receive training upon joining an organization on professional standards, expectations, procedures, and liabilities. They are made aware of the potential consequences for failing to uphold institutional norms, and the mechanisms that will be engaged. Some civilian employers even hold the conceit of performing a public service, like utilities that gouge customers and stifle competition with government sanction (looking at you, HELCO) while claiming beneficence because they power hospitals. Some civilian jobs have high espirit de corps, like miners. Both military and civilian sectors can have strongly worded non-disclosure clauses with strong penalties for breach of contract.
As a final aside, the point about volunteer service is technically correct, legally significant, and highly misleading. Nobody can truly know what they are signing up for, especially during war, in theater. Being a dependent isn't enough, hearing your grandfather's sea stories about the fleet has no bearing on the modern beast. These kids and young adults aren't capable of making a truly informed decision. I certainly wasn't, nor were any of my peers. It is quite possible they volunteered for something the understand poorly, and only upon learning the truth realize they cannot execute in good conscience.
That is way you prosecute for breach of contract, not violated principles. The latter is too nebulous.
As a final aside, the point about volunteer service is technically correct, legally significant, and highly misleading. Nobody can truly know what they are signing up for, especially during war, in theater. Being a dependent isn't enough, hearing your grandfather's sea stories about the fleet has no bearing on the modern beast. These kids and young adults aren't capable of making a truly informed decision. I certainly wasn't, nor were any of my peers. It is quite possible they volunteered for something the understand poorly, and only upon learning the truth realize they cannot execute in good conscience.
That is way you prosecute for breach of contract, not violated principles. The latter is too nebulous.
Cry me a river. I could care less what gender he is this week, he's a traitor, plain and simple. Unless being transgender trumps being a traitor. You never know in the warped mind of a Times writer.
73
Some transgender women seem to believe that their new identity as a woman cancels out their previous identity, and with it, their previous peccadillos, misdeeds and even outright crimes.
7
Unlike Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning not only acted in good conscience, but was also willing to stand trial. The Obama Administration reached back to an outdated 1917 law, the Espionage Act, to literally "throw the book" at then Pvt.. Bradley Manning. After over seven years and multiple suicide attempts, it's time for President Obama to pardon her. She has suffered enough for her crime which cost no lives and did relatively little damage to U.S. national security. It's time to show compassion.
33
You maintain that Manning's actions cost no lives. I doubt that you are in a position to categorically make that assertion. If you are, you probably shouldn't be posting about it in a public comments site.
19
He's banking on the fact that the military has no record of a Chelsea Manning ever having enlisted.
2
I'm not a hard-hearted person but Manning committed treason. He or she may say this was in the national interest but that's a narrow and personal interpretation.
Frankly, I hope Obama does not commute the sentence. 35 long years in prison is a just sentence.
Frankly, I hope Obama does not commute the sentence. 35 long years in prison is a just sentence.
36
There will come a time when the treasonous Donald Trump is incarcerated. He has and will do far more damage to our democratic institutions than Chelsea Manning ever did in her illegal and misguided attempts at releasing classified documents.
34
Should read, "has done"
6
I do not understand why the NY Times believes Chelsea Manning continues to deserve their readers' attention.
For Chrissakes - Donald Trump is president - let's worry about that.
For Chrissakes - Donald Trump is president - let's worry about that.
28
Being "her" is a full-time job? How dare she gripe about the position she has chosen to be in and with my tax dollars, no less. She claims to "need help" to deal with her hopelessness? Such brazen hubris from a convicted traitor is not newsworthy, NYT. Shame on you.
42
A spy who knowingly committed treason and was convicted in military court. Should have been executed via firing squad.
14
I agree that Ms. Manning, as a transgender woman, is being subjected to what can accurately be described as "cruel and unusual punishment" by being imprisoned in an all-male military prison.
But she was convicted of a serious crime, with serious consequences for this country and its national security. Yes, thirty-five years does seem an excessively long and vindictive sentence. But some prison time is appropriate--both as punishment and as deterrence.
As an act of mercy in thios highly unusual situation, why can she not be transferred to a federal women's prison and her sentence be reduced, contingent upon her cooperation in helping to rectify some of the damage that her actions did?
But she was convicted of a serious crime, with serious consequences for this country and its national security. Yes, thirty-five years does seem an excessively long and vindictive sentence. But some prison time is appropriate--both as punishment and as deterrence.
As an act of mercy in thios highly unusual situation, why can she not be transferred to a federal women's prison and her sentence be reduced, contingent upon her cooperation in helping to rectify some of the damage that her actions did?
57
Totally bogus.
8
How would Manning be able to repair the damage? Iraqis and Afghans who cooperated with us are dead because of what Manning leaked. Their lives matter.
11
Why can't Manning be transferred to a federal women's prison? Because that's a civilian's privilege. Manning volunteered to enlist in the military. Manning remains in the military while in the military prison. Manning's remaining time of enlistment duty is suspended when one is in the brig. Manning will have to serve out the full remaining time of enlistment after release. Or face a dishonourable or medical discharge. Like it or not, the military is not civilian life. You don't just wander off any time you feel like it.
3
I feel symapthy for Chelsea Manning, no doubt her personal gender circumstances contributed to her decision to give away classified material. I am no fan of the Bush administration. Nevertheless, her sentence was and remains appropriate. The Army can and should treat her fairly; however, I wonder how the other 435 inmates without a cheering section are treated? Harassment for breaking even the most minor of rules is military discipline 101. Whether she is singled out is not clear. This kind of treatment could be de rigueur at Leavenworth for all we know.
10
Chelsea Manning sat through many security briefings on how to handle classified material and the associated penalties.
She willingly and knowingly broke the security rules that she was subject to.
She was tried and convicted to prison for these crimes.
Yes her existence in prison is not pleasant nor comfortable.
"I am merely asking for a chance to live my life outside the USDB as the person I was born to be"
Would this statement apply to anybody currently serving time in prison?
She willingly and knowingly broke the security rules that she was subject to.
She was tried and convicted to prison for these crimes.
Yes her existence in prison is not pleasant nor comfortable.
"I am merely asking for a chance to live my life outside the USDB as the person I was born to be"
Would this statement apply to anybody currently serving time in prison?
53
Of course it would. The threat of prison is always there. But no one really takes it seriously until they're there. Now that he is in prison, Klinger will say or do whatever it takes to get out.
1
Chelsea's crime is for treason and not for being transgender. While she gets the counseling she clearly needs, she also must pay the price for her misdeeds. The president should be more concerned with commuting the sentences of inmates who have truly turned their lives around and not to give Chelsea the opportunity to leave freely as a woman.
120
Treason is defined in Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution:
"Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No person shall be convicted of Treason, unless on the Testimony of Two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
Chelsea Manning was convicted of espionage, not Treason.
"Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No person shall be convicted of Treason, unless on the Testimony of Two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
Chelsea Manning was convicted of espionage, not Treason.
3
Please read Article III, section 3, of the US Constitution for the definition of treason. Ms. Manning was neither charged with nor tried for, much less convicted of treason.
1
It seems to me that Chelsea is mentally ill, and that fits with normal prison populations having high percentages of mentally ill inmates.
But Ft. Leavenworth is hardly a normal prison.
But Ft. Leavenworth is hardly a normal prison.
6
It is treason and he should be executed....he got off easy enough as it is
9
There are many people in our country with hard lives not due to their misdeeds. But the Times thinks we should be concerned about a traitor having a hard time in prison. The people who run the paper real need to ask themselves why the issues that concern them have so little overlap with the issues that concern most Americans. Even as a liberal NY paper articles like this suggest it has lost it's way.
22
He's a traitor and deserves to rot in Leavenworth. Advocating for the use of taxpayer dollars for sex change operations is exactly the kind of nonsense that got Trump elected in the first place.
39
You are in prison dear, not the Ritz. If you want to develop breasts and curvy hips in a men's prison, that is on you. On the other hand, you are not a woman and certainly do not belong in a women's prison. if Martha Stewart could complete her sentence without complaining about a lack of blue quail eggs, surely you can soldier through.
60
During a time in which our military has been in combat continuously since 1990, soldiers who steal classified information and make it available to our adversaries are neither "whistleblowers" nor "leakers." Manning's sentence was within guidelines and substantially more lenient than the maximum.
The Army has an option available to meet her medical and psychological conditions: transfer her to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Mo.
The Army has an option available to meet her medical and psychological conditions: transfer her to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Mo.
12
Prison is the least of BC's problems.
11
Wow! I am not sure I even speak the same language as the Times anymore. He is not a whistleblower. He is a member of the military who knowingly committed treason. His, or her, gender status has nothing to do with his conviction for treason. If military prisons have to make accommodations for every prisoner's personal issues there is no point in prison anymore.
157
NYT, you are horribly insensitive for posting pictures of Manning before her transition, and then writing an article that mostly focused on her being transgender.
I am a Transgender woman too, and I would feel like garbage if the NYT did a feature on me that started off with a picture of me as a man, then made sure to mention my previous name in the first paragraphs.
Chelsea is Chelsea. Someone should take a picture of her as she wants to be seen by the world, and use that in articles. You dont need to remind us everytime of her birth name, and you definitely dont need to make sure to post pictures of her as man before talking about her being transgender.
I mean, that is just a subtle message that says transgender women are really just men. See, look at the pictures and laugh. Laugh at how he tries to be a she. Ha Ha Ha Ha, what a freak. I am not projecting here. You post a picture of a man and then say her name is Chelsea now but before it was Bradley, and thats exactly the message you send.
You should never post a picture of a transgender woman as a man. Once they make the decison to transition, media should honor that. "Chelsea is a transgender woman." Thats all you needed to say. Not "Chelsea, who was once Bradley (and here is what Bradley looked like by the way), is a transgender woman."
I am a Transgender woman too, and I would feel like garbage if the NYT did a feature on me that started off with a picture of me as a man, then made sure to mention my previous name in the first paragraphs.
Chelsea is Chelsea. Someone should take a picture of her as she wants to be seen by the world, and use that in articles. You dont need to remind us everytime of her birth name, and you definitely dont need to make sure to post pictures of her as man before talking about her being transgender.
I mean, that is just a subtle message that says transgender women are really just men. See, look at the pictures and laugh. Laugh at how he tries to be a she. Ha Ha Ha Ha, what a freak. I am not projecting here. You post a picture of a man and then say her name is Chelsea now but before it was Bradley, and thats exactly the message you send.
You should never post a picture of a transgender woman as a man. Once they make the decison to transition, media should honor that. "Chelsea is a transgender woman." Thats all you needed to say. Not "Chelsea, who was once Bradley (and here is what Bradley looked like by the way), is a transgender woman."
39
Chelsea Manning was living as a man named Bradley Manning when she committed the act that landed her in prison and made her famous. Those mugshots from that time period are part of the story. Newspapers report newsworthy facts, they don't write revisionist histories based on being sensitive to the subject's feelings. I'm sure most lawbreakers who have their mugshots published in the paper feel bad that's the picture that was used instead of some nice portrait where they're not in prison orange. That doesn't mean the newspaper was wrong to use it.
33
The fact that Bradley Manning committed and was convicted for the crimes seems to make photos of and her previous male name relevant.
21
"that is just a subtle message that says transgender women are really just men."
Jacqueline, I'm sorry if you dislike being faced with facts and hard cold reality, but you can't make everybody else pretend that they don't exist.
Human beings can't change sex. Transgender women are men. Non gender conforming men. Period. Good for them. Gender stereotypes are useless and destructive. Transgenderism could be a healthy movement kicking over the traces of gender stereotypes for both men and women.
But nowadays, it's not that way at all. Many transgender women want something quite different than breaking down stereotypes. They want to force the rest of us to play along with their fantasy about genuinely becoming real women (an impossibility).
Men will never become female because such a thing is not possible. You are a non gender conforming man. And that in itself is a really fine, daring, courageous thing. Own it! Celebrate it!
Jacqueline, I'm sorry if you dislike being faced with facts and hard cold reality, but you can't make everybody else pretend that they don't exist.
Human beings can't change sex. Transgender women are men. Non gender conforming men. Period. Good for them. Gender stereotypes are useless and destructive. Transgenderism could be a healthy movement kicking over the traces of gender stereotypes for both men and women.
But nowadays, it's not that way at all. Many transgender women want something quite different than breaking down stereotypes. They want to force the rest of us to play along with their fantasy about genuinely becoming real women (an impossibility).
Men will never become female because such a thing is not possible. You are a non gender conforming man. And that in itself is a really fine, daring, courageous thing. Own it! Celebrate it!
5
Tried and convicted. Move her to a women's prison then. This isn't news worthy.
68
Kangaroo court, tried in secret, which is a cover up for revealing US war crimes. Cowardly administration that convicts ethical whistle blowers while letting real criminals, Petraeus and Clinton, walk free.
9
But he's gay. Why would a gay guy want to be anywhere other than a men's prison?
2
Bradley/Chelsea Manning is a man. Men, with or without dresses/breast implants/makeup, do not belong in women's prisons.
Transgender "women" are still men and they have the same overall rate of violence and criminality as other men on average.
Actual women are vulnerable to male violence because of our biological differences from men.
Transgender "women" are still men and they have the same overall rate of violence and criminality as other men on average.
Actual women are vulnerable to male violence because of our biological differences from men.
3
Manning committed treason. Thirty-five years is a light sentence compared to the firing squad. If you can't do the time don't do the crime.
117
You know who else committed treason? Our founding fathers!
8
Manning did not commit treason. In the view of people such as yourself, you incorrectly associate whistleblowing on illegal federal activity, such as Snowden revealing massive illegal surveillance of U.S. citizens, as treasonous. These people are heroes, not traitors. The traitors, to our Constitutionally protected way of life, are the very agents of government charged with safeguarding that Constitution. That Americans would trade away their hard earned freedoms for a promise by the government to protect us from terrorism, or whatever the promise-of-the-day happens to be, is beyond me. Snowden and Manning are patriots in the true sense of the word. People who say otherwise have been duped and have lost the true sense of civic awareness required of us all as citizens.
12
Chelsea Manning is being *punished* for being a traitor to the USA.....why shouldn't we want her to be miserable? I do.
If going to jail is not a deterrent to committing a crime, we are in deep trouble as a nation.
As far as I'm concerned we have already gone way beyond the call of duty by arranging and paying for her sex change. Let's move on from this "low-lie" who betrayed us!
If going to jail is not a deterrent to committing a crime, we are in deep trouble as a nation.
As far as I'm concerned we have already gone way beyond the call of duty by arranging and paying for her sex change. Let's move on from this "low-lie" who betrayed us!
76
Amazing, how we Americans love to deliver and witness punishment. We don't even bother to hide the thrill it provides us. On the contrary, we're proud of our desire and proclaim it.
So let all the miscreants suffer -- except for me, mine and the crimes which promote my causes.
So let all the miscreants suffer -- except for me, mine and the crimes which promote my causes.
13
As a fellow transgender woman, my heart bleeds for Chelsea.
Transgender people are human beings, and we deserve the same rights as everyone else. Transgender women seem to often grt thrown into prison with a bunch of men. I have breasts, long hair, and am extremely passable as a woman. Ive never had a problem in the bathroom. However, if I went to jail, Id still get thrown in with a bunch of men.
Can you imagine throwing a cis-woman (if there is a trans there is a cis, people need to deal with that, but even liberals cant) in with 60 men and then locking her in? What do you think would happen? Well that is exactly what happens to transgender women. If I was put in prison, I would probably commit suicide to prevent myself from being raped. If I had 35 years of rape and abuse ahead of me, I would probably chose to exit.
Like I said, my heart bleeds for Chelsea. She should be trasfered to a womens prison and given the medical care to treat her gender dysphoria. She doesnt deserve 35 years of rape and abuse for revealing the truth to the American people.
Transgender people are human beings, and we deserve the same rights as everyone else. Transgender women seem to often grt thrown into prison with a bunch of men. I have breasts, long hair, and am extremely passable as a woman. Ive never had a problem in the bathroom. However, if I went to jail, Id still get thrown in with a bunch of men.
Can you imagine throwing a cis-woman (if there is a trans there is a cis, people need to deal with that, but even liberals cant) in with 60 men and then locking her in? What do you think would happen? Well that is exactly what happens to transgender women. If I was put in prison, I would probably commit suicide to prevent myself from being raped. If I had 35 years of rape and abuse ahead of me, I would probably chose to exit.
Like I said, my heart bleeds for Chelsea. She should be trasfered to a womens prison and given the medical care to treat her gender dysphoria. She doesnt deserve 35 years of rape and abuse for revealing the truth to the American people.
8
Raped and abused? Not according to her. Your remarks miss the point of the article and focus on your own personal issues. Frankly they seem, well, hysterical.
18
The first step towards preventing yourself from being raped in prison is to avoid going to prison. Just obey the same rules that all of us should and you need not worry.
11
One simple solution would have been execution for treason. He/She is lucky.
9
Maybe he shouldn't have committed a crime. We're 20 trillion in debt why are we paying for prisoner sex changes. Real vets, who served with honor and distinction, who are wounded need care, can't get it, commit suicide at alarming rates and we waste money on prisoner sex changes.
This is insane. What happened to common sense.
This is insane. What happened to common sense.
192
She was trying to expose the crimes being perpetrated by the United States Army. She had exhausted traditional means within the limits of the military law and this act was one of civil disobedience, not a crime.
31
Where was common sense when US invaded Iraq?
What was that all about?
Where was common sense when US invaded Vietnam?
Can you add up all the dead, wounded, and money being spent on Vet medical needs?
Common sense is not so common with US military power and money.
What was that all about?
Where was common sense when US invaded Vietnam?
Can you add up all the dead, wounded, and money being spent on Vet medical needs?
Common sense is not so common with US military power and money.
21
Chelsea Manning is imprisoned within her body, within her prison cell. Life can be very cruel indeed.
18
Some what overwrought report by the NYT. He/she was tried and convicted. Perhaps 35 years is extreme, but enough of reporting on Chelsea Manning, please. We are a nation of laws. Rules breakers know what is coming when they violate them. Sure, it is natural for her to try to obtain a reduction in her sentence, but NYT you need to stop promoting the cause.
136
She broke the law to blow the whistle on war crimes and other travesties she saw during the war. Video of reporters massacred from helicopters, which had been covered up. She deserves a commutation of her sentence.
10
She could have taken it to a Senate or House committee, thereby preserving classified info. Or if you don't trust the government, she could have taken it to the NYT which would have taken steps to prevent unrelated damaging info from being published.
7
Free Chelsea! As her lawyer, Chase Strangio has noted -- she has served longer than any whistleblower in history and she is very unlikely to survive a longer sentence. Let's continue to implore President Obama to do the right thing.
73
He is not a whistleblower but purely a traitor. Leave him where he is and do not spend any more tax payer money on him.
14
It is ridiculous that Manning was arrested, for uncovering all the war crimes of the Bush administration. I am still haunted by the "collateral murder" video, to this day.
It is a miscarriage of justice that this person is the one in jail, and the perpetrators of the illegal, unjust wars we are still in, to this day, not only remain free but wealthy and happy.
It is a miscarriage of justice that this person is the one in jail, and the perpetrators of the illegal, unjust wars we are still in, to this day, not only remain free but wealthy and happy.
165
Clearly, the system is designed to crush the weak and the meek while rewarding the strong, rich, and powerful. Capitalism at its best!
34
Pfc. Manning should be pardoned by the President and Sgt. Bergdahl should be honorably discharged.
Officers are indeed treated differently from the enlisted "swine". This can be rectified in the Manning and Bergdahl matters.