b. traven
Chelsea Manning is an unusual American, unique among the brave whistle blowers that our government under Bush and Obama have punished severely, rather than accepted for their sacrifice in exposing wrongdoing in the bureaucracy. Her youthfulness, her gender dystrophy, and her simple background made her bravery stand out. While undergoing extreme personal stress in government custody, she had the dedication and clear-sightedness to write cogent columns for the UK Guardian and others on current events.
Now, after seven years of incarceration, she will be free in May and must rebuild her life. Many Americans will be resentful of her freedom and some will actively oppose her. The life of most freed whistle blowers is not easy. Coming from careers in the intelligence agencies, the diplomatic corps, or the military ill-prepares them for a civilian career. By the same token, the private sector shows little desire to hire them. That is why, Chelsea, so young and so encumbered by the hatred shown transsexuals, deserves all of our support.
That support can become concrete via the gofundme crowd funding site. Over $80,000 has been raised to support her life after prison and the military. This is a rare opportunity to support someone who helped us see the monstrosity of our military operations, and who, as a courageous journalist, can continue to publish insightful information in an age of national fake news. Why not participate by contributing to a better life for someone who has suffered at the hands of our government? And share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Contrary Perspective 
Written five years ago, but still pertinent today, I think:
“The Ship of State leaks from the top” — U.S. President John F. Kennedy
“Kill the chicken, scare the monkey” — Ancient Chinese proverb
Free Bradley Manning (in forty-four syllables)
Petulant President
Barack Obama who
Hates him some leakers (just
Not from the top),
Makes an example of
Low-level privates so
Cabinet ministers
Don’t have to stop.
Michael Murry, “The Misfortune Teller,” Copyright © 2012
I made a monetary donation more generous than I could really afford the moment Chelsea’s (then-still-Bradley’s) Defense Committee was established. Now I am a destitute retiree. But bravo to “traven” for making this post, and I encourage those of you who ARE in a position to donate now to do so. I hope to be able to attend a public appearance by Ms. Manning at some point to personally express my admiration for her stance and her courage.
The whistleblowers have all put love of our country ahead of their own personal welfare with great courage. All of them face a difficult life after either beating the governments attempt to criminalize them or going to jail. They have done this for all of us and our country. Citizens owe them all the support they can give. Chelsea Manning is probably one of the youngest and most vulnerable of these brave souls and life will not be easy for her. It’s easy to sign petitions and make comments but a little more is needed in Chelsea’s case. This young person has endured real emotional and physical trauma that she did not
deserve.