Manning's Aiding the Enemy Charge Dropped

As someone who strongly believes that Bradley Manning is a whistle blower who should be honored, I was glad to hear that his most serious charge of Aiding the enemy was dropped.  In today's ever-changing climate, we need those who dare to reveal insights even if it isn't convenient or practical to do so.  Journalist Jeremy Scahill serves this purpose as an in-depth reporter on America's foreign affairs.  Jeremy dedicated his international bestseller, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army "For unembedded journalists, particularly Arab media workers, who risk and often lose their lives to be the eyes and ears of the world.  Without their courage and sacrifice, history would indeed be written by the self-declared victors, the rich, and the powerful."  Scahill's massive revelation, with 65 pages of documentation, is a testament to the work these journalists provide.  Without such effort to dig beneath the surface, there would be virtually no educated discussion on the critical issues of our world. 

We need whistle blowers who speak, not to gain prestige or power, but to shed the light of truth that's all too often trying to be dimmed.  Edward Snowden risked his lucrative job at Booz Allen Hamilton to reveal the U.S. government's surveillance practices, and how they affected ordinary Americans.  Yet, we again hear the claims that he undermined security, without a solid basis.  President Obama, in response to then-President Bush said in 2007, "No more tracking citizens who do nothing more than protest a misguided war."  If this had been our President's actual policy, he would not have imposed such harsh sentences for Manning, Snowden and others.  Take a look at President Obama debating Candidate Obama on U.S. surveillance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BmdovYztH8.  I dare to dream of a president, regardless of party, who actually fulfills there most important campaign promises.