Defending Bradley Manning

According the Wikipedia report:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_Manning

Bradley Manning had a troubled childhood with the separation of his Welsh mother and American father which led to his return to Wales. According to the Wiki report he is a troubled young man.

However, he has graphically demonstrated that in this age of internet communications there are no secrets and that whistle blowers in the military and in other fields have outlets through which to share their concerns with wrong-doing.

Some are now arguing that he should be prosecuted and given a life sentence or even executed.

But let us get things clear here. Manning is no terrorist. He has murdered no one. Any harm that he has caused people is far exceeded by the killing and maiming done by others in states at war or otherwise in turmoil.

What Manning deserves is not punishment, but help with his personal problems. We do as much with others who have done things objectionable -- if at not such a massive scale. He has become a symbol of doing the right thing in the face of the offensive doings of others -- individuals or governments.

I assume that there are many others now ready to follow his lead.

Let us not forget, either, that he is a very young man who will only be turning 23 on December 17.
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"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
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Ed Kent [blind copies]