Freedom and equality were supposed to be values that define the United States of America.
We indict nations like China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and so many others for their practice of political imprisonment or abuse of specific individuals that are seen to be a threat to society without any sort of trial.
How, then, can President Obama and Pentagon officials even begin to defend the treatment of PFC Bradley Manning, whose treatment in no way complies with the Uniform Code of Military Justice? The President was finally forced to confront the truth after a question from ABC News’ Jake Tapper in a press conference last week, when asked to address comments by a spokesman at the State Department characterizing the treatment of Bradley Manning as “ridiculous and stupid.”
How did President Obama respond?
“With respect to Private Manning, I’ve actually asked the Pentagon whether or not the procedures have been taken in terms of his confinement are appropriate and are meeting our basic standards. They assure me that they are. I can’t go into details about some of their concerns, but some of this has to do with Private Manning’s safety as well.”
Additionally, P.J. Crowley was dismissed from his role with the State Department.
Prior to Crowley’s dismissal, Dylan had the opportunity to talk to Marcy Wheeler of FireDogLake about the treatment of PFC Bradley Manning. Marcy has been at the forefront of coverage on his story since the very beginning.