News on U.S. government agencies, U.S. politics, companies doing business with U.S. federal government. Read U.S. national and local news. This site is not affiliated with United States Government.
(USGovernment-News.Com, June 10, 2013 ) Los Angeles, CA -- In 2010, Pfc. Bradley Manning saw a video of two United States military pilots shooting civilians in Iraq. Among the victims were children and two Reuters reporters.
According to Bradley, one hit him hardest was the not merely that there were innocents among the casualties, but the attitude of the pilots during the incident. It is a problem many have had when confronted with the audio that is supplied with the difficult-to-watch scene.
The pilots on the stage were seemingly more than interested in raining down hellfire from the sky on the civilians. It also seemed highly unlikely the pilots were interested in not engage, as one can be heard urging on someone to “pick up a weapon” so he could fire. After realizing children were killed by the misidentification of the innocents, the pilots reply “Well, it's their fault for bringing their kids into the battle.”
After Reuters filed a Freedom of Information Act in order to request the video, the US Central Command stated that the video “no longer existed,” according to Private Manning. According to another US military spokesperson, the authenticity of the tape was valid.
That was when Manning, according to his own words, “believed there was a compelling need” for him to hand over the video to WikiLeaks website on his own accord.
For the Manning defenders, the phrase conscientious and whilst-blower are often thrown around. They believe his case is well within the limits of the whistle-blower protections that have been created. In fact, they liken his case to the Pentagon Papers story that unfolded during the Vietnam war.
Critics, however, have little patience for such talk, and believe Manning's situation does not not bear enough resemblance to the former situation. They instead see it as a clear-cut set of treasonable offenses perpetrated by Manning.
Regardless of what his detractors say, the case has become a beacon for many who are interested to see what rights still remain for conscientious objectors to such rules in the United States. The situation is the lightning rod for endless arguments about rights and national safety.
“I know we’re early in the century, but I think this will be one of the most important trials of the 21st century,” says Jesselyn Radack, an attorney and director of the Government Accountability Project’s National Security program.
About ElderLawyer-LosAngeles.com
Elder Lawyer Los Angeles (http://www.elderlawyer-losangeles.com/) is the best website to connect you with LA’s finest criminal defense lawyers. Whether you need a Los Angeles Attorney for assault, drug offenses, fraud or federal crimes, or murder, Elder attorney Los Angeles can match you with the best attorney for your particular case. Visit the website for a free criminal defense consultation and take the hassle out of finding an attorney.
We are pleased to offer you this exciting, new, and entirely free professional resource. Visit our Free Industry resource center today to browse our selection of 600+ complimentary Industry magazines, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and more. Get popular titles including:
