E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSProtesters interrupted President Barack Obama’s remarks at a breakfast fundraiser in San Francisco early Thursday, urging the president to “free” Bradley Manning, the Army intelligence specialist accused of releasing hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables to the website WikiLeaks.
According to a pool reporter in the room, a woman in the crowd of about 200 guests began singing and humming as Obama was speaking, removing her blazer to reveal a T-shirt with picture of Manning.
From the pool reporter:
She started singing and humming and then everyone at her table, in coordination, held up tiny signs - yellow and white that said "Free Bradley Manning."
Some of the lyrics of her song - which the people at the table hummed along too, "Each of you brought you $5,000 - we'll vote for you in 2012, yes that's true, Look at the Republicans, what else can we do."
"We payed our dues, where's our change?" the group at the table sang.
Manning was moved Wednesday from solitary confinement at a Virginia marine jail to a new shared accommodation at a facility in Fort Leavenworth. The move came after reports that Manning was kept in a one-man cell at the Quantico prison and forced to strip before going to bed. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley became a hero of liberal activists after he criticized Manning’s treatment as “ridiculous” and was later forced to resign.
The woman was escorted out of the room by two White House aides, with Obama commenting “that was a nice song,” as she finished singing.
As she was being led out, she said: "Free Bradley Manning. I'm leaving. I hope I don't get tortured in jail."
"Where was I?" Obama said after her departure, continuing his speech. “That didn't break my flow."
Leave a Comment:
The move came after reports that Manning was kept in a one-man cell at the Quantico prison and forced to strip before going to bed.
Wasn't he threatening suicide, which is why he was forced to strip? Is having a prisoner strip before going to bed considered normal practice for someone threatening suicide?
I also heard that stories of his being tortured were not true? And that the documents he released, he never even read? He just released them, with no knowledge of what was in the documents.
Isn't that a dangerous thing to do?
Pat, Boston, MA
Wasn't he threatening suicide, which is why he was forced to strip? Is having a prisoner strip before going to bed considered normal practice for someone threatening suicide?
Anyone who has ever worked in the health care industry knows that if a person is threating suicide those are the suicide precautions. I've even had to remove my earrings and stetoscope if an aide is not with me because of the danger.
I'm still a little on the fence about Manning. Why would he want to jeopadize the secutity of the US. To me he appears to be no beter than that fool who wants to burn Qur’ans.
The woman was escorted out of the room by two White House aides, with Obama commenting “that was a nice song,” as she finished singing.
As she was being led out, she said: "Free Bradley Manning. I'm leaving. I hope I don't get tortured in jail."
"Where was I?" Obama said after her departure, continuing his speech. “That didn't break my flow."
This proves how cool and dignified our President in a called this crazy busy”world.
These people are always trying to trap the President yet it's them that get trapped and the President still gives them digninity.
These people are so fixated on their 15 minutes and wanting change as soon after they open their mouths or write they whiny blogs. Plus. many of them are pundits like FDL and Huff &Puff who think only they are President Obama's base.
Yes, it's sad but true; these people get while the bash President Obama. In essence thy can't see their incessant complaints can give the keys right back to the republicans. They asked people to stay home during midterms to teach the President a lesson.
Should this lesson they advocate result in many people losing what we've gain or them their jobs what will they have learned?
Maybe these pundits may learn to prostrate themselves before their media to beg for their jobs.
This proves how cool and dignified our President is in this crazy busy world.
Beverly, thank you for the explanation. As far as Manning Bradley, I don't know - he just seems so young - 22 years old at the time - and to just release all these documents with no clue as to what is in them just seems bizarre. As far as the protestors go, it's fine. We're a democracy. But I'm just not sure they have all their facts. Nor am I sure I do.
Not enough information to draw a conclusion.
No doubt. So many levels above the critics that they can't even see him.
Pat, Boston, MA
Beverly, thank you for the explanation. As far as Manning Bradley, I don't know - he just seems so young - 22 years old at the time - and to just release all these documents with no clue as to what is in them just seems bizarre. As far as the protestors go, it's fine. We're a democracy. But I'm just not sure they have all their facts. Nor am I sure I do.
Thank you, Pat. I so unsure about this kid too. I just think the protesters aren't being sensitve to Middle East situation; don't really have all the info; and are aiding and abetting the enemy; not to mention the players in this group have been IMO are media attention whores based on their past actions.
I am about as left as I can be and am a product of the sixties but somehow I think these people are enraged and energized with blind leadership. I've been this way a long time. Usually I'm down for the cause. Somehow with this group I just don't feel it.
If they were protesting the war budget I'd be more satisfied.
PAT, BOSTON
It's something to think about but if he is guilty he should be hanged!
One more thing this is NOT A Democracy.
Has anyone else noticed how much he looks like Alfred E. Neuman (What, me worry?) in his Army uniform photo??
If he leaked classified documents, the he would be in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the case is a military issue and not a civilian issue. As a service man he is subject first to military rule and secondly to civilian rule. When one pledges to the military, that person forfiets many of his civilian rights and as well is protected from most civilian charges.
How come when lefties protest, they are portrayed sympathetically by the MSM as exercising their constitutional rights? Yet, any conservative protestors are always described as hateful thugs. Just wondering.
Bev, Can you learn to use spell check. I find it hard to even consider you a legitimate liberal unless you can use spell check or punctuate correctly! As a 10 year military vet with 3 combat tours, I say he should spend the rest of his days at Leavenworth, with very little contact.
JOLLY Thank You for your service!!!
Salt Grass is correct: Servicemen don't get the privilege of claiming First Amendment rights. Manning breached security and violated the UCMJ. As such, he should be court martialed and imprisoned. I don't know when I was briefed on that (I went in back in '72), but I was always aware that we gave up some of our rights to protect those of our countrymen.
It's fine for people to protest for/against whatever. I have no real opinion about Bradley Manning either for or against. I do not have all the facts, I do not know his mental state and neither do the protesters. I do know that prisoners talking suicide are protected from themselves and that includes removing clothes, blankets, etc. to prevent self-inflicted harm. That action is not torture, uncomfortable and humiliating, yes, but not torture. It also has not occurred to others that solitary confinement could have been for his own protection as well--other military prisoners may have considered him a traitor and threatened him.
It is hard to comprehend that a 22-year old decided to provide thousands of pieces of classified information without thought as to the consequences for himself or for the country but "The Falcon and the Snowman" did the same thing for allegedly similar reasons. It's easy to call him a traitor, it's easy to call him a hero. But none of us knows the whole story and claiming guilt or innocence is irrelevant. Manning deserves a fair trial or military form of trial and then we will know the evidence against him, or the lack of evidence; we'll understand if he is or is not mentally disturbed; we'll learn his motivation.
Jollyoldsoul1.
My comments were not about quilt or innocence just a statement of fact about proper jurisdiction. Personally, I would rather be tried and defended by a military lawyer and in a Military court when the UCMJ is involved.
"Yet, any conservative protestors are always described as hateful thugs. Just wondering"
"always"? Pretty severe comment. Maybe some specific examples can be provided?
jollyoldsoul1
Bev, Can you learn to use spell check. I find it hard to even consider you a legitimate liberal unless you can use spell check or punctuate correctly! As a 10 year military vet with 3 combat tours, I say he should spend the rest of his days at Leavenworth, with very little contact.
I do. I'm neither a good nor very fast typist. Time lapses for me at times. So let me suggest you don't read what I post; especially, since what I say does not please you anyhow. Deal?
The move came after reports that Manning was kept in a one-man cell at the Quantico prison and forced to strip before going to bed. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley became a hero of liberal activists after he criticized Manning’s treatment as “ridiculous” and was later forced to resign.
This goof is lucky its not 1944 during WW2 or the 50s during mcCarthism or he would have been put in front of a firing squad and shot for treason. you know me here, I'm a liberal but still a american and the information he leaked should have seals his death. How can anybody here, care about how he is being treated, when he put our boys in the field in danger and should be shot or make him do a double tour in afgan along the packetin Boarder, as the bullets and morters are falling around him maybe he will regret what he did, so far he thinks he is a hero. .
Thats Just me.
For some of the above, first it my help if you know his name. His name is Bradley Manning - not Manning Bradley.
Second, the fundraiser was in San Francisco. Manning is gay. This group obviously has the typical liberal belief that if you are on one of us - you can not be guilty regardless of the facts.
As a kid, Manning was made fun of for first being a geek and later for being gay. Part of his childhood was in Wales with Mom. Later it was with Dad in Oklahoma. Dad was military and when he found Bradley was gay, Dad asked him to move out.
Manning ultimately ended up joining the Army, fell in love with a self described drag queen who was part of a politically motivated social circle of computer hackers. His military career was going nowhere .....
As a New York Times piece noted ........ some of those friends say they wonder whether his desperation for acceptance — or delusions of grandeur — may have led him to disclose the largest trove of government secrets since the Pentagon Papers - disclosing more than 150,000 diplomatic cables, more than 90,000 intelligence reports on the war in Afghanistan.
And btw - about him only being 22 ........ a lot of the guys killed in Afghanistan honorably serving their country were ..... 22.
To be sure he had personal issues, but he could have been straight and fell in love with a stripper who's friends were politically motivated computer hackers.
Yea, wearing dog tags that said "Humanist", having a fairy wand on your desk and lip-syncing Lady Gaga as you download classified information would suggest personal problems.....
If he was straight and fell in love with a stripper whose friends were politically motivated computer hackers .... there would be no protests, no political agenda would there. (No story, either.)
You may be right about the protest, but it would still make a story. How could any news outlet not report something with nation security interest and a sexual twist. thre are rules that govern sexual relations in the UCMJ amd they are not written just for gay people. Yes the military has a vested intrerest in a service persons sexual life and how it relates to national security and spying.
Sorry, I wasn't clear ..... I meant the story above about the protest.
Just for the curiosity, do you think there is a politically correct aspect to this case? With DADT, do you think there is a chance Manning was cut a little slack, given more latitude without being questioned because he was gay?
This question also applies to the Ft. Hood shooter, everyone saw the weird behavior, but did they not question anything because the shooter was Muslim?
Just a thought ...... no right answer or wrong answer.
One of Manning's diplomatic leaks showed that the US State Dept. was in cohorts with the Gvmt. of Spain to influence a court decision that would go against International and US law.
Spain would give a WWII painting to a Democratic Party donor and cheat a small US company (OMEX) out of $500-600million dollars worth of silver/gold they had found in an archaeological dig (Spain is not willing to give the Intl. law approved finder's fee).
I would guess that the President has no involvement in this, but it shows that he has filled his administration with the old "bar no hold" Clinton cronies.
As a vet, I'm inclined to believe Manning should be shot, but as an investor of a small, shoestring company, how else do we keep ourselves safe from our government?
There is a military correct aspect to this case and the fort hood incident. DADT a little, because he was not to be asked about his sexual orientation. The manning case and the fort hood case were also problem children that were more than likely transferred because of their problems. I know that if you are having trouble in an assignment you are transferred. It is the military way of handling problems. As the case in the fort hood case he was being transferred out to a worse assignment. In the manning case he was more than likely in that assignment for his protection. He was away from combat and barrack life.
Yeah, free Manning - to the troops he outed and put in danger.
Loose lips still sink ships.
So Manning is considering suicide?
Give him a rope and turn your backs.
The little traitor prick ought to be put in front of a firing squad.
When I got my clearance in the military I signed a document saying that if I ever leaked any classified documents I could get a $10,000.00 fine and/or 10 years in prison for EACH offense. This kid signed the same document, he should be out sometime in the next millennium. He is NOT any kind of a Hero he is someone who violated the terms of his contract and should be punished accordingly.
The epitome of the left.
Time 4truth 1.7
I agree with you in that if he’s guilty, he should be hanged or given whatever punishment is considered appropriate for treason such as a firing squad, etc. In any event, if found guilty he’s more likely to get life rather than the death penalty.
Additionally, you are incorrect when you state that this country is not a democracy as it most assuredly is a democracy.
Way back when at the end of the first constitutional convention when a woman asked an emerging Ben Franklin “Well, Mr. Franklin, what have you given us?” A weary Franklin replied “A republic, madam, if you can keep it.”
It seems we couldn’t.
Perhaps it is because lefties stand up and sing songs in protest and even protest their own side when they feel it is necessary. It seems much more common among the right that protestors choose violent metaphors and gestures and don't hold there own accountable nearly as often. Of course this is just my opinion, but it is what I have seen recently and I am coming from what once was a right wing position before the right left me behind. I was a Goldwater Republican, but I fear that Barry Goldwater would be called a Rino now.
And the protester succeeded in what? Making a scene. She was right about one thing. Makes no sense to vote for Republicans.
Did she help Bradley Manning? Don't think so.
I disagree Ron Indiana. I think she is helping Bradley Manning. As everyone that sounds off about him is. People demanding better treatment for him is the only reason he has been moved. Why no trial yet? What are the charges? I fear they have no case. No evidence. Just someone's statement. A Bradley Manning hater maybe because he didn't fit in a military mold? What is the hold up? I suspect big time foul play with this. If I am wrong them time to charge him and hold a trial so the public can see what evidence is presented against him and quit doubting his guilt. The department of defense is looking bad on this. They need to clear their image. A quick trial will do that if they, in fact, do have a case.
Paid $5000, and got escorted out of the room. For protesting. On the other blog, you were all cheering because people "booed" Paul Ryan at his meeting.
How many of his protesters were escorted out of the room?
So much for that "1st amendment right"? At least she didn't get scolded in front of a camera, he just went back to his speech.
AnaBanana:
I actually have some sympathy for Bradley Manning. I was around when the Pentagon Papers were released and believe that in a free open society, transparency is a good thing. What Manning did was similar to the release of the Pentagon Papers.
This is a very controversial issue and I don't think our President will interfer in the military proceedings. He has enough on his plate to clean up.
Big Bear :
What right for the right is wrong for the left and what is right for the left is wrong for the right. Seems like both sides have issues with free speech, but at least there was no boot on the head.
Can we consider all public nuisance as free speech?
If no case then someone from his administration does need to intervene. Not him but someone. The military has been embarressed by the wikileaks release and they want a fall guy. Someone else may need to step in to run interference and if they do in fact have the right guy then move forward with the trial so we can put this behind us.
I still find it hard to believe that an individual of his rank had access to so much sensitive data. I was a Captain in the Signal Corp and didn't have a security clearance high enough to see things of this nature
AnaBanana:
I have no quarrel with your position.
None of you obviously has had any military experience. I as a senior non commissioned officer in the field would have shot him if he had done anything similar in a battlefield condition that caused harm to our troops in combat! He put people in harms way with his little stunt and should be incarcerated for life. I came home from South East Asia in 1970 and had to deal with chanting hateful people after watching my friends get killed and maimed. I have NO patience for anyone that puts american military people in harms way for personal reasons. Keep it to your self and get out of the military.
Ron Indiana,
Thanks for that. I don't think we are too far apart. I'm tired of our President needing to rescue everyone also. Not his job. Much more important things for him to deal with and a campaign to win. He has people for that!
jollyoldsoul1
Did you know anyone that collected ears or their commanding officer was eaten by a tiger?
What Bradley Manning is BEING ACCUSED of...........what he has or has not done, is yet to be proven in any court of law.
jollyoldsoul: this administration has managed to bring our country to the depths of weakness. No longer are the children taught respect for the flag, respect or love of country. Obama and the Progressive Libs have made sure of that. And I would bet that most of our grade school children are not even taught the words to our national anthem. It's another world out there in today's times.
saltgrass - And so it continues 41 years later.
jollyoldsoul1 - Thank You for your Service. Please read www.riflewarrior.com/vietnam.html I agree with you 100%. Peace.
A Veteran
Some South Koreans would cut the ears off the NVC they killed and make a necklace as a trophy. They were some of the best at finding charlie and flushing them out of the jungle.
Idiot commanders would not come back with their platoons and the saying was they were killed by a tiger. What really happen whos knows. Most were probably victims of their own blunders.
Salt Grass - Pretty much urban legends my friend. Worked with ROK Marines up by the DMZ, they were fierce fighters and rarely took prisoners, but I do not remember any ever wearing ears around their necks. And let me see, Nope, don't remember any talk about anybody ever getting eaten by a Tiger either. Toward the end there was fragging, so maybe some of those guys were shot by their own guys. That stuff was after I left, I was there from Jun-66 till Mar-69. Peace to you though.
Well I was in the Air Force at the end and only know what was passed by word of mouth from people in the field. There are verified reports of tiger attacks in the war and at least one officer killed. Also, there are the issues or allegations related to tiger force where ears were taken and worn as a necklace. Not sure why returning combat veterans would make up stories about the ROK elite forces and their habits. Since the ear thing was a practice that even Americans were know to have done I do not see how the ROK would be any different.
Salt Grass - Thank You for your Service and Welcome Home. Read www.riflewarrior.com/vietnam.html I wrote that a long time ago. I didn't hear about any Tiger incidents, but I suppose they were all scared away by Arc Light and NGFS from the New Jersey. I don't know if ROK's took ears OR Americans, but I never saw any incidents of it where I was. Maybe that was more prevailent down towards the South. Hope you don't have any medical problems from being In-Country over there. Peace.
P.J. Crowley became a hero of liberal activists...forced to resign....
now only if we could get obama the stiff to resign - then happy days
obama the stiff
Pity that people like you vote. You're dragging this entire country through the mud with the kind of ignorance like what you show.
How true Pat - they wear their ignorance like some kind of badge of 'courage'!
*shakes head*
I know Feisty. Here in America, with all our libraries, newspapers, documentaries on TV, the internet...CSPAN where there is no shortage of history on the weekends ... there are so many ways of being informed if this is what you want. There is nothing stopping anyone from being better educated.
They don't want to be. They just don't. They're lazy and willing to believe the rubbish fed them on a daily basis.
Pat -
I have long been of the opinion that at least half the posters on here (or any other political board) have never even registered, let alone seen the inside of a voting booth - for which we should all be grateful. Like you said - too lazy. And gee, you might get called for jury duty or something!
I always enjoy the nasty, degrading, insulting comments you make every day to those who don't agree with you. Don't stop.
A lot of that going around, Reality.... an awful lot.
Pity, isn't it...and often from those who consider themselves ABOVE the fray.
Trademark on the Ignorance Badge?
Shaped like TEA Cup with a Swastika in the center.
LouisJ - I know a few people that should receive those. Let me know where and when they're available :-)
Ah...so you two are looking forward to the retun of the swastika. Your parents must be so proud. You have taken pond scum to a new level.
PAT BOSTON- I respect everyones opinion but but what I've read from you,you are doing what you are accusing others of. You only get info from one side and suggesting people read history is fine but has nothing to do with THIS article. Education is good but if you are always getting it from one side it makes you ignorant. I don't think you are ignorant but if you get your info from the left only not too smart.
AWESOME LouisJ - I'm going to have some bumper stickers made up with that logo, if you don't mind!
Pat, some of us are actually educated and still believe in this part of america. Your views are NOT the end all be all. Even though you elite educated liberals all think they are. I have accomplished missions for this country that made me proud to be an american. I know that you liberals would admonish me for them if I told you the details. But I have had a male member of my family in the military since bunker hills and I am proud to have accomplished every mission I was assigned to and proud of every member of my teams that were lost.
after 8 years of libs pissing on Bush you can expect more from the right and get use to it, and you should be the last to be surprised by it.
Really now, it's been a while and what kind of damage did this man cause, NONE! He did us a favor by showing just how unsecure our government is.
That is absolutely stupid Shawn. If you can not see the damage this man has caused than you really need to be in jail with him. Giving up government secrrets, regardless of the content is catagorized as a traitor.
But we are suppose to have transparency in our government. If a reporter had done this he would not be considered a traitor, just doing his job. Vietnam was a good example.
Sorry, Manning broke the law, military justice is coming.
clark: You are under no obligation to keep secret the crimes of your government. Manning is only accused of a crime. As any American should understand, he is innocent until proven guilty. Where is the trial and the supposed proof? The government is trying to break him down physically and mentally, while claiming to be trying to evaluate his mental status, when it has never been a legitimate issue of their concern. They are trying to get him to implicate Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, rather than establish what is the truth.
God I`m so undecided on this issue, the man had a job to do and was trusted as a soldier to do this job. I feel if he thought it was something that needed to be out, he should have went to the proper channels to do it. There are somethings the civilian population can not be privy to, also classified information getting into enemy hands do put soldiers in harms way. I do feel sorry for him because I think he really believed he was doing the right thing though, and I hope things will go alright for him.
Paul, you're totally don't understand what this kid did. There's are so many restrictions now on us that works with certain information. This type of information is and will continue to hurt this country. He was TRUSTED with this information and people like you don't need to know what's in it. You're a perfect example. You don't have the "Right to know", due to your position in society. That's not a shot at you, it's just the way it is.
You don't understand the difference between UCMJ and civilian law, so keep supporting the fool and send him care packages. I heard he likes Lady Gaga and a huge supporter of DADT, right up your lane there Paul
God help me...I agree with the protesters. I'm old enough to remember the Pentagon papers and what Daniel Ellsberg did. For those not old enough to remember:
The Pentagon Papers, officially titled United States–Vietnam Relations, 1945–1967: A Study Prepared by the Department of Defense, is a top-secret United States Department of Defense history of the United States' political-military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. The papers were first brought to the attention of the public on the front page of the New York Times in 1971.[1] A 1996 article in the New York Times said that the Pentagon Papers "demonstrated, among other things, that the Johnson Administration had systematically lied, not only to the public but also to Congress, about a subject of transcendent national interest and significance".[2Ell
Ellsberg was a hero.
We all should want to know when the government is lying to us and about what.
Ira, You took the words right out of my keyboard!
The ONLY difference between Wikileaks and the Pentagon Papers is the speed in which the information was sent. Both are about Governmental incompetence.
I wonder if Manning is not just a scape goat. What happened is that the entire world know within minutes the embarassing things said and done in the diplomatic circles. It goes back to what my Gram used to say---If you can't say something nice then don't say anything.
DARYL You have hit the mark all day.
daryl-2183015
The "Pentagon Papers" were very selective and were released to show the dishonesty of our government at that time.
THis moron released everything he could find or get his hands on without regard to what they were or how they would affect anyone, and he did it for personal glory not for any patriotic reason.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wait....the Pentagon Papers were released to show te dishonesy of our government at that time??? I'm confused. Didn't the Wikileaks show that our government lied and made up info to get us into the war in Iraq? Doesn't that show the dishonesty of our government at this time.
As for personal glory, he went to jail and not made a cent off of the diaclosures,
There is a difference between what Manning allegedly did and Ellsberg. Ellsberg released documents only pertaining to Vietnam. The documents WikiLeaks has released are basically anything that crossed Manning's path without regard to war, friends or enemies--in some instances, we may not know the damage for years to come.
Ira Lapin
Wait....the Pentagon Papers were released to show te dishonesy of our government at that time??? I'm confused. Didn't the Wikileaks show that our government lied and made up info to get us into the war in Iraq? Doesn't that show the dishonesty of our government at this time.
As for personal glory, he went to jail and not made a cent off of the diaclosures,
the pentagon papers were released during the draw down in the vietman war, we were ending our involvment and those papers did not endanger the men in the field. has those papers been released in 1967 Yes that is a hugh problem. you can't compaire the pentagon papers with what this goof did. also the pentagon papers were not released by a service man who should have the well being of his fellow soilders in hand, you say he has not made any money but for him its was a about fame.
I usually agree with you but not on this, again he should be shot for treason!!!!!!!! gay or straight.
 HE IS A TRAITOR!!!! He should be treated as one and should never see the light of day again, He is responsible for the deaths fo americans and he has shown no loyalty for this country but only for himself.
What Americans have died? What he showed was no loyalty for our corrupt government.
This in not the place to do this, and there are proper channels to go through. Writing or calling your Congressional Representatives is a good start. Then callling or writing the US Justice Department and asking the questions you want answered. Have your representatives investigate the US Army on this issue, and demand answers. It is your Constitutional Right America. Our Congressional Representative are paid to serve the people, and it is their jobs to follow up on such issues. To do this at an event like this shows a lack of good judgement, and in this type of atmosphere it is just rude. Remember America! Using the Governmental Resources effectively to have situations investigated is the proper way to proceed.
He should have gone to the very people perpetuating the lies and ask then to investigate themselves? Lying didn't work for NIXON. Didn't work for Johnson. Worked for Bush for a while. They all set up committee's to investigate themselves. If anything the release of the documents showed how often we were lied to including the buildup to the Iraq war which has claimed over 50,000 casualties. Had these documents bee released earlier perhaps we would have saved trillions of dollars and more importantly the lives and blood of the extraordinary men and women who serve this country.
"To do this at an event like this shows a lack of good judgement, and in this type of atmosphere it is just rude."
You are only upset because it is Obama. Otherwise rude, loud, thuggish behavior is part of the standard progressive playbook. As mentioned above, Paul Ryan's meeting was interrupted, and libs cheered.
The thuggish behavior of union hacks in Wisconsin and elsewhere are beyond the pale...
Progressive=Forward 11
This in not the place to do this, and there are proper channels to go through. Writing or calling your Congressional Representatives is a good start. Then callling or writing the US Justice Department and asking the questions you want answered. Have your representatives investigate the US Army on this issue, and demand answers. It is your Constitutional Right America. Our Congressional Representative are paid to serve the people, and it is their jobs to follow up on such issues. To do this at an event like this shows a lack of good judgement, and in this type of atmosphere it is just rude. Remember America! Using the Governmental Resources effectively to have situations investigated is the proper way to proceed.
Bravo, Progressive=Forward 11
I agree especially with the Middle East being a tinder box. These people don't care about Manning They, most of them are media whores.
He was in the military and as such had no right to download classified material to his own computer and then give them to wikileaks. That makes him a traitor to the oath he took as a soldier and as an American.
Even deep throat didn't give Woodward and Bernstein documents, he gave them information to investigate.
Andie469
He was in the military and as such had no right to download classified material to his own computer and then give them to wikileaks. That makes him a traitor to the oath he took as a soldier and as an American
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actually, I think he did a boatloaod more to defend the Constitution of the US than George W. Looking for treason, I suggest that when the Commander in Chief lies to get us into a war that would be an impeachable offense.
I said lie to get us into a war and not just lie. All politicians lie....all of them, Part of their DNA. You suggesting that Roosevelt made up Pearl Harbor or misled people into thinking we provoked it? You really confused me.
Agree with you but look at the pressure put on officials who came foreward. P.J. Cowley after he commented on Manning's treatment by our own public officials.He had to resign,and I am sure that was not by his choice......Look at Scott M'Mcallan, one former President George Bush's cabient member.He steped forward.What happened to him?
"Where was I?" Obama said
____________________________________________________________________________________________
That about sums up the position Obama has to take on his performance (or lack thereof) so far to get reelected in 2012
Madison From NY
"Where was I?" Obama said
____________________________________________________________________________________________
That about sums up the position Obama has to take on his performance (or lack thereof) so far to get reelected in 2012
Where were you?
Looks like you just crawled from under you rock. For the past several days polls show people more encouraged about the President being against "Ryancare"
Poll shows Americans oppose entitlement cuts to deal with debt problem.
By Jon Cohen and Dan Balz, Wednesday, April 20, 12:01 AM
http://asapnys.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/wsj-poll-indicates-americans-against-cutting-medicaid-and-medicare-to-solve-national-debt/
clark-1006386
" HE IS A TRAITOR!!!! He should be treated as one and should never see the light of day again, He is responsible
D Gerrow Thank YOU !! He should be hanged if he is guilty! He may have put our troops in harms way.
Bradley Manning is a hero just like Daniel Ellsburg, far more heroic than all the bloodthirsty warmongering mercenaries selling their souls to the Pentagon for the sake of a government paycheck and a GI Bill. All you GOVERNMENT CHEERLEADERS need to grow a pair and quit being little state-worshipping bee-yotches.
I already have a pair, DAK, and I believe what I said. He violated the UCMJ and should face a court martial. After that, the President or Supreme Court can step in. As for you, well, why should I or any serviceman kiss up to your demands? You make your assumptions concerning us through your own prejudices. I do not serve blindly, but with my eyes wide open. I know my nation's strengths, and its weaknesses. I've seen enough of the world close-up to believe in my country. Most other nations would have silenced you long before now.It is the freedoms that people before us paid for in blood that allow you to speak as you do. We don't need the approval of someone who has never been there. Of course, you're welcome to try it in China, or the Middle East, or even Russia, if you'd like.
Talk is cheap!
To those who say traitor and believe EVERYTHING the pundits and their government tells them is always fact and should never be challenged by historical fact I quote the following:
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
Good luck with that blind obedience stuff.....
daryl-2183015....
Do not know how you get the idea that I am against peaceful change. Great concept, ideally the best solution, but it doesn't seem to be working anywhere in the world now. particulary the middle east and northern Africa.
I'm old enough to have lived through the Kennedy assasination, the Viet Nam war, Nixon, Iran Contra and George W. and the hundreds of lies and scandals that pass for truth. No not everything the government says is a lie but I'd bet it"s slanted in the best possible light for the party making the statement. There's a little truth and a little lie in everything that comes ouit of DC. Am I jaded..perhaps. A Teabagger...hahahaha. Have you read my posts over the last week? I too check facts and try to keep up with what is going on. Still don't trust the partisan crap I hear and read each day.
Love your interpretation.
Why is First Read covering this protest and keeping silent about the angry reception Paul Ryan got at his town hall meeting? First Read really need to work a little harder to hide their far-right bias.
BTW: I'm glad that they moved Manning out of solitary confinement. It was cruel and unusual punishment for a crime he hasn't yet been found guilty of.
I did a google search on "Paul Ryan booed" and didn't come up with a single "serious" media article on what is clearly an important story. Incredibly, an article in the "liberal" NY Times about Ryan's town halls, mentioned only that one audience member gushed about how Ryan should run for president. It looks like the corporate media is doing damage control for Ryan while they go after the president.
"Houston" - Desperate people say desperate things..............Obama's chances for re-election are slipping away and by the day!.......his ratings are slowly but surely heading for the crapper!
FYI
VIDEO: Paul Ryan Booed At Town Hall For Defending Tax Breaks For The Wealthy
ThinkProgress filed this report from a town hall meeting in Milton, WI.
Earlier this week, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) embarked on a series of town halls across his southern Wisconsin congressional district. Ryan has gained notoriety in recent weeks as the architect of the Republican budget which extends tax breaks for the wealthy and phases out Medicare. House Republicans voted 235-4 in favor of the plan.
During a town hall meeting in Milton, a constituent who described himself as a “lifelong conservative” asked Ryan about the effects of growing income inequality in our nation. The constituent noted that huge income disparities contributed to the Great Depression and the Great Recession, and thus wanted to know why the congressman was “fighting to not let the tax breaks for the wealthy expire.”
Ryan argued against “redistribut[ing]” in this manner. After the constituent noted that “there’s nothing wrong with taxing the top because it does not trickle down,” Ryan argued that “we do tax the top.” This response earned a chorus of boos from constituents:
Watch it:
Ryan’s constituent is correct to point out that income inequality is accelerating in the United States and tax cuts aimed at the wealthy are exacerbating the problem. Between 1980 and 2005, “more than 80 percent of total increase in Americans’ income went to the top 1 percent.” Indeed, as Ezra Klein points out, the extension of the Bush tax cuts plays a major role in our projected federal deficit. Ryan, who advocates permanently extending the Bush tax cuts, uses the resulting federal deficit as justification for phasing out Medicare and slashing the social safety net.
Still, Ryan’s outraged constituents are representative of the country as a whole. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 72 percent of Americans wanted Congress to raise taxes on wealthy Americans making more than $250,000 per year.
Does that annoy you as much as the liberal media kissing o'bama's butt and fawning all over him like he was the second coming? Does it? Huh? I don't know why, but I don't think so.
"The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity"
Andre Gide
Ryan says Obama wants to raise the top tax rate to 44.8%, that is still lower than it was under most of Reagans administration. You know. "Saint" Reagan, the conservative diety, who raised taxes 7 out of 8 years he was in office.
Reality Check-1104333
I can't speak for anyone else, but what annoys ME are lies like yours about how the media has a pro-Obama bias when I've just given a good example of how the media are kissing Ryan's butt.
Andie469
As far as I can tell, Ryan got the 44.8% figure from this article in the far right American Spectator:
http://spectator.org/archives/2011/04/20/obamas-taxes-and-americas-jobs
But I haven't seen anyone from a CREDIBLE organization quote that 44.8% figure.
Looks like Ryan was doing a little creative accounting to come up with the 44.8% number:
http://politicalcorrection.org/mobile/factcheck/201104180002
CLAIM: Rep. Ryan Falsely Claimed That "Most Successful Small Businesses" Would Be Taxed At 44.8 Percent Under President's Plan
FACT: Republicans' Definition Of "Small Businesses" Includes Multi-Billion-Dollar Corporations
Just 12 Percent Of Money Raised By Increasing Top Rates Comes From "Small Businesses With Actual Workers." As reported by Businessweek: "The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which analyzes issues for lawmakers, largely agreed with Obama in a Sept. 3 report that considered only taxpayers with employees. Its conclusion: Small businesses with actual workers would pay only about 12 percent of the higher taxes. 'Across-the-board tax cuts for high-income individuals are not efficiently targeted to small businesses,' wrote author Jane G. Gravelle." [Businessweek, 9/23/10; emphasis added]
You're kidding right? Or tripping? "Tingle up your leg" anyone?
Between FactCheck.org and Rep. Ryan, I'm inclined to believe the former.
"Small business" anyway is a misnomer. When we hear the phrase, what comes to mind is the mom and pop grocery store or the guy who runs the dry cleaners down the street.
But large businesses have hordes of highly paid tax lawyers working for them, taking advantage of every loophole planted there by lobbyists over the years. If not, how is it conceivable that Bechtel Corporation can be classified as a small business?
There's a lot of snake oil being sold these days and we're gulping it down recklessly. Too many of us know nothing about the issues except what we learn from angry media pundits. That leave us filled with strong opinions about subjects we're almost entirely ignorant about.
Thinking is an irritant. So is having to entertain ideas that conflict with ones we already hold. The problem is not with Ryan or Ed Schultz. It's with us, too uneasy with ourselves to go to FactCheck.org where we might be challenged. Some of us revel in our stupdity. We're defiantly dumb. A survey last year, just before the Fourth of July, showed that 40 percent of us either didn't know or were wrong about the country we achieved our independence from. Wrong answers ranged from France and Mexico to China.
A philosopher once defined "belief" as "thought at rest." Why don't we get up off our buns and expose ourselves to new ideas once in a while? It's just possible that some of what we believe with all our hearts is plain WRONG. Emotion is no substitute for curiosity.
As if......President Obama is REALLY going to do something about Bradley Manning..........gimme a break.........just shut up and let the man campaign will ya! Hell he only has a year and half before election day.....and any month now........Obama might even have a real live opponent?....in the meantime......it's ....off we go....into the wild blue yonder.....riding high.....into the sky.......and pass me another shrimp cocktail and make it snappy......................gee I wonder what the millions of unemployed and in America and their families..........are doing today?.......Good thing we got food stamps!
Well we finally know Obama's True colors That was a nice song !
Does Obama support Manning leaking hundreds of thousands of classified documents?
Apparently so.
Is this an impeachable offense?
o44102
Does Obama support Manning leaking hundreds of thousands of classified documents?
Apparently so.
.................................................................................
Crackdown on Wikileaks: Obama orders zero-tolerance police for anyone caught leaking classified info
BY RICHARD SISK
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Monday, November 29, 2010
WASHINGTON - President Obama has ordered a government-wide crackdown on access to classified information to limit the future airing of secrets by WikiLeaks.
At Obama's direction, the White House Office of Management and Budget sent out a memo to all agencies to make sure their workers can only see what they have to see to do their jobs.
OMB Director Jacob Lew said there will be a zero-tolerance policy under the new directive.
"Any unauthorized disclosure of classified information is a violation of our law and compromises our national security," according to reports
Facts are a bitch aren't they?
How can you say apparently so, Manning is in jail isn't he. The president did not have him released, did not pardon him. What are you basing your opinion on?
really Ira, we're to believe something you post on a blog that could be typed by anyone?
leanderm
really Ira, we're to believe something you post on a blog that could be typed by anyone?
====================================================
Google the following:
Crackdown on Wikileaks: Obama orders zero-tolerance police for anyone caught leaking classified info
BY RICHARD SISK
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Monday, November 29, 2010
At least she didn't throw a shoe at him.
Priceless!!! Couldn't happen to a more incompetent man!
Keep up the good work people! I hope to see more of you at ALL of his fundraisers!!
The only thing Bradley Manning is guilty of is exposing the lies and war crimes of the United States. Can any one of you name a single cable out of the thousands that Wikileaks has released that has endangered our troops or our national security? Please do so if you can.
For those of you that are appalled at what Bradley has done, I need to ask you one more question. Imagine that you are sitting at the dinner table with your family, while a young member puts down their fork and knife and announces that they have something to say. "Uncle Mike molested me," the young child tearfully proclaims. At this point, what would you do? Do you console the kid and do everything you can to get to the bottom of the story, or do you reprimand the child for speaking out at the wrong time?
Judging by some of your comments, I can only assume that you would strip the kid naked and lock him in his bedroom for the rest of his life.
Kurtis1984 -- Thank you for being out there. I was beginning to think that there weren't any intelligent truth seeking people posting to this site. Manning is a courageous young man who saw an enormous wrong and attempted one small gesture of right to offset it. If these posters were really concerned about 'treason' then Rove and Cheney would be in jail for 'outing' CIA agents. That these documents clearly show the USA in the wrong in Iraq and Afganistan are telling indeed. I wonder if they were some of the ones laughing when Bush was 'looking' for WMD's at the White House Press Correspondent's dinner. How many dead in Iraq at that point.... 100,000 at least.... but that's funny... Not! Never trust a trust fund baby and don't tell the truth to those that create their own truth by buying it. Free PFC Manning and be grateful that WikiLeaks is available for those that want the truth poor and rich alike.
Bradley Manning is a traitor. Lock him up and throw away the key.
Once again the inmates volley for more control over the asylum! Idiots! A grown man has committed treason and possibly espionage. Equating him to a young child who has been molested is truly the height of foolishness. Can we please ALL start acting like adults again...?
If we want to begin acting like adults again, we should start by admitting that no grown man has been convicted of committing treason or espionage. He's been in jail for months and never been tried. We'll be acting more like adults if we stop jumping to unwarranted conclusions.
I said not one word about a conviction. Grow up. You are what I am talking about. Stop making assumptions it makes you look childish and foolish! GI...this means government issue. Military trials do not operate in the same manner as domestic trials and you should know that! He belongs to the United states military. That is a fact! He is a GI...
GOOD JOB George if he is convicted He should be HANGED!
George, I apologize. I thought when you wrote "A grown man has committed treason and possibly espionage", you meant that a grown man had committed treason and possibly espionage.
It's true also that you never mentioned anything about his having been convicted of anything. That's why I brought it up.
And I guess, when you think about it, I am making a "childish and foolish assumption." The assumption is that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty.
I know something about the UCMJ and about the military justice system. They do not allow for torture or for indeterminate sentences without the equivalent of a trial. Of course the rules in the former USSR allowed for exactly that. Commisars were embedded in each military unit to see that no one violated the party line. If they did, they were sent to prison under the authority of the politically appointed commisar.
well, traitors could be categorized with tax collectors and prostitutes, all groups the new messiah should be holding counsel with. its appropriate traitors who condone anti-American activities show up at barry's little gatherings. all peas in a pod.
btw, if you think this bunch is not squarely pro barry, your a fool and/or a liar.
Absolutly! That's what the whole "We paid, where's our change?" comment was about. Nervy people who think the president should belong to one party and their agenda. Fools all of them!
Practically speaking, nobody learned anything of critical significance from the Wikileaks affair. It was a lot of gossip internal to the system. It didn't help any enemies by telling them how to neutralize a TOW missile or anything. Manning has been charged but never tried, let alone convicted, for releasing these data, yet he's been in a Marine brig for more than 6 months. That -- in itself -- is torture enough. I've visited people in Marine brigs. Each time they'd have different black eyes. There is something fundamentally flawed in a judicial system that simply can't decide on the status of inmates at Guantanamo and cannot seem to bring Manning to a speedy trial. That's in the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. How long before we can say, accurately, that the military or quasi-military justice system does not work at all?
Thank you,thank you,thank you.......We need more Americans with back bones to step up to the Paul Ryans.
Two lovely posts from the gentle liberal giant:
LouisJ
Trademark on the Ignorance Badge?
Shaped like TEA Cup with a Swastika in the center.3!#3.8 - Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:35 PM EDT
Michelle in Montana-2729022
LouisJ - I know a few people that should receive those. Let me know where and when they're available :-)
1!#3.9 - Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:54 PM EDT
You dems are the best....
Manning is a criminal and deserves military justice
Exposing the truth should lead to a medal not condemnation. No wonder America seems so lost these days. Many people are unable to recognize the difference between good (telling the truth) and bad (lying, name calling, belittling, hypocrisy, etc,)
Swearing a sacred oath to God and your country doesn't mean squat to you ,does it?
How unfortunate,and sad the GOP is miss leading the uneducated white people.How little do they know the Republicans are merely stirring their emotions,and are only interested in their votes.......Our survival is not about race,color,or creed,but to remove politicians who's interest is no longer with us,our children,and elderly which many of them had served,and today need our help so they can keep their medicade,and medicare............including their social security......