Barry, My Liege:
It is a nagging question: Exactly what is it that you want from Bradley Manning?
He has been held for almost a year in apparent violation of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution which forbids cruel and inhumane punishment. He has not been convicted of a crime nor faced a trial in that time.
His treatment can reasonably be classified as torture. He is subjected to detention conditions likely to create long-term psychological injuries. [See Glen Greenwald at: http://www.salon.com/2010/12/15/manning_3/]
My Liege, what can he possibly give you that he has not already given?
A strong sovereign shows his strength by the quality of his mercy, My Liege. Perhaps it is time to show mercy to Bradley Manning.
His crime, if convicted, may have derived from a patriotic act of conscience. It could have been a traitorous act as well. Those qualities are not necessarily inconsistent.
Or, maybe it was an act of a confused kid who made a mistake.
Is it more merciful to keep him in inhumane conditions in violation of the Constitution than it is to convict him and hang him or release him?
Consider, My Liege, the words of Ray Charles from 'America the Beautiful':
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'Oh beautiful, for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self, our country loved,
And mercy more than life,
America, America, may God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain devined.'
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Mercy, My Liege, Mercy.
Your faithful servant,
Sunday, February 5, 2012
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