How Bradley Manning Changed The Fate Of Whistleblowers
The most important trial in recent American history came to an end July 30 ending with a guilty verdict.
Amid the national discourse on government secrecy, surveillance and lack of executive transparency, soldier Bradley Manning, one of the most fearless whistleblowers in U.S. history, was found guilty of espionage, the most serious charge in the government’s arsenal other than treason.
"This is a dark day for freedom," Daniel Ellsberg told The Advocate a few hours after the verdict came in at Fort Meade, Md. in the two-months-long trial of the gay former Army intelligence specialist. "This is a dark day for American journalism and the press. The only sliver of light is that it could have been worse–Bradley could have been convicted of aiding the enemy."
Ellsberg is himself a former U.S. military analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971. He faced the same charges as Manning 42 years ago.
Manning was convicted by the judge, Col. Denise Lind, in his court marital, on 20 of 22 counts, including five counts of espionage and theft. He was acquitted of aiding the enemy— a charge tantamount to treason.
http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2013/07/31/op-ed-how-bradley-manning-changed-fate-whistleblowers
Bradley, no matter what you will not be forgotten. You did what many others were to chicken shit to do. You are a hero. 
