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In reply to the discussion: What is the reason the GLBT Community doesn't support Bradley Manning? [View all]dballance
(5,756 posts)What exactly does that mean in this context? Are you implying that's one of the overwhelming attributes of gay men? You know, we're all so nurturing and caring - so unlike the macho male stereotype with their veneer of uncaring indifference. By the way, the term "sexual preference" went the way of the Dodo along with that attitude that we're all such "caring" people because we're gay. His "gayness?" Seriously, you want to go with that? You're revealing yourself as something of a bigot with antiquated attitudes.
I can easily separate his sexual orientation from his actions which had nothing to do with his prosecution because while I am gay it doesn't drive my every action in life nor does it drive most LGBT peoples' every action in life.
The articles I've read have mentioned his sexual orientation in a very peripheral manner, not as something that is central to his case. As for him getting little support I guess you missed the debacle with the SF Pride Parade and how people rallied for Manning against the Pride Board when they de-selected him as grand marshal.
Somehow I doubt Obama is the only president to declare someone guilty before trial or at least strongly imply it. I'd be willing to bet I can find quotes from W. Bush that do the same. But your mention of that and his treatment being held as he has are completely irrelevant to his being gay. The UN has come out and said it's inhuman treatment as it would for any person held similarly and as they've said about GitMo. I believe his treatment is as far as the government feels it can go with a US citizen and solider toward torture to break him and get him to plea to charges. I believe they'd do that with any person regardless of sexual orientation. Look at how they treated Aaron Swartz. While they didn't put him in solitary they certainly used every tool at their disposal to ruin his life and try to get him to plea.
Yes, it's sad the press has paid so little attention to Manning and then got their knickers in a wad after the AP phone records and FOX reporter records issues. Apparently the people's right to know and a free press stops with corporate media and Wikileaks isn't considered press by them. If Manning had leaked the documents to the AP rather than Wikileaks I suspect things would be far different. Since he didn't (maybe he tried and got rebuffed by corporate media) and it was Wikileaks that got the documents I wouldn't be surprised that our US press bears more than a little grudge against Manning since none of them got the scoop. So their ignoring his case doesn't really surprise me.
I will not support someone just because they're gay. I must believe that what they're fighting for is just, fair and right. That's the same standard I use for people of all genders, races and sexual orientations. There are a lot of Log Cabin Republicans who I'll never support as long as they support the GOP. They're gay but they don't get my support by default.
As I said in my earlier post I support Manning for leaking the records the same way I would have supported the Pentagon Papers being leaked. I support him as a lefty who wants our government held accountable for what they do our name. I have been critical here on DU about Obama's use of drones and spying and pointed out that if we're not just as critical of Obama for doing the same things W. Bush did then we're hypocrites.
If other minority groups are supporting "their own" just because a person is part of their minority and not because what that person is fighting for is right and just then that's too bad. I think that waters-down their credibility when it comes to really fighting for what is right and fair.