Posted on Feb 11, 2015
PO1 Autumn Sandeen
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Politico reports Chelsea Manning now is going to write op-eds at The Guardian. From the article:

"[Manning] will write 'occasionally from Fort Leavenworth prison on the subjects of war, gender, and freedom of information' for the British newspaper's American site, [editor-in-chief, Katharine] Viner wrote in a staff memo. Manning will not be paid."

Questions: 1) What do you think of The Guardian giving Manning a platform? 2) Do you believe what she says will represent what most transgender service members and vets believe and value? 3) As a commentator, is she representing more than herself -- is she a true representive of trans community in general?

http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2015/02/the-guardian-hires-chelsea-manning-202383.html
Posted in these groups: 9ed82c1 TransgenderImages Security
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SGT Jim Z.
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The last I checked prisoners were not supposed to have a way to make money outside of jobs in prison and since she is a resident of the Correctional Barracks at Fort Leavenworth how is this possible.
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CPT Zachary Brooks
CPT Zachary Brooks
9 y
SGT Jim Z. I think we should. Teach the prisoners how to be contributing members of society in some capacity (we always see the license plates cliche in movies) to help deter their costs and teach them to be a productive member of society. Explain to them the specifics of where their salary is going so they understand how their salary goes towards their bills.

It has merit for actual rehabilitation.
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SGT Jim Z.
SGT Jim Z.
9 y
Oh do not get me wrong I think that is an excellent idea because most just work out and collect off the taxpayer. There are others that do work within the prisons for a "wage" that goes into the commissary account so they can buy the necessities and other stuff.
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PO1 Autumn Sandeen
PO1 Autumn Sandeen
9 y
SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas, SCOTUS's decision in Turner v. Safely gives Manning the right to free speech. There's a four prong test, and it appears Manning has the right to write op-eds under that standard.

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/prisoners-rights
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SGT Jim Z.
SGT Jim Z.
9 y
PO1 Autumn Sandeen thank you for enlightening me on the freedom of speech for prisoners.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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1) The guardian is a Private Press Organization. They are Profit based, and doing what they feel will make them money.

2) I don't think Manning has enough life experience overall to represent "most" of any demographic, whether it be Trans, or Vet.

3) There will be a perception that Manning is, which is worse. No one person can represent any demographic. President Obama cannot represent all Black Men, or all Men, or all people from Illinois, or all Americans, or all Democrats. Asking if manning is a "true rep of the trans community" is asking to fall into the "no true Scotsman" logical fallacy.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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Edited 9 y ago
This may not be a popular answer, but I think Chelsea should not be allowed to write for the newspaper that he/she gave all those U.S. secrets to. American authorities ought to clamp down on that, put a stop to it. She should not be a "commentator" from inside the Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth. I think that's just wrong -- whether it's about trans-gender issues, war, or freedom of information - whatever the topic.
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SGT Jim Z.
SGT Jim Z.
9 y
Oh you are not alone Chief there have been several others. I do understand the legal ruling but I agree she should not be allowed to talk.
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