What should we conclude from the fact 4,190 people contributed $173,550 in 4 months to Chelsea Manning?

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:00:22 -0400

I wonder about the sentiments of the RP military community considering the fact that 4,190 people contributed over 4 months a total of $173,550 to support Chelsea Manning for a year following her release. I would note she is still on active duty pending resolution of her appeals within the military and the civilian courts - which may result in reversal of her conviction. My point IS NOT that anyone should contribute to Chelsea Manning - instead that it may be rather important for us to understand that there are a huge number of people who do not agree with the sentiment that she should have been automatically given her last meal and sent to the firing squad, exiled to die in the desert, or some other similar penalty intended for traitors. Perhaps the American people have more of a heart than we give them credit for - or perhaps like the US Congress they believe there is too much overclassificatiion of information for which there is no justification other than to conceal our own service member and foreign civilian deaths. We once trusted our citizens to make informed decisions about our policies and operations - now we hide our work behind an impenetrable wall of secrecy. Is so much secrecy really such a good thing? Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

n.b. For those unhappy with prior specific link - I asked admin to modify or removed it. S :)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 9:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:01:49 -0400

A lot of like minded people. Simple as that.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 20 at 2017 9:06 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:06:33 -0400

I would conclude that 4,190 people empathize with Chelsea and made a donation in hopes of being helpful for her and the goals she is trying to work toward.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 20 at 2017 9:10 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:10:09 -0400

People that don't understand the issue and have more money than they need. The entire thread is under transgender, the LGBTQ are supportive of each other, not so much on RP. Most of us see it for what it is, a petulant little creep that gave up classified material. Most of us do not care what he's packing or not.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 20 at 2017 9:13 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:13:37 -0400

In this Day and Age "The Information Age" Everybody and their Brother has a "Fan" Base and "Go Fund Me Pages" are Pretty Common.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 20 at 2017 9:15 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:15:09 -0400

Sandy I don't mind that we have differing opinions, but you support a traitor. That I do not respect. Please remove me from your contacts and block me I will do the same to you. Thank you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 9:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:30:21 -0400

That people in today's America have their priorities ass backwards.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 20 at 2017 9:30 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:30:41 -0400

This is so important. Not the Navy vessel ran over by a cargo ship, or that bomb in Europe from "suspects".
Not to mention, in some countries women can not drive and must wear a Burka. What is your favorite Burka color Lt?
M. Morris RVT

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 20 at 2017 9:38 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:38:23 -0400

Too many people allowing gender issues to overshadow criminal acts. Manning is a criminal regardless of hormones, plumbing, or insanity.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 20 at 2017 9:41 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:41:26 -0400

It is not for people at PVT Manning's level to decide that something is over classified.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jun 20 at 2017 9:44 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:44:30 -0400

P.T. Barnum said it best . . . .

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jun 20 at 2017 9:45 PM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:45:42 -0400

The "Cash me ousside, how bou dah" girl is now a millionaire. What does it say? People give money away for pretty stupid reasons.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jun 20 at 2017 9:56 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:56:41 -0400

Manning does not deserve money from the American people for either being a traitor or being an it. The people of the US do some pretty stupid stuff. I could sure use some money myself. Anyone interested in send me some money?

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Jun 20 at 2017 9:57 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:57:15 -0400

It's their money, they can spend it anyway they want.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 10:09 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 22:09:32 -0400

Pvt Manning does not get to decide the handling of classified information. She is guilty and should have served her full sentence. The folks that donated the money are misguided. 4,190 people is not a huge amount of people.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 10:11 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 22:11:28 -0400

This is ridiculous........ are you serious ma'am, or trying to troll or something? Are we supposed to be sympathetic to a traitor? I can't believe you went out of your way to actually justify/defend this creep when talking to the Sgt earlier............

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 20 at 2017 10:13 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 22:13:56 -0400

There's one born every minute?

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Jun 20 at 2017 11:21 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:21:46 -0400

Many Americans are just stupid. Many aren't.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 21 at 2017 12:22 AM

SFC William Farrell — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:22:01 -0400

I would conclude that there are 4,190 people out there who are fools for parting with their money on a convicted criminal who should still be in jail 1LT Sandy Annala. As always thanks for your thoughtful discussions.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 12:35 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:35:42 -0400

To answer your question, ma'am; we should conclude that 4,190 people don't understand what to do in the midsts of crime and mental instability.

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 21 at 2017 12:44 AM

SPC David S. — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:44:32 -0400

It tells me these 4,190 people should never be in control of classified information.
Many people presume that “whistleblowing” is a legal defense for government employees or contractors facing criminal charges for disclosing classified information. In fact, existing legal protections for whistleblowers are limited and generally do not extend to leaks of classified information.

If the information is not classified, the employee may disclose it to anyone.

If the information is classified or its disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law, the employee may disclose it to certain officials – including the Special Counsel (a government office established to protected federal employees from prohibited personnel practices) and the agency’s Inspector General.

The Whistleblower Protection Act does not apply to persons in positions of a “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating character.” Nor does it apply to anyone in the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, or any other executive body that conducts primarily foreign intelligence or counter-intelligence activities.

Intelligence Community (IC) employees have a similar method via the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act via secured channels with the Inspector General and ultimately to the congressional intelligence committees.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jun 21 at 2017 3:24 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 03:24:31 -0400

What should we conclude? People are idiots.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jun 21 at 2017 6:37 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 06:37:18 -0400

Not much since I have seen people donate over $60K in less than week. Too early in the morning for math but based on the population and the amount, not too many appear to be willing to help him out. Besides, this is not a case of some guy deciding to switch teams but someone committing an act of treason.

Response by Col Jim Harmon made Jun 21 at 2017 6:45 AM

Col Jim Harmon — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 06:45:02 -0400

A fool and his money.......

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 21 at 2017 6:51 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 06:51:48 -0400

Ashamed to admit that this whole thing is much to complex for my pea-brain. Due in large part to only hearing bits and pieces of the whole thing as reported in the media (all I know is what I read in the papers). There must have been some sophisticated arguments raised in her defense to warrant the present status of her case. Seems like pretty cut and dried - proven release of classified information?, guilty as charged, take her away. How is she any different than Snowden which would warrant any different consideration or treatments? Is she being defended by any big money, private donations, or appointed counsel? The whole thing with her transgender situation muddies the waters of the classified docs case and the two should be kept separate.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 7:31 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 07:31:29 -0400

I would conclude it renforces the old saying that a fool and their money are soon parted.
Anyone who would give money to a traitor just because they happen to be transgender is not high on my list of favorite people

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 21 at 2017 7:45 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 07:45:56 -0400

What was done , was done, let the courts settle everything, and let life return hopefully to normal.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 8:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 08:27:49 -0400

You use "perhaps" a few times in your remarks but I note that you don't say that "perhaps Manning has become a symbol or role model for the LBGTQ community." I suspect that most of those GoFundMe donations were from people sympathetic to or part of the LBGTQ community, not people making some grand and glorious statement about "overclassification." There are far more than 4190 neo-Nazis in the U.S. that still support Hitler and the Nazi agenda. People do strange and irrational things, often based solely on the emotion of the moment. Regardless, I draw no sweeping conclusion from those donations. People are free to do what they wish with their money, as long as it is legal. If they want to give some to a convicted felon that violated the oath taken to our country and who has claimed transgender status, that's their prerogative. My only two opinions on the topic of Manning, as I've expressed on at least one other thread you've started, are (1) that Manning betrayed the oath of enlistment and our country, regardless of whether some or even most of the leaked material was overclassified; (2) that Manning is a poor role model for anyone, including the LGBTQ community.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 21 at 2017 8:50 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 08:50:28 -0400

It is their money and they can be as foolish with it as they want. What he did, was a crime and he should have been punished for it. The fact he decided he wanted to be a her, might provide insight to the trouble mind we are dealing with. I hope he is able to find peace and live in obscurity.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 8:51 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 08:51:19 -0400

Without knowing the background or demographics of the donors it's hard to reach any conclusion about their financial support. The cash may have come from like-minded people of the LGBTQ community. It may have been from other people that wanted to show compassion for Manning as well. Some may agree with the concept of whistle-blowing despite the consequences. Others may have more money than they know what to do with. I doubt there were many staunch conservatives or people that are strong on accountability and National security that donated, but that's just a guess. I'd pay my fair share for a plane ticket to anywhere outside the US for Manning, because I don't agree with the actions of people such as Manning, Snowden or Bergdahl that jeopardize National security to make a statement. There are ways to protest that don't jeopardize our safety or the lives of those that work to maintain it.

Response by Lt Col Robert Brooks made Jun 21 at 2017 9:41 AM

Lt Col Robert Brooks — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 09:41:16 -0400

What should we conclude? That 4,190 people have more money than brains. That 4,190 people are pro-LGBTQ. That 4,190 people support the illegal release of classified information. That 4,190 people could be potential security threats to the United States. That 4,190 people have no place being in the military. I could go on and on...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 9:42 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 09:42:23 -0400

Will people send money to a GoFundMe for someone who committed rape? Murder? Embezzling? I'm not sending money to someone who broke the law and went to prison. It's their bed. Now they have to lay in it. As PT Barnum is associated with saying "There's a sucker born every minute." And these 4,190 people are all suckers.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jun 21 at 2017 12:02 PM

MAJ Hugh Blanchard — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 12:02:30 -0400

I can personally think of several more deserving causes and persons. Food for the Poor is one, World Vision is another, and American Humane and the ASPCA are two more. Let this "individual" make its own way in the world, please, and save your charitable contributions for more deserving recipients.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 21 at 2017 12:28 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 12:28:12 -0400

I don't care how you slice it there are only two genders, and he is still a guy, no matter how you want to paint him. He is still a criminal no matter what you want to call him - actually he is now an "it" as there are three genders (I stand corrected), masculine, feminine and neuter. He is just an "it" now. As far as people contributing their money: there's a sucker born every minute and some one there to separate them from their money.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 12:47 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 12:47:11 -0400

Nothing. Other peoples' money is not our circus, not our monkeys. It's not worthy our time to give her (that stinking traitor Chelsea Manning) one more iota of thought.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Jun 21 at 2017 1:11 PM

SGT Edward Wilcox — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:11:25 -0400

What should we conclude from the fact that the girl in the picture is not PVT. Manning?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 1:13 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:13:13 -0400

That not everyone agrees all the time. Manning committed a crime and HE was duly convicted. That is a fact, regardless of what he calls himself or his plumbing.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 2:05 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:05:10 -0400

That people are idiots who will donate money to the most vile of causes.
That we live in a society that cherishs anything that is perverse or immoral. It doesnt matter what IT is...as long as they are "fighting against the majority" they feel justified. If society suddenly decided that being hetrosexual was immoral - they would shift to support that. They literally will support anything that is immoral.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 2:11 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:11:11 -0400

Speaking to the secrecy, I do think there needs to be reform in the intelligence community and among agencies. However, most things do have a purpose for being classified, whether if it is to protect a collection method, an identity, etc. This is understandable. Things can also be downgraded in classification, we have channels for this.
I do not think Manning's actions were appropriate. But I would be careful using the word traitor. Manning states the leaks were done "out of love for country". Now, I'll reiterate, it was an illegal act and I do not condone it. I just think Manning was misguided and should have tried to resolve this in other ways.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 21 at 2017 2:58 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:58:57 -0400

Am still having trouble understanding why we call Manning a "she". Do you think any of those contributing to HIS defense are doing so out of a sense of justice OR are they doing it because they want to advance a certain LGBT political agenda -- one that portrays them as victims in need of more understanding and sympathy? ???

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 3:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 15:21:43 -0400

It's their money they can do with it what they want. Really do not care if she/he is a girl or a boy still a criminal.

Response by James Nelson made Jun 21 at 2017 4:15 PM

James Nelson — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:15:07 -0400

Greetings All Interesting Stuff!!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 21 at 2017 6:35 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:35:01 -0400

"nail two things together that have never been nailed together before and some shumck will buy it" George carlin

"a sucker is born every minute" PT Barnum

One or both of those quotes explains the phenomenon referenced above

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jun 21 at 2017 7:19 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 19:19:48 -0400

4200 people out of a country of 300 million (assuming they were all Americans) is about .000014 of the population. Sounds about right. There are that many idiots that will do just about anything. Do you think this means something? BTW he is still a he and always will be. It is hysterical seeing you type that you have compassions for this "woman" who is actually a man, with a penis and male genes.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 7:30 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 19:30:24 -0400

There will always be people who rationalize indiscretion if the end justifies the means. Doesn't make it right. I do support our legal system, the one that sentenced Manning to 35 years.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Jun 21 at 2017 8:22 PM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 20:22:31 -0400

I am still trying to get over the $173,550 to support her fo one year. Hell for that kind of money, almost 3 1/2 times the wage of an average American per year, I might have to consider dressing up like a woman.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jun 21 at 2017 10:05 PM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 22:05:00 -0400

Read many of the responses and see the expected diversity of opinion, but my first question was who is the young lady and what does she have to do with Manning? We're not expected to believe that's him/her, are we? An extensive google search shows no such pic of Manning. What gives?
(Sorry if it's been addressed and I missed it.)

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jun 22 at 2017 10:50 AM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:50:25 -0400

I guess it shows that it's probably true that there is a sucker born every minute!!!

Response by SPC Paul Brown made Jun 22 at 2017 12:34 PM

SPC Paul Brown — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:34:33 -0400

1. I totally disagree with the Military paying for a cosmetic surgery. 2nd I believe Bradley Manning should serve the entirety of his sentence. 3. People may do what they want with their own money.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 3:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:13:00 -0400

That averages out to $41 per person. We should conclude that 4,190 people just wasted $41.00

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Jun 22 at 2017 3:57 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:57:07 -0400

Sandy, I can't find where I called you a name on RP. I have had to lead newbee LTs and babysit them and although it was forever ago, I can still remember the stories and crack up the crowd and not enhance the story at all. I apologize. Name calling is never right and I was wrong. I see "LT" and I go back in time. Of course, there are other triggers, too.
I checked out your profile. More points you are making on me. Anyway, Welcome Home. I am familiar with your line of work and what you did. You may have saved the lives of my classmates, my relatives, my friends. I was older when I enlisted, after VN. VN was the senior trip for my classmates who enlisted so they could get it over with. I was an OR Tech, a Social Worker and then Soldier. Of course, my degree was not in any of those things. Back then a degree was all one needed, and I was an easy study.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jun 22 at 2017 5:48 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 17:48:29 -0400

She's a traitor and I could have told you all that Obamma would get he/her out of the slamma! It's his style to save the worst possible person from incarceration. While good soldiers like Clint Lorance sit in Leavenworth for following their orders. He was made a scapegoats to the Afghanis to appease local villagers who lost a couple of terrorists! Brad Manning isn't a transgendered person....he's a traitor! Oh and in answer to your earlier question......we should conclude that stupid people have extra money!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 7:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 19:24:59 -0400

I would conclude that there are a great many people (4190 or so) out there that are willing to throw money into questionable places.
I would also conclude that I am in the wrong line of work. Instead of driving to work every day and making an honest living, I should look into crowd sourcing for a living. It appears to be lucrative.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 23 at 2017 10:55 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:55:37 -0400

I think it just goes further to proving how far the country has fallen in regards to morals, logical thinking, and tradition ideas of right and wrong. Not even mentioning the fact that he plays into the new age transgender acceptance that is sweeping the nation. All in all I fear for the future of our country.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Jun 23 at 2017 11:15 AM

SFC Stephen Hester — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 11:15:08 -0400

That a lot of people have more money than sense.

Response by SSG William Wall made Jun 23 at 2017 10:38 PM

SSG William Wall — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 22:38:20 -0400

"We once trusted our citizens to make informed decisions about our policies and operations" and they turned us into a social engineering petri dish. Manning's issue is not one of gender, but of criminality.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2017 1:51 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 01:51:50 -0400

This numskull is an accidental mass murderer! One e-mail or leak is a 10 year prison term.
Only numskull Manning and Hillary Clinton got away with it. Aldrich Ames and many others (part of our yearly recertification of required army training to Protect Classified Information) faced life in prison.

Manning is in denial just like druggies and alcoholics. There is an official pardon. Got lucky to be
to be pardoned by The SEIU Activist President Obama. Manning is a social justice murderer! Anyone here who worked on our database in OIF or OEF always had to include a grid coordinate for everything. People you spoke with, troops in contact with enemy, projects proposed in civil affairs, etc. She can smile because she got off scott-free like Hillary Clinton.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 24 at 2017 10:57 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 10:57:26 -0400

1LT Sandy Annala I would conclude nothing, as I don't really care. But, since you asked, it is because left or right most Americans are very caring and giving.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 24 at 2017 7:13 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 19:13:26 -0400

It would indicate to me, as confirmed by the wide dismissal of Hilary Clinton's criminal handling of classified information/wanton spillage across networks, that the American public has no idea about the concept of classified information and the laws enacted to,preserve it. It is all just the big, mean old, US government keeping people down.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 24 at 2017 7:18 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 19:18:52 -0400

Everyone forgets the treason. That's what happens when you try to avoid his/her chain of command. They failed at their jobs and he/she should never had the opportunity.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jun 25 at 2017 9:05 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 09:05:56 -0400

Fun at my own expense... I found this hilarious, I did a google image search with my profile picture.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 10:03 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:03:09 -0400

There are about 310 million people in the US. Are you sure you want to argue that 0.0013516 % of the populace is significant? By that standard, I expect a "significant" proportion of the population supports eating babies.

There certainly is overclassification of information. Does that make it any less of a crime to violate your oath? Did you ever fill out the form that says you will keep everything classified at the level it is marked? (SF 312) And if you agreed to do it, shouldn't you keep your word? Or is it your contention that everyone with access to classified information has the right to redetermine its classification without further review?

Look, I realize that you want to build support for Manning, but what you are basically saying is people with an identity quirk/issue/whatever aren't judged by the same standard as everyone else. And that's fine, if that's what you want to do, but it seems to me that you are making the case that people with an identity issue at odds with the majority shouldn't be trusted with national security, because their identity provides an excuse for ignoring their oath.

Once again, are you SURE this is the case you want to make?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 8:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 08:36:42 -0400

That's a small percentage of Americans "supporting" Manning. The over 18 y/o population of the US is roughly 301 million. Those 4,200 hardly represent "A HUGE NUMBER (emphasis added) of people who do not agree with the sentiment that she should have been automatically given her last meal and sent to the firing squad, exiled to die in the desert, or some other similar penalty intended for traitors."

What it means is that there are 4,200 people with less money in their pockets.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 2:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:34:50 -0400

That fools and their money are soon parted.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 4:05 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:05:22 -0400

What do I take from that? I take it that there are a lot of people out there who have more dollars than sense. Even if each person only contributed $1 each, 173,550 people would still be an overwhelming minority in the court of public opinion. My guess is that the majority of those who donated are not military or associated with the military, and have little understanding of our code of ethics. They may support his transition issue, but have no real opinion about his crimes.

Response by SSgt Clare May made Jun 27 at 2017 5:53 PM

SSgt Clare May — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 17:53:13 -0400

Lt Annala... 320,000,000 Americans... 7,000,000,000 people in this world... 4,190 contributed to this train wreck.

If you did the same thing for Charles Manson, you would get the same results. If you took Jeffry Dahlmer and did the same thing... you'd get the same results.

Recon that is a drawback to today's modern communications where uncivilized behaviors are commonly and universally accepted by those seeking the bizarre...

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 27 at 2017 7:47 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 19:47:17 -0400

Get serious here. Go back and read his original motivation for releasing the stuff to the public. His motivation had zero to do with public's right to know.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jun 29 at 2017 11:58 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:58:52 -0400

Too many crazy, non-informed folks out there.

Response by SSG William Wall made Jun 29 at 2017 2:37 PM

SSG William Wall — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 14:37:14 -0400

PT Barnum would be waiting for #4191 in five..., four..., three...

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 29 at 2017 3:32 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 15:32:55 -0400

Things are classified for a reason, I never met a PFC who could or should make the decision to unclassify anything. PFC Manning never should have been released and should have had a DD a long time ago.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 29 at 2017 3:56 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 15:56:13 -0400

They wasted their money.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jun 29 at 2017 4:22 PM

PO3 Michael James — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 16:22:15 -0400

Gee, maybe I should shave my butt !!!

Response by COL Daniel Monaghan made Jun 30 at 2017 4:32 PM

COL Daniel Monaghan — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:32:52 -0400

Not only is it now socially acceptable to release classified information, President Obama's action to commute PVT Manning's sentence has made it politically acceptable to release classified information. President Obama's action combined with Secretary Clinton's improper handling of classified information and the Media's praise for leaked classified information likely does influence politically motivated personnel within the National Intelligence Community. Reality Winner is the latest example, her GOFUNDME page has raised 40k in the past 21 days.

The WikiLeaks culture fostered by political motivation and cavalier attitudes from senior political leadership will only lead to further and more damaging releases of classified information. It will not stop until the US Government takes a hard stance on all instances of improper handling of classified information. Unfortunately, that will not likely come until the American People demand it, which in turn will likely take a catastrophic leak of information that directly impacts the lives of average citizen.

Response by Cpl Armando Mireles made Jun 30 at 2017 5:28 PM

Cpl Armando Mireles — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 17:28:40 -0400

He is a deserter and not entitled to anything.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 30 at 2017 10:59 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 22:59:43 -0400

I conclude from this that there are at least 4, 190 fracking MORONS with more money than smarts.

HE should have been HUNG! HE does not deserve a firing squad.

Response by SPC Russell T. Andrews made Jul 1 at 2017 1:51 PM

SPC Russell T. Andrews — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 13:51:25 -0400

It just shows there are 4,190 mentally ill people supporting his perverse life style.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jul 1 at 2017 2:46 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 14:46:12 -0400

Trust is the issue. Having a security clearance and breaking the very fact that keeping secrets even if it is not a national secret means that the liability of that soldier and responsibility of safeguarding 'something' not necessarily a top secret information means that him/her shouldn't have been in that profession in the first place.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2017 7:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 19:04:15 -0400

There idiots!!

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Jul 1 at 2017 9:51 PM

SSG Steven Mangus — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 21:51:16 -0400

Their idiots!!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2017 12:45 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 12:45:20 -0400

It tells us that some people, 0.00129% of the population, shouldn't be allowed to vote. Law is immutable, it is not for the emotional relativist who's beliefs change whimsically.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jul 3 at 2017 12:10 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 12:10:14 -0400

Easy, a fool and his/her money is soon parted.

Response by PFC Roger Goff made Jul 3 at 2017 2:24 PM

PFC Roger Goff — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 14:24:32 -0400

I conclude that a fool and their money shall be soon parted. The funds raised should be seized as restitution to the federal government for one sex change and ongoing hormone therapy. I'd guess that there is someone out there just crazy enough to put that piece of shit out of our collective misery once and for all.

Response by Sgt Michael Clifford made Jul 5 at 2017 8:17 AM

Sgt Michael Clifford — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 08:17:13 -0400

I conclude that there are a lot of very sick people who don't mind throwing money at a traitor.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 3:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 15:12:46 -0400

If it's for real - I'm outrage. where did we go wrong ?

Response by SGT Steve Adams made Jul 6 at 2017 3:14 PM

SGT Steve Adams — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 15:14:26 -0400

Very well said, 1LT Sandy Annala!

I don't know enough about the Manning case to "render a verdict" much less "render a sentence," even in the face of so many who apparently have a knee jerk reaction and think "guilty until proved innocent" instead of the other way around. Are our citizens so naive to think that we are never lied to by "authorities?" Dr. Goebbels said that if you tell the same lie often enough people will begin to believe it. Anyone remember agent orange? Mushroom cloud?

I still remember Condoleeza Rice arguing with some media people about the necessity of invading Iraq during the summer of 2009 (months after Bush and she had left office). The argument turned to comparing the necessity of the iraq War compared to WWII. She argued that invading Iraq was certainly necessary ... Saddam Hussein was a greater threat to the USA than Nazi Germany!

Regarding Iraq, were any of these questions even asked, much less answered?
The Weinberger Doctrine:
1. The United States should not commit forces to combat unless the vital national interests of the United States or its allies are involved.
2. U.S. troops should only be committed wholeheartedly and with the clear intention of winning. Otherwise, troops should not be committed.
3. U.S. combat troops should be committed only with clearly defined political and military objectives and with the capacity to accomplish those objectives.
4. The relationship between the objectives and the size and composition of the forces committed should be continually reassessed & adjusted if necessary.
5. U.S. troops should not be committed to battle without a "reasonable assurance" of the support of U.S. public opinion and Congress.
6. The commitment of U.S. troops should be considered only as a last resort.
The Powell Doctrine
The Doctrine states that a list of questions all have to be answered affirmatively before military action is taken by the United States:
1. Is a vital national security interest threatened?
2. Do we have a clear attainable objective?
3. Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analyzed?
4. Have all other non-violent policy means been fully exhausted?
5. Is there a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement?
6. Have the consequences of our action been fully considered?
7. Is the action supported by the American people?
8. Do we have genuine broad international support?
How about these from Rep. Ron Paul before Congress during the fall of 2002 (before the 2003 Bush invasion):
September 10, 2002
Congressman Ron Paul
U.S. House of Representatives
________________________________________
QUESTIONS THAT WON'T BE ASKED ABOUT IRAQ
Soon we hope to have hearings on the pending war with Iraq. I am concerned there are some questions that won’t be asked- and maybe will not even be allowed to be asked. Here are some questions I would like answered by those who are urging us to start this war.
1. Is it not true that the reason we did not bomb the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War was because we knew they could retaliate?
2. Is it not also true that we are willing to bomb Iraq now because we know it cannot retaliate- which just confirms that there is no real threat?
3. Is it not true that those who argue that even with inspections we cannot be sure that Hussein might be hiding weapons, at the same time imply that we can be more sure that weapons exist in the absence of inspections?
4. Is it not true that the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency was able to complete its yearly verification mission to Iraq just this year with Iraqi cooperation?
5. Is it not true that the intelligence community has been unable to develop a case tying Iraq to global terrorism at all, much less the attacks on the United States last year? Does anyone remember that 15 of the 19 hijackers came from Saudi Arabia and that none came from Iraq?
6. Was former CIA counter-terrorism chief Vincent Cannistraro wrong when he recently said there is no confirmed evidence of Iraq’s links to terrorism?
7. Is it not true that the CIA has concluded there is no evidence that a Prague meeting between 9/11 hijacker Atta and Iraqi intelligence took place?
8. Is it not true that northern Iraq, where the administration claimed al-Qaeda were hiding out, is in the control of our "allies," the Kurds?
9. Is it not true that the vast majority of al-Qaeda leaders who escaped appear to have safely made their way to Pakistan, another of our so-called allies?
10. Has anyone noticed that Afghanistan is rapidly sinking into total chaos, with bombings and assassinations becoming daily occurrences; and that according to a recent UN report the al-Qaeda "is, by all accounts, alive and well and poised to strike again, how, when, and where it chooses"?
11. Why are we taking precious military and intelligence resources away from tracking down those who did attack the United States- and who may again attack the United States- and using them to invade countries that have not attacked the United States?
12. Would an attack on Iraq not just confirm the Arab world's worst suspicions about the US, and isn't this what bin Laden wanted?
13. How can Hussein be compared to Hitler when he has no navy or air force, and now has an army 1/5 the size of twelve years ago, which even then proved totally inept at defending the country?
14. Is it not true that the constitutional power to declare war is exclusively that of the Congress? Should presidents, contrary to the Constitution, allow Congress to concur only when pressured by public opinion? Are presidents permitted to rely on the UN for permission to go to war?
15. Are you aware of a Pentagon report studying charges that thousands of Kurds in one village were gassed by the Iraqis, which found no conclusive evidence that Iraq was responsible, that Iran occupied the very city involved, and that evidence indicated the type of gas used was more likely controlled by Iran not Iraq?
16. Is it not true that anywhere between 100,000 and 300,000 US soldiers have suffered from Persian Gulf War syndrome from the first Gulf War, and that thousands may have died?
17. Are we prepared for possibly thousands of American casualties in a war against a country that does not have the capacity to attack the United States?
18. Are we willing to bear the economic burden of a 100 billion dollar war against Iraq, with oil prices expected to skyrocket and further rattle an already shaky American economy? How about an estimated 30 years occupation of Iraq that some have deemed necessary to "build democracy" there?
19. Iraq’s alleged violations of UN resolutions are given as reason to initiate an attack, yet is it not true that hundreds of UN Resolutions have been ignored by various countries without penalty?
20. Did former President Bush not cite the UN Resolution of 1990 as the reason he could not march into Baghdad, while supporters of a new attack assert that it is the very reason we can march into Baghdad?
21. Is it not true that, contrary to current claims, the no-fly zones were set up by Britain and the United States without specific approval from the United Nations?
22. If we claim membership in the international community and conform to its rules only when it pleases us, does this not serve to undermine our position, directing animosity toward us by both friend and foe?
23. How can our declared goal of bringing democracy to Iraq be believable when we prop up dictators throughout the Middle East and support military tyrants like Musharaf in Pakistan, who overthrew a democratically-elected president?
24. Are you familiar with the 1994 Senate Hearings that revealed the U.S. knowingly supplied chemical and biological materials to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war and as late as 1992- including after the alleged Iraqi gas attack on a Kurdish village?
25. Did we not assist Saddam Hussein’s rise to power by supporting and encouraging his invasion of Iran? Is it honest to criticize Saddam now for his invasion of Iran, which at the time we actively supported?
26. Is it not true that preventive war is synonymous with an act of aggression, and has never been considered a moral or legitimate US policy?
27. Why do the oil company executives strongly support this war if oil is not the real reason we plan to take over Iraq?
28. Why is it that those who never wore a uniform and are confident that they won’t have to personally fight this war are more anxious for this war than our generals?
29. What is the moral argument for attacking a nation that has not initiated aggression against us, and could not if it wanted?
30. Where does the Constitution grant us permission to wage war for any reason other than self-defense?
31. Is it not true that a war against Iraq rejects the sentiments of the time-honored Treaty of Westphalia, nearly 400 years ago, that countries should never go into another for the purpose of regime change?
32. Is it not true that the more civilized a society is, the less likely disagreements will be settled by war?
33. Is it not true that since World War II Congress has not declared war and- not coincidentally- we have not since then had a clear-cut victory?
34. Is it not true that Pakistan, especially through its intelligence services, was an active supporter and key organizer of the Taliban?
35. Why don't those who want war bring a formal declaration of war resolution to the floor of Congress?
Remember how Bush took control with the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)? Out of 534 out of 535 members of Congress abrogated their duty and relinquished it to Bush. Only Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California had the guts to vote "NO." Congress further abrogated its duty in October 2002 (even after Ron Paul's September speech!) with Bush's Iraq Resolution (formally the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Rice, and Bremer should have all been impeached. And what did we get for trillions of dollars and thousands of our soldiers lives (to say nothing of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives, and millions of displaced Iraqis, destruction of 7,000 years of history, and huge suffering by millions of Iraqis)? Another failed state in the middle east and ISIS!! Wasn't one failed state enough for the US? Bush and Rumsfeld refused to give the troops in Afghanistan what they needed and asked for to fight the Taliban and get Bin Laden and then pulled troops out to attack Iraq!!! Almost all of the world was supporting us in attacking the Taliban. When we attacked Iraq most of the world's support disappeared, except for Bush's lap dog Tony Blair and England and some other token help.

I could go on and on ... and I usually do ... but I am once again telling myself:
"Never try to teach a pig to sing." 1. It's a waste of your time. 2. It annoys the hell out of the pig.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 7 at 2017 4:53 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 16:53:31 -0400

Two phrases come to mind:
Different Strokes for Different folks and A fool and his/her money are soon parted.

Response by Emerald S made Jul 8 at 2017 11:51 AM

Emerald S — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:51:20 -0400

People donate for a variety of reasons, all the best to the ten thousand that gained the trust , confidence with peers+ in their careers with no leaks. that is fantastic , with great respect for their secrecy .

Response by SP5 Steve Powell made Jul 10 at 2017 10:11 AM

SP5 Steve Powell — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 10:11:53 -0400

Conclude? The FACT that 321.4 million Americans DID NOT contribute a dime to Manning. Duh!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 12:41 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:41:37 -0400

People have the right to do whatever they want even if means supporting a traitor! There are plenty of Americans supporting terrorism so the fact that 4190 Americans are supporting Manning is not a surprise to me.

Response by SrA J King made Jul 11 at 2017 12:04 AM

SrA J King — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 00:04:54 -0400

Manning is a traitor so are the trumps. They all she be treat as such period. But some of the same trolls call Snowden a patriot please. Veterans know the truth high treason what happen to the death penalty for these crimes against the nation.

Response by SSG Diane R. made Jul 12 at 2017 1:43 AM

SSG Diane R. — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 01:43:16 -0400

Manning is a tragic figure. History will treat her in a much kinder manner.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 12 at 2017 12:38 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 12:38:04 -0400

Hi Sandy, I think the issue is that it is not the place of an E3 to make these decisions. While it may very well be true that we resort to far too much classification, and it may also be true that what she released should have been (It is not up to me to say, however), she signed a contract with her security clearance. She knew the risks going in if she revealed classified information.

In the end, it comes down to "you pays your dime, you takes your chances."

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Jul 13 at 2017 5:43 PM

SPC Franklin McKown — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 17:43:05 -0400

Soros has VERY deep pockets and actively is SEEKING to undermine the US.
FOLLOW the money: DNC/Soros/LGBT or some other socialist /Jihad sympathizing group. and the DNC was from that Traitor who was into Jihad appeasement,and got a lot of people KILLED, Jarret is the primary.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Jul 14 at 2017 8:41 AM

SPC Kevin Ford — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 08:41:21 -0400

<strikethrough>That among a certain demographic the Clintons are still hugely popular.</strikethrough>

I'm going to just chalk my reply up to a lack of coffee. The post was clearly about Manning and my sleep addled brain read Chelsea Clinton.

My reply to the actual post. Manning, disturbed kid who gave away classified information for ... well I don't really know why. I don't think too much about Manning in any capacity and I don't know why others pay much attention either.

Response by SrA Larry Ingram made Jul 14 at 2017 11:42 AM

SrA Larry Ingram — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 11:42:30 -0400

There's one thing that these so called "transgenders" fail to realize, they may be able to transform on the outside but on the inside their DNA and chromosomes will betray them Manning is a typical coward, not wanting to own up for anything, and usually people who want to change sex think that they're going to get a free ride or life is going to be easier for them, I can promise you all one thing, when "Chelsea" stands before God he will not address him as "Chelsea" he will address him as Brad

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Jul 17 at 2017 12:00 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 12:00:34 -0400

As a former MI guy, I think that his actions got him less than what he deserved. The fact that he wants to become a she has greatly influenced many minds for sympathy! As an 18 yr old ELINT Analyst, I knew right from wrong and didn't think twice about my actions of safeguarding classified material. The problem today is we have this younger crowd of individuals that haven't been made to suffer from their stupidity and have zero repercussions from their actions. Unfortunately society has as a whole, let those in positions of power at the highest levels, continue to get away with it. SO, now you have individuals on the lower echelons thinking they can get away with it as well. Somewhere along the way we have lost the ability to keep a signed document that states you safeguard national secrets, to he held up in the courts! I have no problems bringing back the firing squad to those that willfully acquire, sell or disseminate national secrets on their own recognizance! End of my rant...

Response by LtCol J W made Jul 17 at 2017 2:38 PM

LtCol J W — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 14:38:30 -0400

Just shows there are still foolish people willing to do foolish things. If Bradley Manning was born with male genitalia, he was a male. Removing his penis and taking hormones does not make him a female. It's about time that we realize that these folks have troublrd minds and need to be in an atmosphere which can help them. Being in the military service is not one of those places.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 7:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 19:38:20 -0400

WOW!

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Jul 17 at 2017 8:32 PM

MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 20:32:20 -0400

PVT Manning should still be in prison. He broke the law and we are a nation of laws no matter what his feelings were..

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Jul 18 at 2017 1:45 PM

SFC Larry Jones — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:45:46 -0400

4,190 up against a population of about 325 million is not that big of a number, so I don't think the traitor has a HUGE support base. I stand with my brothers and sisters on here who state that this individual is a traitor, and deserves the punishment reserved for such. I further submit the one issuing the sentence commutation committed an act of treason in so doing and should likewise be punished.

Response by SFC William H. made Jul 19 at 2017 4:02 PM

SFC William H. — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 16:02:20 -0400

To have a little fun, Sandy, my analysis is that 4,190 people got screwed out of $41.42 each. Smile.

Response by SSG Michael Burdiss made Jul 21 at 2017 10:27 AM

SSG Michael Burdiss — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 10:27:12 -0400

What a monstrous affliction.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jul 25 at 2017 10:25 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 22:25:31 -0400

PVT Manning and family probably thinks she got away with murder, freed after being in prison for seven years. If Manning thought she had a terrible family background growing up, her future definitely doesn’t look any brighter…the worse part for the American people…we’ll keep supporting her. $173,550 is just the beginning. As for the sex-change-thing… *steps off soap box*

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Aug 3 at 2017 11:29 AM

PFC Eric Parrish — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 11:29:01 -0400

Some people have more money than sense is my conclusion.