Daniel Ellsberg Sees Bradley Manning's Conviction As The BEGINNING OF THE POLICE STATE

[Adrahil]

27. I can agree with you.

I don't think it mitigates the instrusion. I also think the exposure of Unconstitutional activities does not eliminate the responsibility to protect legitimately protected data. The problem with both Manning AND Snowden is that they sucked every bit of data they could, whether or not it exposed Unconstitutional activities. I tend not to support the ends justifying the means in either direction.

I do not support the wholesale violation of privacy in the name of security, and I do not support releaseing legitimately classified data to reveal such violations, especially when they are often unconnected to the claims of inpropriety. I do think the reaction to Manning has been more severe than such a case would normally warrant. I think some of that is frustration that the real object of irritation, Assange, is beyond their reach.

But I wish Manning luck. He did what he thought was right, and I do not think he intended harm to the country. Assange, OTOH, I think DOES wish America ill will and I'm sorry Manning got tied up with him. I wish there had been a way for Manning to address his concerns without this outcome.