General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: To the Manning defenders... [View all]The article says that the defense is claiming that that Manning should have been removed from his clearance due to other disciplinary reasons.
Speaking strictly from the standpoint of a Sailor that led other sailors, I would have brought him up on charges if it were clear that he violated a regulation (such as assaulting a peer). As far as the clearance goes, I could only make the recommendation for revocation. It would have to be adjudicated by the proper authority (which would not be me). I know this because over the course of 20 years active, and holding a TS clearance that the adjudicating authority could opt not to revoke a clearance for stranger reasons.
That being said, I've not held Manning in a good light, and since he is not being tried for assault, it has no bearing to me. The pressing questions I have are simply did he commit the charges against him, regardless of his reason. If yes, he should be convicted. If no, then he should be aquitted.