Bradley Manning faced multiple charges this week, including an “aiding the enemy” charge that could have had him in prison for life.
And yet, he was still convicted of nearly 20 crimes against the state for his leak of information to WikiLeaks, and he could be facing decades in prison for his crimes.
But what this means for Manning, Snowden and the whistleblowers that have yet to reach the bittersweet limelight of pseudo celebrity is that the government is not messing around. After today, a stark and brooding message has been sent to the info leakers of the world: If you plan on digging around in our business, also plan for an extended stay in prison.
The charge of “aiding the enemy” that was brought on Manning also sent its own message — one of desperation and fear. By the looks of it, this charge was pressed hastily and without factual basis — a charge brought on by a scared government.
The U.S. State Department has finally realized that WikiLeaks and groups similar to WikiLeaks are here to stay. And with this realization, the Obama administration has begun a “crackdown” on whistleblowers as well as journalists across the globe.
Subpoenaing phone records of Associated Press journalists as well as pressuring some to give up sources all in the name of catching an information leaker seems like the type of fearful and desperate act of a government that is irrationally paranoid.
What’s more, Manning’s case could be construed as a victory for WikiLeaks as well as fugitive Edward Snowden. While it is barely a loud statement on how the government views these whistleblowers, Manning’s acquittal of a portion of the charges could be seen as a distant win. Maybe someday, if and when Snowden is brought back to the U.S. to face the music (he will be brought to a civilian court, as opposed to Private Manning’s military court martial), the public will be less swift and more merciful in their judgment of him.
Regardless of the outcome of Manning’s sentencing, we as a country need to address some key questions in the coming days. One looming question, for example, is how much time Manning will serve, and if he will ever see the light of day again.
Another question, one that is on the minds of many Americans right now, may not be answered for a long time. What does this mean for Edward Snowden and Julian Assange’s future? Maybe, just maybe, Snowden is out there somewhere, and his quivers of fear and despair have slightly subsided.
Send your government information leaks to Dominic at dvalente@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @photojvalente
