Kucinich on Manning

[Smarmie Doofus]

Is this Quantico or Abu Ghraib?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20110304/cm_huffpost/831606_201103041539;_ylt=A0geunI9SHJNhFkAwgqspph4



After initial allegations of mistreatment, I requested a visit with Private First Class Bradley Manning, the soldier accused of leaking classified information to Wikileaks, to see for myself the conditions of his treatment.
Despite the fact that Manning has not been found guilty of any crime, his lawyer reports that he is in isolation 23 out 24 hours every day, conditions which may violate his 8th Amendment protection from 'cruel and unusual' punishment. This treatment is in stark contrast to a presumption of innocence and raises questions of whether Pfc. Manning can be fit for trial.
My request to visit with Pfc. Manning must not be delayed further. Today we have new reports that Manning was stripped naked and left in his cell for seven hours. While refusing to explain the justification for the treatment, a marine spokesman confirmed the actions but claimed they were "not punitive."


Is this Quantico or Abu Ghraib? Officials have confirmed the "non-punitive" stripping of an American soldier who has not been found guilty of any crime. This "non-punitive" action would be considered a violation of the Army Field Manual if used in an interrogation overseas. The justification for and purpose of this action certainly raises questions of 'cruel and unusual punishment,' and could constitute a potential violation of international law.
--
The Army Field Manual, 2-22.3 (FM 34-52): Human Intelligence Collector Operations, Page 5-21, section 5-75 clearly states that: "If used in conjunction with intelligence interrogations, prohibited actions include, but are not limited to- Forcing the detainee to be naked, perform sexual acts or pose in a sexual manner."

[Scuba]

1. So this is what happens when you expose crimes?

[Horse with no Name]

4. Yep. They learned that those pesky folks in Abu Ghraib

couldn't be trusted. Had to bring them home to do their dirty work in a country where they could hide it from our lying eyes.

[Cid_B]

2. I must have missed it...

The articles I saw stated that he was sitting in his cell for approximately 7 hours. When was the interrogation that you are referencing in your FM reference?

[Smarmie Doofus]

10. Kucinich wrote the article; not I. The FM reference is preceded by:

>>>>This "non-punitive" action would be considered a violation of the Army Field Manual if used in an interrogation overseas. The justification for and purpose of this action certainly raises questions of 'cruel and unusual punishment,' and could constitute a potential violation of international law.>>>

That's " if used in an interrogation overseas."

I guess we can take comfort in the knowledge that there was not a simultaneous "interrogation".

Or we can note the apparent calculation and premeditation on the part of Manning's captors to adhere to the "letter", while violating the spirit.

[annm4peace]

3. i am embarassed my Progressive co-Chair Rep Keith Ellison

hasn't joined Kucinich.

All the progressive Reps need to go over to Quantico and demand his release.

are we owned and controlled by the Pentagon, or do we still have a Democracy ?

[Horse with no Name]

5. "or do we still have a Democracy"

pretty sure you don't want that question answered.:(

[Cid_B]

12. Really?

Sigh.. this hurts my brain...

[bemildred]

6. Torturing perverts trying hard to suborn perjury so they can go after Wikileaks.

:puke:

[Robb]

7. Talk is cheap. You know, Dennis, DC is less than an hour from Quantico.

Quit bloviating and just fucking stop by.

...Anyone care to guess what would happen when a Congressman arrives at the gate? Guess, what, he gets let in.

[ReggieVeggie]

8. so you support the torture of Manning?

and you're a what again :shrug:

[Robb]

9. LOL

Read it again.

[ReggieVeggie]

13. no need

you support the torture of Manning

[Robb]

15. And you support killing whales.

We can play this all day if you'd like.

Personally, I support Kucinich finding a new hobby horse other than wresting support from the uninformed knee-jerkers out there. If he actually thought this was important, and that he'd find any evidence of wrongdoing, he'd have taken a half-day out of his busy schedule and visited Manning. You think they'd say no?

[ReggieVeggie]

17. And what is anybody else doing about?

Nothing? Oh, that's right. Nothing. SO the only person who speaks out against this horror is trashed by you because he said something publicly.

Seems like you support the torture of Manning.

[riderinthestorm]

14. I'm pretty sure that Manning would experience even more blowback if Kucinich made a surprise visit.

I'm no expert at that kind of high stakes political theater but I'm pretty certain that the only one who would suffer would be Manning.

I believe Kucinich wants the major league Pentagon people who are directing the treatment of Manning to meet him there. I believe that's what the posturing is about. I'm guessing Kucinich knows exactly whose behind this kind of despicable treatment and he wants THAT person(s) to meet him at the jailhouse door. Anything less than that means Manning continues to have a very rough time imho.

[Robb]

16. You might be right.

[Overseas]

11. Sad K&R. //nt