Manning’s WikiLeaks release was not whistleblowing
Re: “More media attention needed in Manning trial,” From Readers, Aug. 19
Patrick McCann paints a distorted picture of the case of Pfc. Bradley Manning and WikiLeaks. Saying that “a reckless, opaque conviction [for Manning] could have dire consequences for future whistleblowers, journalists and activists” is a far cry from what actually occurred.
Pfc. Manning is no “whistleblower.”He was arrested for releasing thousands of highly classified, national security-sensitive documents to the public that compromised U.S. policy and operations while possibly placing lives at risk. Manning’s military job placed him in a position of trust. He violated that trust.It was not for him to decide to release this information to the public.
As for Manning’s 760 days of pretrial confinement, consider that British Maj. John Andre was taken into custody on Sept. 23, 1780, for transporting documents written by Benedict Arnold that would allow British forces to take the American fort at West Point, N.Y. He appealed to George Washington to be shot by firing squad rather than hung.
Major Andre was tried and then hung on Oct. 2, 1780, a short 10 days after being captured.
Col. Chris J. Krisinger (U.S. Air Force-Retired)
Burke
How much will renaming roads cost us?
I understand that we have some kind of rule in Virginia that primary roads are numbered 1-600 and secondary roads are 601 and greater.Why couldn’t the Fairfax County Parkway (formerly Route 7100) become a primary road without changing the number?How much taxpayer and business money was wasted by having to put in new signs, change state and local maps, GPS e-maps, Internet directions for private businesses, etc?
We got stimulus money for road improvements, not to waste making unnecessary changes.Will any of those funds go to the private businesses that have to change their directions for customers?
Will we have the same waste when we rename the Franconia-Springfield Parkway (Route 7900) to 289 and the Prince William Parkway (Route 3000) to 294?
It seems the 1-600 rule is a bad rule if it costs this kind of money to change a designation.What is wrong with making the statement “Route 7100 is a primary road” and be done with it?
Danny Howell
Oak Hill
Obamacare shows that Obama really cares
The world doesn’t care what I think, but nevertheless, I want the world to know: I love Barack Obama and I love Obamacare, and I will vote for the president in November.
I identify with the overwhelming majority of Americans, which is middle class and poor. I believe the best gauge for how well America is doing economically is determined by how well the poor are faring.
Obamacare shows that Obama really cares about them.
Paul Whiteley Sr.
Louisville, Ken.
