Presidential Pardon: Obama should refuse to release soldier convicted of espionage

In early 2010, a U.S. Army soldier named Bradley Manning downloaded hundreds of thousands of pages of classified material and passed them on to WikiLeaks, a website that specializes in publishing such leaked material.

A few months later Manning was arrested and in 2013 was court-martialed. Manning pleaded guilty to some charges and was convicted of others, which included espionage, computer fraud and theft.

The sentence was 35 years in prison, a reduction in rank and dishonorable discharge. Manning-who now identifies as a transgender female named Chelsea-has been in the prison at Fort Leavenworth ever since.

Now Manning wants out and has submitted an application for a presidential pardon.

And outgoing President Barack Obama is said to be considering the request.

Relying on a Justice Department source, NBC News reported this week that Manning is on the "short list" for a presidential pardon before Obama
leaves office.

More than 100,000 have signed an online petition urging Manning's release. And Edward Snowden, the fugitive NSA contractor who faces charges in his own release of classified information, took to Twitter to voice his support.

We aren't surprised there are those who would like to see Manning set free. Some would like to paint him as some sort of hero for "exposing" government secrets. That's the way these things go. We are surprised the president is even giving it a passing thought.

No matter the rhyme, reason or excuse, Manning betrayed this nation and betrayed the oath he took upon enlistment in the Army. That is unacceptable and must carry consequences to deter others.

If the president grants this pardon, it would send a message. A very wrong message. This pardon would put American lives at risk in the future.

There is only one proper action here: Manning must remain behind bars.

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