Chelsea Manning Is Not a Pacifist

The imprisoned whistle-blower formerly known as Bradley says her actions were taken as a transparency activist, not a peace activist.

Manning wrote in a statement that she was “very concerned about a substantial disconnect” between her experiences and how she is represented. Specifically, Manning refers to the 2013 Sean McBride Peace Award, accepted in her name by Col. Ann Wright (a Truthdig contributor). “I had absolutely no idea I received this award,” she wrote, “let alone accepted it.” Manning says she felt “shocked and frustrated” to be left out of the process.

As The Guardian reports, Wright apologized if she misrepresented Manning’s views and Manning, communicating later through her lawyer, said she didn’t mean to cause the colonel any offense. However in her written statement, Manning says statements from her lawyer are not to be considered official unless they deal with legal matters.

Speaking of the written statement, Manning said she does not consider herself a pacifist, anti-war or a conscientious objector, and that anyone looking at her leaked documents can make up his or her own mind about whether military action is justified.

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer