When classified documents become public knowledge thanks to a major leak of information, is the ringleader a crook or a hero? Is it wrong to publicize confidential military operations and field reports to bring light to a government’s affairs, or is it noble? Meritorious, even? Who is the enemy?
Bradley Manning, Edward Snowden, and Julian Assange ride a fine line between public praise and public shaming. These individuals have been responsible for sizable leaks of classified information, supplying the group WikiLeaks with documents and fueling a massive fire of discord in the media. Manning, responsible for leaking the largest amount of sensitive information in United States history, has been on trial recently for his crimes. On August 21st, he was sentenced to 35 years (out of a possible 90) in prison. He will serve at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, a prison specifically built for members of the military, and will be up for parole in seven years.
Public opinion is split. “I think whoever has been doing and supporting the leaks needs to pay the price,” says Katie Mellema, a senior at Bob Jones. “After working in government facilities, I learned that even unclassified information could endanger our country. These guys leaking classified information deserve to at least go to prison.”
“I understand that citizens should be able to know what’s going on in continental affairs, but I wouldn’t agree to hacking secure files and posting them to an insecure site,” says Hayden Miller, another senior at Bob Jones, who, like so many Americans, is torn between the two sides. “I personally think that yes, we should know what Manning has found, but I don’t think it should be left open like it was on WikiLeaks.”
Manning will be demoted to private. He is requesting to undergo hormone therapy, and he wishes to be officially identified as “Chelsea” as he heads to prison.
