March 4, 2012
Commander, HHC USAG
Attn: PFC Manning
239 Sheridan Ave, Bldg 417
JBM-HH, VA 22211
Dear Brad Manning,
I write to you as an associate member of Veterans For Peace, Chapter 27 of Minneapolis, MN to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for the days and years ahead as you face trial and the threats of lengthy imprisonment. As someone who has done time in jail and prison for nonviolent acts of civil disobedience, I know how important it is to know that others are with you in Spirit as your remain incarcerated. I want you to know that I’ve also carried word of your [alleged] whistleblower actions to young peacemakers I met in Afghanistan last March when I traveled there as part of an international peace delegation to plant trees for peace on the First Day of Spring which coincides with the Persian New Year. Those young people, known as the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers are also working in their own nonviolent way to end the scourge of war they have known all their lives.
As a friend of Dan Ellsberg, Coleen Rowley, and Ray McGovern and in gratitude for other people of conscience who dared blow the whistle to correct injustice and self-destructive national policy, I hope to convey to you that the disclosure of documents which appeared on WikiLeaks and thru it to international newspapers helped disclose in a more full manner the lies and corruption these wars have been based upon and the continued duplicity of our political and military leaders who have jeopardized the true security of our nation by inflaming others and causing many more “terrorists” to have been created. As is often said, “The first casualty of war is Truth” and Americans have had it in very short supply for more than a decade now.
It is my hope and prayer that you will remain strong of heart and purpose throughout the trials ahead, knowing that there are many citizens of your nation who stand alongside you and wish you health and hope.
In solidarity and peace,
Steve Clemens
2912 East 24th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406-1322
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