Chelsea Manning: A Statement

I happen to agree with [my attorney David E Coombs'] statement that I was “motivated in my actions not only by transparency beliefs, but also by [my] deep concern for the value of human life.”

These are not mutually exclusive values; rather I see my concern for human life as providing a solid foundation to my dedication to transparency.

I also agree with the [Private Manning Support Network] “that [my] actions in 2010 intersect crucially not only with issues of information transparency but also with a critical discussion about US wars and foreign policy”.

However I would personally extend this further and broaden this intersection of transparency and the value of human life with those of a need for equality and respect for all people regardless of: skin complexion, eye color, or hair color; who your parents are; the geographic location you or your parents were born; what you believe or don’t believe; what gender you were assigned or identify as; who you are physically and emotionally attracted to; what job you have or how much money your family makes; whether you’re incarcerated or formerly incarcerated, or your physical and intellectual ability...

Statement sent via Private Manning Support Network.

Read the letter in full here.

For background to this and the confusions over Chelsea's recent letter to the Guardian regarding the Sean MacBride Peace Prize see WISE Up Action Network.
In this memorandum Manning confirms she is requesting a presidential pardon and commutation of her sentence, treatment for gender dysphoria, and a legal change of name - these last two may have to go to court.

PS Wikipedia's argument over Chelsea/Bradley Manning continues...

• The Pvt Manning Family Fund is raising money to help her relatives in Wales afford to visit her in prison in the US.

Update: The Advocate on how the US media dealt with Chelsea coming out as trans, ie not very well.