Dear President Obama,
Bradley Manning has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, a lot less than the prosecution was demanding. He could be free in eight years. Certainly, this is a better outcome than many of us feared.
It's not good enough.
Please, Mr. Obama, devote some time to really thinking about Mr. Manning... not so much on his crimes, nor on his conviction and sentencing, but more on the treatment he received while in custody. That treatment--solitary confinement, forced nudity--including during roll-call with his peers--and all the rest--has been well-documented. I'm certain you know the details. Please ask yourself if the true interests of America are served by his continued confinement. Mr. Manning's detractors are many, but not even the most vicious among them can plausibly claim that he poses an ongoing "threat" to America. Locking him up even for eight more years can only be a manifestation of vengeance and blood lust.
I hope you can rise above that. American justice owes a debt to Bradley Manning for the torture and degradation he experienced, regardless of his "crimes". Executive clemency is the only way that debt can be discharged. You alone have the opportunity to pardon Manning, or commute his sentence to time served. I hope you see that opportunity to do the right thing as the rare privilege it is.
Mr. Obama, you can earn my gratitude and respect by pardoning Mr. Manning.
You SHOULD do that.
If you are the thoughtful compassionate leader so many believe you to be, you WILL do that.
Thank you.