petition website<\/a>, so do the comments from individual signers.<\/p>\nThousands have already written personal notes to explain their support for the petition. I hope the Nobel committee reads the comments carefully when the petition arrives in Oslo later this spring.<\/p>\n
As a U.S. Army private \u2014 seeing massive evidence of official deception, human rights abuses and flagrant killing of civilians \u2014 Bradley Manning did not just follow orders. Instead, he became a whistleblower, supplying vast troves of documents to WikiLeaks, exposing duplicity that had enormous impacts from Iraq and Afghanistan to Egypt and Tunisia.<\/p>\n
Manning, now 25 years old, could be in prison for the rest of his life. But while the U.S. government tries to crush him, it\u2019s clear that many Americans love him \u2014 and would be thrilled to see him win the Nobel Peace Prize. The following samples of comments from petition signers begin to explain why:<\/p>\n
\u201cBradley Manning knowingly risked his freedom in order to bring the true facts of war to the public. The courage and insight of such a young person is worthy of the highest recognition.\u201d \u00a0Sheila C., Kings Park, NY<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cManning is a U.S. political prisoner being persecuted for blowing the whistle on war crimes by the powerful, including his own corrupt government. He should be given the Nobel Peace Prize.\u201d \u00a0Ruth K., Greenbelt, MD<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIf you are looking to regain your reputation after giving the award to a warmongering president, I can think of no more important or honorable figure than this political prisoner.\u201d \u00a0Catherine C., Santa Monica, CA<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThis poor, incredibly brave person has been scapegoated nearly to death for his extraordinary heroism in revealing just a bit of the truth behind the ideological gloss of war and politics. Please give him the support and recognition he deserves \u2014 you may save his life and you will certainly support a higher consciousness in many if you do so.\u201d \u00a0Cathy C., Boulder, CO<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cWall Street bankers who looted our nations go scot free. Petro chemical companies who poison millions go free. A young man who releases truth in a democracy is terrorized endlessly by his government. We must stand up for truth tellers.\u201d \u00a0W.D., Overland Park, KS<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cManning has done more for peace in our time than any other individual. He risked his freedom to inform the world of war crimes and other wrongdoing by his country.\u201d \u00a0William P., Prescott Valley, AZ<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe has done more than anyone to challenge the hubris of a government\u2019s foreign policy that is based on belligerence and aggression.\u201d \u00a0Myles H., Baltimore, MD<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cPlease give the peace prize to those who truly merit it, like Manning, not to politicians who further militarism and war.\u201d \u00a0Albert R., Naperville, IL<\/em><\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe Norwegian Nobel Committee will need courage even to consider awarding Bradley Manning the Peace Prize.\u201d \u00a0Robert B., Honolulu, HI<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s about TRUTH!\u201d \u00a0Mary P., Center Moriches, NY<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning is a hero in the deepest and truest meaning of that word.\u201d \u00a0Jennifer A., Dickson, TN<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThis young man risked everything to reveal war crimes being committed by his government.\u201d \u00a0Joanne H., Columbia, MD<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI feel Manning was acting in the spirit of the Nuremberg trials in taking individual responsibility for illegal activities that he was witnessing.\u201d \u00a0Nick W., Point Reyes, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019ve personally been inspired by Bradley Manning\u2019s courage and moral dignity. His actions and character give me hope that the world can be a safer and more just place for everyone.\u201d \u00a0Brock D., Pittsburgh, PA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThe modern version of Daniel Ellsberg deserves the honor his efforts warrant!\u201d \u00a0Doug W., Reno, NV<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cInformation is the lifeblood of democracy. Bradley Manning is a patriot and a hero.\u201d \u00a0William C., Sherman Oaks, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cPeople who expose atrocities for the sake of humanity deserve to be publicly honored.\u201d \u00a0Veda S., Camano Island, WA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cGiving Bradley the peace prize would send a strong message against the kind of secrecy that is associated with violence that Gandhi spoke so strongly about.\u201d \u00a0Leo S., Chesterfield, NH<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe is definitely deserving! He did an extremely courageous thing. It\u2019s wrong that he is detained and tortured. Awarding him this prize is the least we can do.\u201d \u00a0Patricia M., Denver, CO<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cAs clear a choice as Jesus Christ.\u00a0 (And I\u2019m not religious.)\u201d \u00a0Kenneth K., Highland Park, IL<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThis man is a hero for exposing the evil practices of our Government. We\u2019re guaranteed a transparent Government, but what we get is shadowy deals, evil bargains, and more. We need to get back to basic principles of doing what\u2019s right.\u201d \u00a0Raymond P., Cathedral City, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cWhat an appropriate and great idea the Nobel Peace Prize for Bradley Manning!\u201d \u00a0Lesley S., Santa Monica, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning\u2019s \u2018crime\u2019 was to bring the truth out into the open, to shine a light on evil policies our government wants to hide. He is a hero, and should be rewarded for his integrity.\u201d \u00a0Patricia F., Ashburnham, MA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThe people of the United States and the world should be grateful to Bradley Manning for exposing the folly of U.S. wars of aggression in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has made a great sacrifice for peace.\u201d \u00a0Laurence R., Highland Park, NJ<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI believe him to be one of the heroes of this country. Unfortunately The Media is owned by vested interests in this country, so the rank and file Americans only believe what they are told to believe, so because he and Julian Assange embarrassed the powers that be his heroics will never be widely known or appreciated.\u201d \u00a0Thomas C., Albuquerque, NM<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBringing covert actions and diplomatic operations out into the open helps make all governments and corporations better actors on the world stage.\u201d \u00a0Greg C., Austin, TX<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cYou might also request President Obama to return his.\u201d \u00a0Reginald S., San Francisco, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cOne person deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize is Bradley Manning for bravery despite the risk to his personal safety. The criminals go unpunished, while the messenger is condemned.\u201d \u00a0Helga G., St. Louis, MO<\/em><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/em>\u201cThis young man has put his entire future on the line to bring us information that he felt every American should be aware of. We have treated him terribly. If we cannot get the information that is concerning the behavior of our country, we are dooming our democracy to failure. Protect this young man for his courage and award him the Nobel.\u201d \u00a0Laurie B., North Hollywood, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cYou gave the prize to Barack Obama hoping for peace which was not delivered. Manning has ALREADY delivered. And is very much in need of international support.\u201d \u00a0Peter B., Brooklyn, NY<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cAnd free him too.\u201d \u00a0Keith P., Boulder, CO<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cJust as Daniel Ellsberg\u2019s release of the Pentagon Papers exposed much of the ugly truth about the conflict in Vietnam, Manning has spoken truth to power and the masses. We can argue about justifications for military intervention more appropriately when some of the less savory realities are known.\u201d \u00a0Edward & Pamela B., Baton Rouge, LA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cAs a Sgt USMC Vietnam 1966\/67, I urge you to not only award Bradley Manning the Nobel Peace Prize, but to rescind President Obama\u2019s award.\u201d \u00a0Robert B., Orange, TX<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cWe should have a law against criminalizing whistleblowers. The government will continue to make stupid mistakes and the citizens have a right to know the truth.\u201d \u00a0Sylvia D., Tulsa, OK<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThanks Bradley. The truth will make us free.\u201d \u00a0Blase B., Los Angeles, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley\u2019s in prison while those responsible for these heinous acts of cowardice are free. It\u2019s so easy to condone war when isolated from reality.\u201d \u00a0Daria R., San Jose, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe acted out of social consciousness. His actions were not treasonous and he was not aiding the enemy. It has been criminal how he has been treated since his arrest.\u201d \u00a0Gregg D., Chattanooga, TN<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIf anyone ever really earned the peace price, it is Bradley Manning.\u00a0 Please give the world a favor by electing him for this award.\u201d \u00a0Liza F., Chapel Hill, NC<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning is the bravest, strongest and most righteous man in our military today. His treatment by our \u2018government\u2019 has been nothing less than criminal. This needs to be brought to the attention of everyone on Earth.\u201d \u00a0Susan W., Pilot Hill, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cSomeone in my family died on 9\/11. How do we address the underlying causes that might drive someone to commit an act of terrorism in the first place? Might the information allegedly leaked by Manning galvanize people to hold their political leaders more accountable? And so we might be able to enact meaningful changes in the realm of foreign policy? Our current policies will only end in more blowback. Thank you, Bradley Manning.\u201d \u00a0Rick C., New Milford, NJ<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIndeed, this young man DOES walk in the shoes of Dr. King.\u201d \u00a0A.J. A., Potsdam, NY<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning knew what he was risking in taking his stand against the U.S. government and it was an act of inspiring selflessness. Please recognize his willingness to stand up against what has become a monstrous self preserving beast of a government.\u201d \u00a0Robert B., Charlotte, NC<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning is a hero willing to put his life on the line to speak out about war crimes that are not acceptable in a civilized world.\u201d \u00a0Linda L., Trinidad, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThis man has sacrificed a great deal for all of us who believe in honest government and genuine democracy.\u201d \u00a0Kaye F., Longmont, CO<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cLet\u2019s walk the walk!\u201d \u00a0Richard R., Albuquerque, NM<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cMy beloved country, the USA, is spending too much money and lives on militarism. We have invaded other countries on the basis of lies. I believe this young man will be seen as a hero some day. That he is in prison says much about the USA and its military.\u201d \u00a0Marcie B., Flagstaff, AZ<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIt is the hawks who are threatened by Manning and want to nip this kind of behavior in the bud.\u201d \u00a0Shelley D., Issaquah, WA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cWow, what it would do for the world to honor someone who actually acted for peace with courage and self-less-ness. Having that reference would give enormous hope for people around the world and for humankind!\u201d \u00a0Connie S., Santa Barbara, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThis is a wonderful idea! Bradley Manning certainly deserves it, and if he receives it, it would have to shame the U.S. government into releasing him.\u201d \u00a0Rose B., Austin, TX<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cRarely have I felt so strongly about a Nobel nominee\u2019s qualification for the honor. PFC Manning has given a significant part of his life, night and day, to bring truth to light and reduce human suffering. History will judge him a hero. History starts here, now.\u201d \u00a0John K., Laurel, MD<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning is a hero of the people. He should be freed and given the Nobel Peace Prize AND a ticker-tape parade in NYC.\u201d \u00a0Leonard M., San Marcos, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cGive peace and Bradley Manning a chance.\u201d \u00a0Martha L., Dixon, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI am Proud of Bradley Manning and how he took action to expose the treachery of my government to stop it. Bradley Manning deserves the Nobel Peace Prize along with Julian Assange!\u201d \u00a0L. L., San Diego, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBravery and altruism are what stands between us and the power and greed of unscrupulous might which has no conscience.\u201d \u00a0Caroline T., Ann Arbor, MI<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBring the trial into the light of day. Don\u2019t let Manning be \u2018disappeared.\u2019 This is America.\u201d \u00a0Jeffrey G., San Carlos, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley is a political prisoner in our country that preaches freedom and democracy on the outside but does so many illegal things behind our backs without transparency!\u201d \u00a0Steve & Sharon B., Oxnard, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning has done more than anyone in the world to let all people know the deplorable state of U.S. militarism.\u201d \u00a0Gail O., Portland, OR<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIn 2001, the world began a steep descent into terrible, ethical unknown. We are now in free fall, thanks to the unbridled and abetted preemptive strikes on two countries Afghanistan and Iraq. The most pressing issues on the planet \u2014 inequality and climate collapse \u2014 have effectively been negated and conflict is escalating daily based on new and old rivalries throughout the world. Soon, much of the world\u2019s species will inevitably be condemned [to] death-struggles over food, water, air and brute force. Bradley Manning will go down \u2014 if we live to write the history of the world in 2200 \u2014 as one of great souls of our age. He deserves recognition now by all those concerned with the crises we now face and must solve together as a planet and a human society.\u201d \u00a0Ari M., Lennox, MA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cPeace is unattainable without sacrificial lambs, apparently.\u201d \u00a0William T., Ellicott City, MD<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cNo peace possible without freedom of information!\u201d \u00a0John K., Elizabeth, CO<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cLet this kid go. As a Vietnam vet I say put Cheney, Rumsfeld and Bush in jail. They actually got people killed \u2014 for nothing. And I mean nothing.\u201d \u00a0Ken L., Pinehurst, NC<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI thought we would learn from Vietnam, but we did not.\u00a0 Exporting war for profit has to end, and Manning\u2019s courage must not be forgotten.\u201d \u00a0Roger S., York, PA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThe public has a right to information. That is the basis of democracy. Bradley Manning has the courage to give us the truth. I cannot think of a more deserving individual.\u201d \u00a0Trish S., Sparks, NV<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThe selection of Bradley Manning would put \u2018Peace\u2019 back into the Nobel Peace Prize.\u201d \u00a0Gail H., Mesa, AZ<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cAlthough I\u2019m an Obama supporter, I\u2019m ashamed that he is still allowing the military to persecute Bradley Manning.\u201d \u00a0Cathy L., Grayling, MI<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe deserves it. Obama did not, though I supported it at the time.\u201d \u00a0Burton C., New Castle, NH<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe is a hero to the whole world!\u201d \u00a0Phoebe S., Berkeley, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cManning is a sterling example of the power of one individual sacrificing himself for the good of humanity.\u201d \u00a0Encke K., New York, NY<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThe media silence is deafening.\u201d \u00a0Daniel S., Manchester, NH<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe did break the law but he\u2019s serving time for that. Sometimes to serve the greater good laws need to be broken.\u201d \u00a0Rachel D., Seattle, WA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cHe has done so much to expose the criminal behavior of some leaders of the American empire.\u201d \u00a0Frederick C., Montclair, NJ<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cWhistleblowers are the true heroes! And he really needs this.\u201d \u00a0Carol Anne F., Berkeley, CA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cGive the Nobel Peace Prize to a true hero of the human race, a man who transcends borders and has placed his own self a distant second to the needs of others. Brad Manning is a great human being. Give him the Nobel, please!\u201d \u00a0Eric W., Austin, TX<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cAccording to U.S. military brass, it is ok to commit war crimes but it is not ok to expose them. Giving Bradley Manning the Nobel Peace Prize will give hope to millions of peace loving people around the world. Please consider it.\u201d \u00a0Ali M., Princeton, NJ<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI suppose this enters me into a database somewhere, but this man deserves our thanks for revealing the lurid backstory of diplomacy and the hypocrisy of our \u2018leaders\u2019 (and I use that term loosely). This country needs the truth.\u201d \u00a0Arthur G., Chamblee, GA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThose who blow the whistle on the evil actions of government need to be applauded and rewarded, not imprisoned.\u201d \u00a0Kenneth E., Ormond Beach, FL<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cThis is a moral imperative. Bradley Manning has already spent too much time incarcerated for supporting our right to know how our leaders betrayed us with war for profit. Do the right thing!\u201d \u00a0Josephine P., Brooklyn, NY<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning has endured terrible conditions in a U.S. military prison because he thinks that citizens of a democracy should know what their government and military are doing in their names; that transparency rather than secrecy nurtures democracy and peace.\u201d \u00a0Edith M., Milwaukee, WI<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cBradley Manning has been jailed and tortured. He has been denied his constitutional rights. He has sacrificed himself to prove war crimes and to help bring peace to Iraq. He is the Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King of this century. He should be awarded The Noble Peace Prize.\u201d \u00a0Deb B., Pittsburgh, PA<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cWith all due respect, try giving the Peace Prize to a REAL champion of peace, for a change.\u201d \u00a0Lionel S., Pahoa, HI<\/em><\/p>\nTo read more comments from supporters of a Nobel Peace Prize for Bradley Manning, or to join them in signing the RootsAction.org petition urging the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award him the prize, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"During the last week of March, more than 30,000 people signed a petition urging the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Bradley Manning. While the numbers continue to mount on the\u00a0petition website, so do the comments from individual signers. 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