Let's see-- what is Jesus Justice?
It might help if you would accurately quote what I say. I said that God reluctantly destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their orgies and total rebellion against God's laws. That's the wrath of God. I'm not defending what Manning did. To knowingly and willingly commit treason is a serious offense. He could have sought other ways to resolve the issues. And I am offended by non-traditional lifestyles, as I believe they are unclean, unhealthy, and result in emotional bondage. The only freedom in life is found in realizing our true identity in Christ ("The Bondage Breaker," Dr. Neil Anderson--Freedom in Christ Ministries).
The comparison to Islamic legalism, which is similar to the Pharisee legalism of the time of Jesus, and the American justice system, which is similar to Canadian since both are from English Common Law, is that Christ referred to those who put religious legalism over God's mercy, as a "brood of vipers," who had definitely "convoluted" Judaism. American justice can be chaotic, unjust, legalistic, and more often than not, under modern standards amounts to "cruel and unusual punishment."
I still agree with former President Obama's conclusion that 35 years was excessive. That solitary confinement is "an affront to our common humanity," and that justice reform is here to stay in America, and also likely Canada too.
But, there are two sides to the argument here. I think Manning's mental state effected his behavior. And soldiers should know, since they are not drafted, that they are not signing up for summer camp in Los Angeles.
From a well-known movie, the military trains people with strict discipline:
1) UNIT;
2) CORPS;
3) GOD;
4) COUNTRY.
(our soldiers would die for Canada too)
It's not very smart to knowingly betray, dishonor, or disobey the most powerful and visible armed services in the world, and expect to get away with it. Enlisted personnel should know that they can be executed for this, as Private Slovak was in WWII. Although he was a contientious objector, many of whom end up on Canada's porch.
I think the Edward Snowden case is different. I believe he was the helicopter pilot who disobeyed orders and used his helicopter to protect innocent civilians. I believe the rules of engagement have changed since the 1960's and that Snowden was engaged in the actual heat of combat, whereas Manning's offenses were mainly deliberately giving classified information to "Wikileaks," if I'm not mistaken.
I believe that the American government makes every effort to avoid collateral casualties, which makes the statement of Senator Sam Cotten even more shocking, since Snowden has received awards for taking heroic actions to obey military codes of ethics and honor which are described in the (UCMJ) Manual for Courts Martial, Rule 9169j) that describe when to disobey unlawful orders:
Rule 916(d) of the Manual for Courts Martial says:It is a defense to any offense that the accused was acting pursuant to orders unless the accused knew the orders to be unlawful or a person of ordinary sense and understanding would have known the orders to be unlawful.
(warontherocks.com; July 24, 2017)
Senator Sam Cotton called Snowden, (who even the military eventually honored I believe) who was clearly obeying rule 916(j) of the (UCMJ) and basic humanity:
"an egotistical serial liar and traitor" who
"deserves to rot in jail for the rest of his life."--Senator Sam Cotton about a helicopter pilot
who disobeyed orders in the Vietnam war to protect innocent civilians.
Nevertheless, soldiers who have broken moral or legal laws in the chaos of war, are covered under the authorization of state authority up to a point to use deadly force against enemies who threaten national or international security and safety, and should never despair of God's mercy, as Kind David, one of the greatest warriors of the Bible, confessed his sins of adultery against a commanders wife, and having him sent to the front lines to die, and was not condemned by God.
