As many of you are aware, hearings are taking place for the upcoming court martial of PFC Bradley Manning, the WikiLeaks whistleblower, and will resume May 21. There is a rally for Bradley in Fort Meade, Maryland, where the trial is being held, on June 1, in advance of the court martial happening two days later.
I hope libertarians will have a strong presence.
In the meantime, we are already getting publicity standing up for freedom and transparency in a related controversy that has been brewing since late April, when the San Francisco Pride Committee first announced they were honoring Bradley Manning in this year’s San Francisco Gay PrideParade, and then swiftly retracted the honor. This is a major story here in San Francisco and nationwide in light of the upcoming trial and Pride season. Some other local libertarians and as well as members of Outright Libertarians and others around the country are making the most of it.
We’re organizing a virtual parade for Bradley Manning in the form of a series of torch-lighting ceremonies in cities across the country starting in San Francisco immediately following the parade on June 30, and culminating on July 4 in Washington, D.C. for Independence Day. I’ve just written up a story about our efforts with this controversy for Outright.
As noted in that story, we are seeking help from libertarians across the country to participate in torch-lighting ceremonies where they live between June 30th and July 4th, and film them for YouTube. Please spread the word to your local LGBTq & liberty lists, friends and family. Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Outright Libertarians.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
At-Large Representative, Libertarian National Committee
(415) 625-FREE
P.S. – Anyone wishing to do a little direct activism is encouraged to call the SF Pride offices and tell them you want them to reinstate Bradley Manning as Grand Marshal for this year’s SF Pride Parade. The number is (415) 864-0831. Email: info@sfpride.org. The receptionist who usually answers their phones is nice, so don’t be too hard on her, but by all means do make your feelings clear, and if you’re LGBTq or involved with the community, let them know that. Doesn’t hurt to mention the LP either of course! To go the extra mile, you might try contacting Pride parade organizers where you live, filling them in about Bradley Manning and the controversy if they haven’t already heard, and asking that they honor him in their own local Pride parades in solidarity with supporters in San Francisco. You can find a list of events and dates here.
