In the likely event that you need some news to give you a bit of faith in humanity today, you should know that supporters of whistleblower Chelsea Manning have raised over a quarter million dollars to pay the cruel, draconian fine that was heaped upon her for her principled stand against testifying at corrupt secret grand jury proceedings.
In just two days after Manning was released from prison, more than six thousand donors banded together to pay off the $258,000 fine assigned at a thousand dollars a day by a federal judge on top of imprisonment to coerce her to testify. Fundraising was so enthusiastic that it had overshot the goal and reached $267,002 before the GoFundMe was closed.
Those of us who support Manning have been looking at this more as a fine on us than on her, because of course we were never going to let a heroic whistleblower spend the rest of her life under crushing debt. The fact that the money came together so quickly and easily, though, says a lot about the beauty of humans in my opinion.
https://twitter.com/anarchakelly/status/1238976486373294080?s=20
Now there’s a much humbler task of raising funds for Manning’s living expenses, which is a GoFundMe for a trust of $30,000. This fundraiser is just hours old and as of this writing it’s at $6,870, so we should have her set up with that in no time.
I am so in awe of all the wonderful people who’ve helped protect this legendary figure, both with their donations and with their efforts to draw attention to the fundraisers, from the stress and financial burden that this vicious regime tried to heap upon her. In times like this it’s very comforting to see the higher nature of human beings prevailing over sociopathy and authoritarianism.
So there’s your money, you disgusting imperialist pigs. You brutalized a heroic whistleblower, you tortured her, you tried to snuff her out, and now you get to steal a quarter million dollars from her as well. Whatever. We don’t care. It’s done now. She’s free, and she’s under our protection now. Our higher nature prevailed, and now she doesn’t have to worry about any of that anymore.
Now you leave her alone. Forever.
______________________________
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50 responses to “Chelsea Manning Supporters Raise A Quarter Million Dollars In Two Days”
Interesting today on Common Dreams, “I Reject Using My Unjust Conviction Against Julian Assange” by Jeffrey Sterling. Apparently in UK court they tried to trivialize the potential sentence of Julian Assange by comparing to the sentence Jeffrey Sterling received.
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/17/i-reject-using-my-unjust-conviction-against-julian-assange
For those who may be interested, at https://theintercept.com/staff/natasha-lennard/, you can peruse the writings of Natasha Lennard that not only deal explicitly with the entire Grand Jury episode of Chelsea Manning’s serial abuse by the U.S. government, but many other areas of interest to serious activists seeking reliable information.
While the incredible success of the GoFundMe quest is much needed good news, and worthy of great celebration, the idea that $250,000+ should be used to pay such an ill-conceived, unethical, and probably unconstitutional fine seems born of thoughtless idiocy.
What about using the funds for costs affording (1)the possibility of filing an appeal to a higher court for injunctive relief from the order to pay such an unfair punishment for an offense that never occured, and (2)the filing of Habeas Corpus violations.
As Usual,
EA
The fundraiser for Manning is an uplifting exception, but most causes (like alternative media) that are a real challenge to the powers that be, function on lots of unpaid work and minuscule two-digit donations.
250 grand in crowdfunding is the sort of money Bellingcat or Snopes or some other new project (no matter how dodgy or obscure) that the establishment likes, can magically raise in a day.
Now let’s raise a quarter million for Julian Assange’s mother’s GoFundMe,
gofundme.com/f/save-my-son-julian?
It’s the least we can do for him, his suffering family and our civilization
“The organizer has currently disabled new donations to this fundraiser.”
Does anyone have better info on this?
About 6,900 people contributed to this completed $267,002 court fines fundraiser for Chelsea.
.
Donations — Fundraiser by Kelly Wright : Help Chelsea Manning Pay Her Court Fines
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-chelsea-pay-her-court-fines/donations
Is . another C.I.A. ” regime change operation ” under way in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi-occupied Arabia is a mess. King Salman is in a coma. Every grain of sand in the Nefud desert knows Jared of Arabia Kushner’s whatsapp pal MBS has been de facto ruler for the past five years, but the timing of his new purge in Riyadh speaks volumes. Princes Mohammed bin Nayef, the king’s nephew, and Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, his younger brother, are now really in detention.
The CIA is fuming: Nayef was and remains Langley’s top asset. When Saudi regime spin denounced “Americans” as partners in a possible coup against MBS, that word needed to be read as “CIA.” It’s just a matter of time before the US Deep State, in conjunction with disgruntled National Guard elements, comes for MBS’s head – even as he articulates taking over total power before the G-20 in Riyadh next November.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/54012.htm
After reading an article by Mr Luis Vega, I suspect that the same people persecuting Manning and Assange could be behind the current virus affair:
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/march2020/luisv315-2.htm
The same people are also probably behind 9/11.
No doubt we are in the return of the days of Noah just before the Second Coming of Jesus and I pray the Rosary to hasten His glorious return because I do have seen enough bs.
We all know that Noah was behind 911.
Maybe it is the reason why you have been casting your vote since.
I pray the Rosary to hasten the return of Jesus because I do have seen enough of all the bs.
Pure joy and amazement every time I’d get an update from Kelly, the angel who got the GoFundMe started, announcing the most recent numbers; +$60k, +90k, +120k, +167k…when the $200k barrier was topped in an unbelievably short period of time, pure mirth was a better description of how I felt. I knew then that the fight is far from over, and one big step had been taken in the right direction. Suck on it, politicians, corporatists and all the rest of you fascists who think THIS TIME your scheme is gonna work.
It has taken a good deal longer than it should have, but Americans have now seen the con man behind the curtain. The president, enraged for having been unmasked, will become more desperate, more embittered, more unhinged. He knows nothing will be the same. His administration may stagger on, but it will be only a hollow shell. The Trump presidency is over. This insightful article can be read here:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/54008.htm
I thought it was over due to “Russia, Russia, Russia”? Or the “Ukraine phone call”? Or Stormy Daniels? Ok– this time they really got him huh?
He ” got ” himself by showing that he does not have a clue. Please read the article.
If I understand right, they found out he didn’t have a clue some time back in early 2016.
The American people did in early 2017. If you see the graph of Trump’s poll numbers, if falls from near 50% to below 40% after the inauguration and exactly when Trump was picking his government of billionaires and generals.
Thank you Caitlin for informing us and letting us know about these useful donations. I share most of your views but often feel disarmed.This helps to participate concretely in the fight against the lying warmongers . Bravo for your courage and your brilliant work, you are simply great person !
Ms Johnstone the OPCW scandal is far from being over as cited in this article: OPCW Scandal Reaches New Height of Farce With Latest Whistleblower Allegations Over Smeared Douma Officers by Martin Jay!
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2020/03/15/opcw-scandal-reaches-new-height-of-farce-with-latest-whistleblower-allegations-over-smeared-douma-officers/
The MSM of the United States is ignoring the finacial peril this country finds itself in drowning in debt and swallowing the ” shale oil ” snake oil potion.
Putin Unleashes Strategic Hell on the United States by Tom Luongo!
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2020/03/15/putin-unleashes-strategic-hell-on-us/
Well said Caitlin,
Enough is enough. And now it is time to think about Mr Assange.
In these days which are the return of the days of Noah just before the Second Coming of Jesus, it is not a surprise to watch all kinds of disgusting behavior and I pray the Rosary to hasten the return of Jesus because I do have seen enough of all the bullshit.
Eat that, Criminal Corporatist Class Cabal!!!
Chelsea Manning… A true “Heroine of The People”!!
After sending her a letter while she was in jail and feeling helpless that I could not do more, I was thrilled to contribute to her fund! We love you, Chelsea. If only more people had your moral fiber, your strength, your compassion, and your love for humanity, why, the world would be a much better place. And today, it is because you are FREE! XO, ML
I come to this site primarily because it doesn’t toe the official line, and offers anyone the opportunity to voice their opinion. I am a retired Marine, two decades of service, and am damned glad some who had access to the facts, showed the criminal enterprises, our criminal government fostered, the deliberate evil promulgated, celebrated, by the bastards who would rule America, not govern it.
I am very proud of Chelsea Manning, and wish I’d known of the funding drive in time to participate. I will be helping fund her living costs, and look forward to her being left alone. I’d like to see a similar drive to fund efforts to free Julian Assange, I’m an old guy, not very computer friendly, so if there is one, I’d like to know, to participate. I am ecstatic to hear of the happy ending of the cruel efforts of each individual who has sought to crush fingers of every fighter of the lies, openers of hidden truth, no less than was done regarding “abu Graib”, the open exposure of “no weapons of mass destruction” other than the sarin artillery shells, the U.S. provided Saddam, for our war against Iran.
We won’t see the end of U.S. hegemony, until it runs out of money, and crashes, but those exposing the lies, hypocrisy, pure evil, must be defended with all our efforts.
Semper Fidelis,
John McClain
Vanceboro, NC, USA
You’re a good guy, John McClain.
As provided by another poster earlier you can donate to one significant fund to assist Julian here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-my-son-julian?d=OjO9XTFf6yuPKvm8jm8fjHbVXjuwzPaHEGZRj0oQp8I%3D
It is run by his mother to finance media and legal support for Julian within Australia. Breaking the silence on Assange within Australia is a crucial target. This silence is deafening and oppressive, both to Julian’s well-being and to the sensibilities of those who do try to talk about it. A media strategy here is needed desperately.
This is probably also needed in the UK. The US seems to be a lost cause for any truth in general, and especially so regarding Assange within the constraints of his legal time-line. Encouraging noises are coming from Europe. It seems that speaking English has a deforming effect upon the human brain.
This fund is currently disabled. Does anyone have more information?
Sorry but I don’t. I got a message saying my donation was being refunded. Can’t find out anything more anywhere that I’ve looked.
Thanks for trying and replying.
Nice writing, Caitlin.
Thank you.
PS: and I do love your turns of phrase! 🙂
Roger
Thanks for this, Caity. I donated right after your first article, and I’ll donate again. I’m very luck to be in a situation where I can donate, and I never would have found out about the GoFundMe were it not for your article.
Thank you Caitlin for not only rallying your readers to help pay off Chelsea’s ransom, but for your follow-up essay reporting back the inspiring results. I see few other bloggers activating its readers as you have. Bravo to you Caitlin!
Anyone so disposed could send sentiments similar the following to the venerable Judge involved:
Dear Judge Trenga
As one of the many who have donated to pay Chelsea Manning’s contempt fine I’d like to thank you for your refusal to rescind this penalty upon her. Even a moderate observance of the documented facts deems that the US Administration is a vicious, brutal and self-absorbed entity across the extent of its labyrinthine form. The dogged pursuance of this absurdly punitive fine now additionally provides material evidence of the Administration’s profound stupidity. Thankyou for providing substance to what many already suspected.
To better understand this proof it is simply necessary to evaluate exactly what has been acheived by persisting with this exhorbitant fine. As you must surely concur, the sum of the fine is a less than a mere speck within the budgetry scale of the Administration. As an income it adds nothing to the wealth or viability of the nation. Given that the amount due was raised by public donations in just 24 hours, the fine has no impact upon Ms Manning, just as it didn’t have at any stage of its accumulation, which it why its ongoing application was evidently unlawful being that its acculamulation wasn’t in the least bit coercive upon Ms Manning’s refusal to testify. However what this dogged punitive persistance has achieved is the provision of a tangible, incontrovertible means for thousands of people to express their deep support of Ms Manning’s principled position in conjunction with their utter disgust at the Administration’s vengeful persection of it.
To put this in simpler, more colloquial terms, you, and everyone behind this whole noxious grand jury process, have just been flipped the bird on a spectacularly grand and global scale. You’ve helped shine a mighty light on your Emporer’s lack of clothing. Well done sir! Sincerely, it is appreciated.
I made a small donation. Glad to see others contributed to her/our cause.
LOL. U.S. fascist oppression. Some people are still fighting the first and second world wars. So, maybe if you can figure out who those people might be you might be able to figure out what the U.S. is all about. A field of barley can be more about the weeds within it, than about the barley itself.
Thank you so much for letting us know how to help Chelsea Manning. I made a donation on the spot.
You wrote: ” The fact that the money came together so quickly and easily, though, says a lot about the beauty of humans in my opinion.”
Agreed. Raising the funds in a mere 2-days(!) also sends a loud, clear message to the powers that be that there is very strong, committed support not just for Chelsea Manning, but for all that she represents as well.
In fact, even though our world has become “socially-distanced” (long before the coronavirus made it official policy), I find this fundraiser personally very inspiring. It affirms for me that I am a part of a very powerful community indeed.
Yay!
Now it would be nice if the international community stepped in, pulled a Guaido and by consensus recognized her as the President of the United States. That’s not likely to happen but hey, Nelson Mandela became president of South-Africa.
PS: Caitlin, you hit it out of the ball park with the artwork for this and the previous Chelsea Manning post.
She is a hero to me
I suggest Chelsea seek asylum elsewhere besides the US.
But unfortunately there are few governments who are not willing to bow to the wishes of the US government.
“You can beat the wrap….but you can’t beat the ride” >
being caged will haunt your soul, forever
Ms Johnstone the United States government has absolutely no intention of ever allowing Ms Manning not to be hounded, prosecuted, and persecuted as long as she is still within the United States. It is wonderful that the fine is not hanging over her head but she can not stay in this country. She has to get out of here ASAP! Earlier I read an article about our ” owners and masters.
Any article about the Central Intelligence Agency that does not make you vomit is to be commended. This is such an article:
A 70-Year War on “Propaganda” Built by the CIA by Cynthia Chung!
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2020/03/14/a-70-year-war-on-propaganda-built-by-the-cia/
Thanks for that link, great article.
Agree Chelsea will never be safe in the US – or anywhere else if Julian Assange is extradited because that will show US/CIA can reach across any border. Julian thought Ecuador was safe until Moreno was ‘purchased’.
Snowdon seems safe in Russia. Still, Manning would probably be safe in Canada or Mexico.
Do not kid yourself; the only country on this entire planet that can provide Ms Manning with safety is Russia.
Yes! Needed to hear this! Humanity wins over Tyranny! ✌️❤️
I was able to contribute a small amount, and wish I could have contributed more if it meant that Chelsea wouldn’t have to spend another second in in prison.
Chelsea deserves respect and praise for her courage in maintaining her integrity.
I blame obama for his persecution of Chelsea and other whistleblowers, and for him not pardoning her.
Especially since there was nothing for which then Bradley now Chelsea Manning merited any punishment at all. A Congressional Medal at the very least will one day be awarded to him and to Ed. Snowden – and whatever the equivalent to foreigners hounded and maligned by the US government (regime) such as suffered by Julian Assange – to him!
This is a wonderful effort by people with a heart and a conscience to support one of the most courageous people of our era.
But in sad contrast, there’s Christine Assange’s cofundme for Julian which she started in order to, ‘ … fund a hand-picked, highly professional and experienced media and diplomatic team in Australia. ‘ But the fund has almost stalled at $24,000 out of the hoped-for $100,000.
Given that many in the general MSM-reading public still believe the smears and lies about Julian, I can’t see anything changing for him until public opinion changes and MPs are forced to get off their US-loving arses and demand that Julian be released. For that, a big PR campaign will be needed. Anyone who can afford to help Julian in this way, here’s the URL:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-my-son-julian?d=OjO9XTFf6yuPKvm8jm8fjHbVXjuwzPaHEGZRj0oQp8I%3D
Thanks for this Robyn – a “widow’s mite” donated to Julian/Christine’s fund! As for Chelsea’s living expenses/etc.
And many thanks to The Blessed Caitlin for her impassioned support for all suffering under the heel of US fascist oppression – and make no mistake – that is what it is!
LOL. U.S. fascist oppression. Some people are still fighting the first and second world wars. So, maybe if you can figure out who those people might be you might be able to figure out what the U.S. is all about. A field of barley can be more about the weeds within it, than about the barley itself, but then again, only if you’re into insects.
Thank you for sharing this. I have donated to other funds for Julian but didn’t know about Christine’s.
Everyone should donate, even if it’s just ten bucks. We have to defend those who have given up everything to defend us.