Courageous municipal activism to support whistleblowing from California

The city of Berkeley [] is considering a resolution to declare alleged WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning a hero.

According to a resolution being considered for vote, the imprisoned Army private suspected of providing WikiLeaks with its most significant U.S. releases should be released from prison and praised for his “courage in bringing truth to the American people and the people of the world.”

“If he did what he’s accused of doing, he’s a patriot and should get a medal,” Bob Meola, author of the resolution told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I think the war criminals should be the ones prosecuted, not the whistle-blowers.”

Meola is a member of the city’s Peace and Justice Commission, which advises the city council and school board on peace and social justice issues. The commission passed the resolution by a vote of 7-3. It will be up for a City Council vote on Dec. 14.

More than 20 cities held rallies calling for his release earlier this fall.

Bradley Manning has been held for almost 200 days and will turn 23 the week of the Berkley vote.

Blowing the whistle on war crimes should not be a crime.

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Update: On December 14, Berkeley City Council voted 8-0 to table the motion. CNN reports here. And the City Council Minutes will be posted here, when available.  

Here is a copy of the Council motion that was tabled.