To give another parable: According to Wikipedia, the Weatherman later known as "..the Weather Underground Organization, was an American militant organization that carried out a series of bombings, jailbreaks, and riots from 1969 through the 1970s." They committed acts of violence in the name of doing what was right for America. To save America from the evils of the government. Should we forgive and forget their actions, simply because it was in the interest of making America better? To righting what they perceived was unjust policy?
I contend that's a very slippery slope, because where do we draw the line and say: If you break only these laws, it's ok so long as you're "doing it for America" but if you break these other laws, that's going to far. America should not be an excuse for unlawful behavior.
Laws exist, morally right or wrong, so that they can hopefully be applied equally to everyone. That never happens, but we cannot just turn a blind eye to some crimes versus others because of morality, or "doing what is right" for America. Ms. Manning broke a law willingly, knowingly, with full appreciation for her actions. She has admitted doing so in response to American policy towards gay marriage. She's guilty, and she should be punished.
I contend that's a very slippery slope, because where do we draw the line and say: If you break only these laws, it's ok so long as you're "doing it for America" but if you break these other laws, that's going to far. America should not be an excuse for unlawful behavior.
Laws exist, morally right or wrong, so that they can hopefully be applied equally to everyone. That never happens, but we cannot just turn a blind eye to some crimes versus others because of morality, or "doing what is right" for America. Ms. Manning broke a law willingly, knowingly, with full appreciation for her actions. She has admitted doing so in response to American policy towards gay marriage. She's guilty, and she should be punished.