Now I’ve said this before, but Bradley Manning broke the law by releasing military documents. He probably deserves to be tried and found guilty of at least that.

That said, it behooves us as a nation to treat him, a fellow citizen with respect. Hell, as a nation we should treat everyone in our custody as we would a human being we honor and cherish. Not because we are soft, but because we are better. Better than anyone who considers us an enemy. Better than folks like Mr. Manning, who find us lacking in character at this moment in time.

Even when we are flawed, how we treat those in our custody should be irreproachable.

Which, frankly, in this case, does not appear to be true.

More on the situation .

Also, State Department spokesman P. J. Crowley was forced out of his job for calling this style of imprisonment “stupid”. Good for him for speaking out. Poor form by the President for letting this kind of thing still happen under the Stars and Stripes.

We don’t have to stoop to the level of our enemies to win. We don’t have to treat those who respect the truth over orders as the enemy. We don’t have to be stupid at a time when only our wits and advantages will win the day.

Check this out.

It is a story about anti-American terrorists plotting to kill police officers and a federal judge.

It is about the same “real Americans” that twit Palin spoke of during the 2008 elections. The folks she represents. In Alaska that means folks who collect thousands of dollars a year from the government, yet hate welfare. Who say they love America yet join a secessionist party.

There won’t be any hearings about this kind of “patriot”. They won’t be labelled as the enemy. They won’t be vilified. Their religion won’t be considered Satanist or in love of violence.

But they DO hate. They DO hate our country. They DO plan for violence assassination. Their houses of worship DO despise our nation. Because seriously, what the hell church should welcome assault weapons into the chapel?

But they are white, and Christian and we let it go.

Until when exactly?

Some interesting thoughts on the future of libraries in this nation.

Now, while I agree with some of the ideas, I completely disagree with the premise.

There is a lot of confusion about the public domain of late. Look, schools and libraries and police and fire departments are not supposed to turn a profit. They are supposed to provide a public service. Bashing libraries as failures because commercial bookstores are going out of business is irritatingly stupid.

I go to libraries. Everywhere I have ever lived I’ve managed to find the local one in the first week. Even here in Rochester where new books are either slow to come in or not at all apparently. I’d argue I’ve got a more complete collection in some topics than the library does. Pitiful, but not an argument for shutting the place down.

Now should the library expand to happen some future needs? Yes. But as an extension of what it already does, not to replace what someone sees as not working.

Let me put it this way. I went to pick up a book on reserve on Monday and took Gabriel to see some Dr Seuss movies and pick up some books on Saturday. If I have more reasons to go, I will, but I am already using the place quite well as it is, thank you.