Occupy SF - March and Rally to Free Bradley Manning

The audio starts with a short talk from an Egyptian activist on brutal attacks on activists this week in that Country. Scott Olsen, the Occupy SF activist and ex-military member who was shot in the head during the military-style police attack on Occupy Oakland, spoke in front of Wells Fargo (while police fervently guarded the doors of the closed branch). Several other Veterans Against The War spoke and stood in support. Olson spoke well and marched energetically, wearing a full neck brace. One activist who has been at it from the start of Occupy SF gave a rousing speech about the things he is angry about politically and his inspiration to keep fighting for justice, before taking a bullhorn and leading the march back into the streets.

Marchers chanted “Free Bradley Manning” through the streets, and presented a birthday cake at a post-march rally at Sue Bierman Plaza, while also celebrating the three-month anniversary of both Occupy SF and Occupy Wall Street. We are the 99%!!

This case may be very difficult for the military. They are basically accusing Manning of treason for releasing these documents, with talk that he might even face a death penalty. His treatment in detention was brutal. As we learn growing up, these “treason” laws are supposed to be for people who release information to enemy states which can undermine U.S. security and undermine advantage in war. However, from what we keep hearing, the WikiLeaks documents expose unbelievable war atrocities by the U.S. military that, in effect, embarrass the U.S. government’s continued attempts to sell war and related policies to U.S. citizens and people all over the world. While military and other government people call him a traitor, supporters believe he is a hero for having the courage to do what he did to help us all.