Happy Birthday, Chelsea Manning

This week marked the 27th birthday of Chelsea Manning, the U.S. military whistleblower who currently sits in prison for leaking material to Wikileaks. Here are some birthday wishes for her from people who have spent time in similar circumstances.

The Guardian ran a feature yesterday of birthday messages for Chelsea Manning from 14 celebrity supporters, from Michael Stipe to Slavoj Zizek to Saul Williams. Random as hell, but thoughtful nonetheless. A few messages came in too late for The Guardian's deadline, and they were passed on to us. They're worth reading.

From Terry Anderson, a journalist who was taken hostage by Hezbollah militants in 1985:

Dear Chelsea,

I am a retired AP journalist and Marine Vietnam veteran. I am often these days ashamed of my country when its leaders blatantly violate not just our constitution, but our ideals and principles. I am always proud of those who, feeling the same outrage, sacrifice themselves to fight back. You have shown yourself to be more of a hero than many others who claim to be serving America, and done so with dignity, knowing and accepting the consequences. One day, hopefully soon, our country will recognize that heroism. Meanwhile, stay strong in yourself. I was held for seven years by Shiite radicals in Lebanon. I know how soul-shattering imprisonment can be. I also know it is possible to survive it.

With respect, Terry Anderson

From Murat Kurnaz, a resident of Germany who was held by the U.S. at Guantanamo Bay for five years before being released in 2006:

"Whistle blowers, who make state-crimes public, are heroes and not criminals. Their courage should be honored. This is the only way to avoid future crimes committed by officials. Chelsea Manning should be pardoned immediately."

From Talib Kweli, rapper:

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Happy Birthday, Chelsea Manning