Pfc. Bradley Manning's court speech

As reported on "Frontline," here is a leaked tape of Pfc. Bradley Manning's statement in a pre-court-martial hearing before a court assessing his culpability in the leaking of classified U.S.documents. It is the first time since his incarceration in May, 2012, that the public has heard his 25-year-old voice.

Although the court hearing Monday was "open," the recording violates the court rules.

There is a short introductory commentary followed by a full, if sometimes- hard-to-understand Manning.

I don't know if Manning is innocent or guilty. But the rule of law in the United States as I understand it is "innocent until proven guilty." It is, to my mind, one of the great principles of any credible judicial system. It is, in short, a part of anything that might be construed as making the United States "great." Is the rule perfectly observed? No. But should the attempt be made? I think the answer is yes.

But this principle is being challenged in the Manning case. Those bringing the charges have yet to demonstrate publicly that Manning broke the law. Worse, however, they are unlikely to do so, choosing rather to cite "national security" concerns. Manning is likely to be judged in the ersatz-judicial shadows, the places where the full facts will not be aired.

Who creates "national security?" Is a democracy entitled to input on the topic? Is a democracy to believe every well-dressed bureaucrat who, as in the case of the lackadaisical use of the word "terror" or "terrorism," simply decides, whether for political or other motives, that one thing or another should not be made public? I have yet to hear a point by point depiction of the harm done by Manning's or anyone else's leaks.

Is it wise to jettison the rule of law -- innocent until proven guilty -- where the case for that jettisoning is not made openly?

I would prefer to trust my government. But in the matter of trust, there is generally some courtesy paid ... an argument or set of actions that addresses my question, "Why should I?"