January 23, 2011

A Visit To Quantico

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Earlier today Jane Hamsher and David House visited the Quantico Marine Corps Base to visit accused WikiLeaks leaker Bradley Manning and deliver a petition protesting the conditions of his confinement. David House is on Quantico’s visitation list, and both he and Jane have been there before. Before today’s visit, Jane called the base to let them know she was coming. Apparently that was a mistake. Here are excerpts from her live Twitter feed of the visit:

At Quantico w @DavidMHouse to deliver 42,000 sigs 4 Bradley Maning to brig. Holding us at gate, never happened before

Demanding my social security number before they’ll let me on Quantico base, but won’t say why. Never happened before.

Quantico guards say I’ll be arrested if I go to McDonalds while @davidmhouse visits Manning. “That privilege has been withdrawn.”

Now been here at Quantico gate for 30 min. Will not let us leave base, holding us.

Gunny Foster Military Police #1715 writing me ticket for not hving latest insurance card. Sorry to 42,000 people who signed Manning petition

Can’t leave base, can’t go 2 brig, can’t get my driver’s license, Gunt Foster threatening 2 arrest us. Haven’t done a thing.

The guards absolutely knew we were coming @auerfeld & told to harass us. “This was what I was told to do” said Gunny Foster.

We’ve been coming 2 Quantico 4 months @chrisvcb, @DavidMHouse has official permission 2 visit Bradley Manning,

Gunny Foster towing my car bc they won’t accept my electronic proof of insurance, demanding paper.

Forcing @DavidMHouse 2 go 2 court. Wouldn’t give ticket, gave him a summons 2 appear in court.

Military police searching & impounding my car. Won’t let @DavidMHouse on 2 see Bradley Manning, won’t say why.

It’s 28 degrees, forcing us 2 stand outside.

Still holding us, my car on tow truck but Quantico guards still won’t let us leave.

For whatever reason, Quantico Marine brass don’t want Manning 2 have visitor now. Isolation & enforcement of solitary confinement complete.

Marines now say House can’t walk to see [Manning] but can go off base, get a cab & come back on. But visitation over at 3pm.

Tow truck driver says we also have to pay 4 time he had 2 wait for Quantico marines 2 release us: $300.

Quantico Marine brass showed up PERSONALLY 2 make sure @DavidMHouse never got 2 see Manning. Next visiting period: next week.

Quantico top brass made sure we were held until visiting hours were over & impossible 4 @DavidMHouse 2 see Manning. Message clear.

They have let me on Quantico base every time @dtfrannyb, & I went where they told me to & complied w all requests. Never been a problem

A “statement of events” written afterward is here. This doesn’t appear to be a shining moment for either our government or our military forces.

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You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

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