81–90 of 362 posts
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Courts are independent (in theory) In the last couple years the {in practice} part has made this independence completely untrue.
> completely untrue. That would explain why the government never loses in court ever, ever, right?
Can Manning avoid the fines by declaring bankruptcy?
You don’t “avoid” fines by declaring bankruptcy. You can go through a bankruptcy process and as the debtor you may be forgiven from certain things that the other side will clearly never receive money from, but this isn’t a clean slate trick you just do and walk away from.
You basically convert your obligation into distrust. And can “refinance” some debts including judgments against you.
So, could Manning go through bankruptcy and have the court never receive their money, yes. But I wouldn’t say this is “avoiding the fine”, just changing it.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I imagine it's going to be hard for her to find employment, and if she doesn't pay those fines she'll eventually end up in custody with even more fines.
It's generally hard for trans people to find employment, period -- and I doubt she has meaningful job skills given her extended imprisonment. That said, trans people rally around our own so she shouldn't have trouble surviving; but whether or not that life is existentially fulfilling is another question... Also, I don't think it's legal to jail someone over unpaid debt (though many states will certainly try). They ca…
Son of Sam laws, and their derivatives, can also prevent her from monetizing her story easily, if at all.
You can absolutely be jailed for not paying court ordered fines; that's often how the legal system in the US works for the poor and marginalized. It's a nasty cycle. Punishment fines also can't be discharged in bankruptcy, afaik.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
She was a whistleblower, hence everyone with a hint of credibility saying she was. Also, it's customary on HN to point out when you have a conflict of interest. You work for a military contractor & used to work for the government, and probably should disclose that when talking about a subject so closely tied to your work.
Can you help me understand the difference between leaker and whistleblower?
It’s so sad that one of the most courageous soldiers in the history of the US military has been treated so horribly by the government.
This is a ridiculous statement on many levels.
The last page states she will owe $256,000 in fines and the motion to dismiss them was denied. Really?
Can Manning avoid the fines by declaring bankruptcy?
That’s not how it works Michael. You don’t “avoid” fines by declaring bankruptcy. You can go through a bankruptcy process and as the debtor you may be forgiven from certain things that the other side will clearly never receive money from, but this isn’t a clean slate trick you just do and walk away from. You basically convert your obligation into distrust. And can “refinance” some debts including judgments against yo…
I’ve said it before but the idea of secret courts trying to coerce people into doing things seems extremely backwards and regressive. Maybe I don’t understand this system but it doesn’t seem to be about getting justice. If there is testimony already given as well it seems doubly wrong, inconsistent and hateful.
> "Maybe I don’t understand this system..." sounds like you understand the system pretty well. the US is grounded in a limited federal government and the right to vigorously oppose it (short of, say, revolt) without persecution (see: bill of rights). holding manning in jail for so long was persecutory and unjust.