Pvt. Manning, in attempting to follow his conscience, may have helped open the door to government and military activities that are abhorrent to the average U.S. citizen. Such activities that he supposedly may have exposed, could not pass a "smell test" of actions that should be in line with the morality that is advertised at our highest governmental levels.
For such courageous actions, if in fact he did do what he has been accused of, should be HIGHLY commended, rather than persecuted.