http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/17/bradley-manning-denied-chance-whistleblower-defence Judge rules that Manning will not be allowed to present evidence about his motives. Colonel Denise Lind ruled that general issues of motive were not relevant to the trial stage of the court martial. Bradley Manning faces charges that include aiding the enemy The Americans are determined to achieve a conviction no matter what they have to do to secure one. This would be the same fate that would befall Julian Assange, if American pressure for his extradition were to succeed. Ruling that great chunks of evidence are inadmissible, particularly where such evidence could be embarrassing to the government is reminiscent of the "Show Trials" of the 1930's in the Soviet Union. Moscow ' Show Trials '. In 1936 In this respect there seem little to choose between today's USA and Stalin's USSR.