Kent deMers Price on Chelsea Manning

June 3, Price to Chairman of the Trust and Kiss:

Dear Sir

It has come to my attention that Chelsea Manning has been invited to participate in a gathering at Rhodes House.  

Following my time as a Rhodes Scholar, I spent time as an officer in the United States Air Force.  My speciality was signals intelligence.  As such I was given a Top Secret Code Word clearance to gain access to sensitive information.  The rules were very clear and the consequences of violating my oath as a serving member were as well. The saying of “loose lips sink ships” is very real when it comes to people’s lives and the security of the country.  As such, I was horrified that an invitation had been given to this felon who was released early from a lengthy prison term but not forgiven by President Obama.  In no way, can I  find any reason for Manning to be allowed to be anywhere near Rhodes House let alone to be given a forum to participate in a Rhodes House sponsored event.

I urge that the Trustees look into this invitation to see if this is in the best interest of an organization built on the concept of the “Best Men for the World’s Fight.”

Sincerely,

Kent deMers Price
Montana and Pembroke 1967

June 6, Kiss to Price

Dear Kent,

I appreciate your sharing your concerns with me.

We invited Chelsea Manning to speak at the Rhodes Trust Tech in Society Forum to discuss the future and ethics of AI and cybersecurity.   She has spoken at major global tech gatherings on these topics in recent years.  Our aim is to put forward a diverse range of voices to discuss and debate these important issues, and ultimately to empower participants to explore, debate, and forge pathways toward a future where technology enhances societal well-being and global sustainability.  

We recognise that some members of the Rhodes community condemn Chelsea Manning as a traitor, while others praise her as a human rights whistleblower.   The conversation at Tech & Society will not be focused on either of these claims or perspectives, but rather on ethics and governance of cyber-security. 

 As with all of our Rhodes fora, our audience will have diverse perspectives on these topics.  As a community committed to the power of the “unlikeminded,” we seek to foster free and open dialogue and respectful debate. 

Thank you again for sharing your concerns.   I do hope this provides some helpful context.  

I have thought of you and your grandson often, as he lives with the aftermath of the terrible shooting last November in the midst of so much suffering in Gaza and Israel. 

With warm good wishes,

Elizabeth