Classified Woman: A Memoir is a stirring book that takes us through the injustice Edmonds has endured starting during the Bush Administration. In her job as a language specialist, she finds out the FBI has been covering up information related to the September 11th attacks. She figures out the FBI has been penetrated by a Turkish translator named Melek Can Dickerson and her husband, who have engaged in illegal transactions that involve shielding potential targets from intelligence operations. She realizes any investigation of Dickerson would “shine a light on major cover-ups initiated by the State Department ” and expose crimes committed by “high-placed US officials.” She feels uneasy but knows she cannot turn back. And so she decides to pursue appropriate channels to let the proper people know all this but is forced to choose between having a career and pursuing accountability.

Among all her other responsibilities, Katie also reminded me that Wendy Davis had written a lovely post recently inquiring about her health, and that I had promised Wendy I would post some photos. I thought some ball-chasing action stills would be great, but Lucy was being a ball hog and Katie said the heat and her slightly wilted ‘do made it all a bit unseemly. So she opted for her world-famous hydrangea impression (above). It’s so nuanced and life-like I bet you can’t spot Katie among the hydrangeas.

I appeared on “The Alyona Show” to provide an update on what happened and also talk about John McCain is criticizing the Obama administration’s selective leaks on the “kill list,” cyber warfare, etc.

Tomorrow is May Day, and Occupy groups have spent months planning a general strike. Organizers are calling on people everywhere to show solidarity by abstaining from commerce, staying home from school and work, avoiding the bank, and other activities as part of a ‘day without the 99%.’ FDL will be covering activities here, at The Dissenter, and on a special May Day page. See the links for interactive maps and schedules of events.

Today we’ll be talking to Kevin Gosztola, an FDL blogger, journalist and co-author (with Greg Mitchell of The Nation), about the fascinating, clearly explained and up to the minute book, Truth and Consequences: The U.S. vs. Bradley Manning. (I am a lawyer with the Center for Constitutional Rights and a legal advisor to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks.)

On Tuesday, I will return to Fort Meade, Maryland, where court martial proceedings against Pfc. Bradley Manning, the soldier accused of releasing classified information to WikiLeaks, resume. The focus of those proceedings will involve an effort by David Coombs, Manning’s defense lawyer, to have an “aiding the enemy” charge dismissed. This is one of the more egregious charges Manning faces and is based on the contention by the government that Manning knowingly provided “intelligence” to al Qaeda and other related terrorist groups indirectly when he allegedly released information to WikiLeaks.

On Monday, US Attorney General Eric Holder gave a speech at Northwestern University outlining the supposed ‘legality’ of the Obama administration’s secret program to target US citizens for execution without notifying them of the accusations against them, officially charging them with a crime or offering them the opportunity to respond. Now it’s time to demand they release the legal memos that purport to justify this.

Firedoglake has earned a unique reputation as a site for citizens of the world, who are deeply passionate about freedom of information and government transparency. It has earned a unique reputation as a site at the forefront of all efforts to advance support for Bradley Manning. And, it has grown into a site that is a foremost resource for the latest news on all things related to WikiLeaks.

Become a member to ensure that Firedoglake continues to be a valuable resource.

Dan Choi and Kevin Gosztola are at the Bradley Manning hearing today. Dan took this video of the two of them as they waited to get on the base. It looks like the traditional media, who previously ignored Manning, are finally showing up and paying attention.

Follow the Bradley Manning Pre-Trial Hearing Live Blog.

We’re getting one report after another from local FDL Member liaisons on how critically supplies are needed. From OccupyLouisville, Patty C says “I was there when one of the hats and pair of socks was given to a homeless man who had been there since day one. He told me that it was the 1st pair of socks he’s worn for a long, long time.” At OccupyPittsburg, RFShunt said supplies were immediately taken to the medical tent and given to people who were suffering from exposure.