So what is the logic of 35 years? The way you describe it, it should be a life sentence. What is the purpose of prison in this case? And why not 15 years, or 50?
The purpose of prison is to strike fear deep into the hearts of those who would follow in Private Manning's footsteps. And actually, the sentence was 35 years with eligibility for parole in 8 years. There is always a certain arbitrariness to choosing sentences.