Do you feel Snowden is a traitor? How do you feel about Ecuador response to the US?
There were rumors that Snowden was going to Ecuador, so the US threatened to end economic aid if they allowed him to seek sanctuary there. Their president responded by waiving the aid benefits and instead offered what they were worth to the US to put toward human rights education.
I don't know enough about the Snowden situation to know if he is a traitor, a hero or neither. I do believe the U.S. is a bully that uses economic threats to get its way in the world; of course, like most bullies, only with non-threatening countries. That is not to say other countries do not do the same, but this Country toots its horn so loudly about how democratic we are; how free we are; how ethical we are; and how this is the nation other nations fear for our freedoms & democracy. Our government is very hypocritical. This Country spies as much or more than any other country in the world. This Country has military bases in over 130 countries worldwide. This Country starts illegal wars (without being declared by Congress) justifying such with excuses it is necessary to defeat terrorism (something that has existed for centuries). Our leaders break laws & illegally spy on us justifying it as a means of protecting us when it is no more than a means of domination, power control & corporate bribery & greed. And our government criminalizes anyone who catches them with their pants down. Attempting to divert what has been revealed by chastising others.
So do I think Snowden is a traitor? Difficult to answer. I cannot trust our government or corporate controlled media to ever give a true account of the story. What I do know is that I am suspicious of the government's claims. Our forefathers cried to always be wary of government.
RealityTalk has said it as it is really.
But the power brokers behind the US structure and business interests are losing the battle, and they know it. No matter how many fingers in how many pies they have, and no matter how many politicians suck up to them - e.g. here in the UK - there are too many people now who realize the truth. It's a massive social revolution/awakening, and this idea they have of being the saviors from chaos they've created, won't work.
People like Snowden are just doing what they have to do.
I look at it this way. Snowden is certainly a traitor by any classical definition. He has broken the oath of secrecy that he took when he accepted his job as a NSA analyst and the breaking of that oath helps the enemies of the United States. However, I believe a concept similar to "jury nullification" could apply to Snowden's actions. If one believes strongly that U.S. government is overstepping its Constitutional authority by collected massive amounts of data on its citizens, then Snowden's treasonous actions could be justified as serving the greater good of making people aware of government abuse of power with the intent of reigning it in.
Which raises the point, does a government that seriously abuse its power become an enemy of the country it governs? If so and you believe the US government falls into this category then his actions have actually harmed the enemies of the USA.
I believe I addressed your question in the second half of my response. If the government's actions are viewed as abusive, then using concepts like jury nullification one could justify his actions.
It appears that Snowden betrayed the company and organization he was working for. However, until the facts are evaluated by a disinterested party, Snowden should be considered innocent. If the investigation shows that the government was performing illegal wire tapping or other illegal activities, then Snowden is a hero. Time will tell.
THIS whole thing with snowden plays in my head like a scene strait out of the movies. I don't think he is a traitor. He already leaked what he was going to leak so fire him, but why go through the trouble of a manhunt unless the US thinks he knows more. Anyhow I expect he will be found dead one of these days of something unexplainable--just like in the movies. Wish him well--ethics or legalities are such complex decisions. He knew what he was getting into when he made his choice but I'm sure the reality of it is harsher then he imagined.
He'll be chased by people who have friends and mother and fathers, but who forget that just being a human being is far more important than any allegiance to any particular country or party,
Over here a state employee involved in security - even postal workers, such as I was - have to sign the Official Secrets Act before beginning employment. Someone like Edward Snowden would have the 'book thrown at him', his rights - aside from that to a lawyer to represent him in court - would be withdrawn. Whatever the motive, giving away secrets or working for a foreign power at a time of enhanced security - as we are now, both in the UK and US - is tantamount to treason.
He'd get off lightly, whatever his prison sentence. When William Joyce was here, staying with his sister in Liverpool before WWII he applied for British citizenship, but left for Germany just before his new British passport dropped through his sister's letterbox. He was technically British. Having 'worked' for the German propaganda ministry (and known here as 'Lord Haw-haw') when he was caught he was executed for treason.
Uruguay's stance is obstructive, but understand this: Snowden is a fugitive on third party territory - such as an embassy constitutes - and as diplomatic staff they are obligated to give him shelter until they have assurances on his safety. Due to the 'special relationship' between the UK and US, he made a mistake coming here in the first place.
He might have done himself a favour absconding to the Russian Federation.
by alexandriaruthk 10 years ago
Is Snowden, the NSA leaker a hero or a traitor?What is your opinion about this? He is currently in Russia and his passport was already suspended.
by Suzette Walker 11 years ago
Is Edward Snowden a 'good guy' whistle blower or a 'bad guy' traitor to the U.S.? ExplainRecently, Edward Snowden, a IT computer worker for a government contract company (Booz Allen) leaked information from the NSA to the press/media about how we are being spied on by our government through...
by Julianna 13 years ago
Millions of Americans are mad over bailouts, unemployment, corporate greed and the list goes on. A Iraq veteran is hurt and he defended our Country. How do you feel about the direction the States are taking? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45054697/ns … qj_6Zv7is8
by HubPages 8 years ago
how to tell someone you love them
by tony0724 15 years ago
They want to propose this at the United Nations per the Drudge Report
by Deforest 11 years ago
It could be the new Tom Clancy's novel but it is not. Snowden protected by China is still travelling to the land of the free. Who ever thought that it would be everywhere else but home? Home sweet home is now the country of domestic and international spying professionalism as well as domestic and...
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