While Edward Snowden cools his heels in the Russian winter, the world continues its heated debate on the good or ill he accomplished when he released volumes of information about NSA’s data mining. Few in this country are coming to the young man’s defense, though foreign leaders have made the icy trek to Russia to interview and honor him. http://news.yahoo.com/report-nsa-intercepts-computer-deliveries-160237344–finance.html
Meanwhile the United States government has been adamant in its position that Snowden is a traitor. Unfortunately, nobody is saying much about NSA and its apparent violation of the 4th Amendment to The United States Constitution. That argument has been stalemated by opposing judicial opinions and will no doubt end up at the Supreme Court.
I’ve already written that I believe Snowden has done a service to his country. (Blog 7/8/13) Happily, the Editorial Board of The New York Times has arrived at the same opinion. I support their call to offer the young man a plea bargain. Other than embarrass the wrong doers at NSA, any claims that his revelations have harmed the nation’s security have so far been unsubstantiated. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/opinion/edward-snowden-whistle-blower.html?hp&rref=opinion&_r=2&
One day, I believe Snowden will receive the nation’s thanks. Perhaps The New York Times article is the beginning of a thaw. I hope so. I’d like to see this whistle-blower who warned the nation of a looming threat to personal freedom welcomed home.
(Courtesy sig.finance.yahoo.com)
