Opinions about Edward Snowden and whistleblowers in general do not fall along traditional party lines and a debate at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday is a great example of the division. Representing one side, constitutional attorney Bruce Fein applauded Snowden’s actions, while Jim Gilmore, ex-governor of Virginia called him a “traitor”.
Fein received decent applause. Gilmore got a light applause but even more boos.Fein said Americans were outraged by Snowden’s revelations about the National Security Agency’s controversial metadata collection program, something the agency intended to keep “secret from the American people forever.” Fein portrayed Snowden as a sympathetic figure willing to break the law for the higher purpose of showing Americans what they’re government was doing to them.
Gilmore held up a New York Post from June featuring Snowden and Russian President Vladmir Putin featuring the headline “comrades,” and blasted the whistleblower as a “traitor,” a “coward” and someone who gives “aid and comfort” to America’s enemies.
Fein pointed out that the United States government had not charged Snowden with treason and that when Director of Intelligence James Clapper was asked by Congress if the NSA was spying on every American citizen, Wyden answered no. “In a democracy people have a right to know what their government is doing” said Fein, adding “The American people have forced changes… only because of Mr. Snowden’s revelations.”
What’s your opinion on Snowden? Do you believe he revealed NSA documents as he did in order to help the enemies of America? Or to throw the spotlight on the corruption within?
Constitutional Attorney Bruce Fein – Photo by Gage Skidmore
Source: Rare
Photo: Rare
I think Patriot as the American public needs to know what’s being done behind our backs that’s illegal !
Who has done the most harm to this country in the past year? Obama or Snowden? Most of those wanting to hang him are the real traitors.
I think he is a hero, he thought we needed to know what was going on in our own goverment, after all this is America ! I think he is an honalble man. I think he deserves a metal. What is wrong with this country?
bring Snowden home. Obama is the criminal here
If you said Patriot then you insult yourself.. He sold his country down the river.. Flat out, he weaken our abilities buy showing our enemies how we do things..NOT to mention he sold a good amount of info to the same Iranian billionaire that funded the revolt in Ukraine.. Which some truly believe is just another way for our enemies to weaken us by creating tension between US and Russia.. You do know he is in bed with wikileaks founder right? And that the wikifool publicly asked for more Americans to use there clearance to steal sensitive information.. DO you truly think this is a good thing? Do you truly thing this makes us safer.. Cause I think and see how this weakens us, and puts lives at risk… So many people are thankful that he exposed spying on Americans.. REALLY.. That was a smoke screen and I’m really surprised about how many of you got lost in it… China probably knows more about you then the US government does.. EVER powerful country spies.. Knowledge is power plain and simple.. Not to mention in a post 9/11 world you would think the sheep would be happy that the shepherd is watching.. Look at the big picture for once.. This mindset you are showing by supporting him reflects how we got the worst President in history elected twice..You focused on what he “said” he would do for you not on what he would do for our country.. This administration has weakened our country, empowered our enemies and pushed away our friends…. For once people look past facebook for your current events… Look out side your “busy” lives and see what happening.. Our kids will be the ones holding the bag for these problems.. They will be the ones affected the most…Please Look at the bigger picture, from the white house to the senate, to the growing threat from Islam around the world.. When Americans are being told what they can’t do in movies from half way around the world, you should ask your self wtf… Look up the movie “Noah” is you don’t know what I mean.. Russell Crows new movie..
I am politically very active – but Snowden’s revelations came as a complete surprise – I knew we had a NSA – to look for bad guys – BUT I NEVER KNEW THAT THEY WERE SPYING ON ME AND MY FAMLY AND MY FRIENDS AND ALL OF YOU OUT THERE –
Next Attorney General. !!!
Ten thumbs down = Traitor
His conscience made him disclose the things he did. He knew they were wrong, dreadfully wrong and someone had to expose it for what it was. I just wish he had went straight to Equador before he let loose with his knowledge of government wrongdoing.
If anybodys a traitor, it’s obarfo.