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
PATRIOT!
Patriot. And a dude with huge huevos!!
He’s a hero, just broke a major flaw, by the Obumma Administration.
He’s a hero, just broke a major flaw, by the Obumma Administration.
patriot
patriot.
He’s a hero, Patriot.
The criminals and traitors are in Washington, DC. After working with Obama and Holder our EPA, IRS, and NSA should be completely shut down. They are too corrupt to function. No Incumbents. They have not fired Obama, Biden, Kerry, Holder and every one of Obama’s Appointees. Vote them out.
Anyone who shows the treason of Obama and the democrats is a friend of mine.
Something needed to be done but he got it wrong. Not the way to go about taking care of things in this country. Deep Throat did not run to China and Russia.