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
Snowden has the right idea, but his method got him in deep dookie. I believe he should not be punished,brcause
Instead of ending up in China/Russia he could have/should have reported it without even going to his superiors. He should have/could have gone to a congressional committee chairman/board or other outlets that are easily accessible and able to protect him; and the info still ended up in the press without having so much classified info given over to the Chinese and Russians.
If it wasn’t for Snowden telling about a few things that the obammy government was doing some people would not know of it.
What about cell phone spy it was used too listen in on people by our government.You can download it on the internet and your smart phone and spy on your friends without them knowing about it.So now you know how some of your friends know what you say or text about them.Don’t believe me check it out
donald . whats the name of this spy app?
Amazing
All have said patriot
And I concur
Funny how the gov is pissed because he ratted THEM OUT
FOR THEIR ACTIONS AGAINST AMERICANS AND ONLY THIS
O’Bama is the traitor.
Hes a patriot, THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE, and he told it.
Brave man….hero.
he is absolutely a patriot