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! Really, Ray Chin , other ways he could have done this? How?
American Patriot and Hero. Bring him home and give him the Medal of Freedom, the highest honor America bestows on civilians
Should get noble prize thanks for opening the peoples eyes on this administration and all their spying
He did the right thing and he knows it, and we should all know it and acknowledge that he is the ONLY reason why a large number of Americans have confirmation of the extent of which our liberties and rights have been and continue to be eroded….
depends on what he did with the info
He has taken the illegal cover off of the government and the criminals are pissed
I would say Patriot & Hero! Say, could I have his Autograph?
He is a Patriot!!!
patriot should be considered for the nobel
True American