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.
i think the german gustobs got told on
HE’S ONLY A TRAITOR TO THOSE WHO HIDE THE TRUTH , THE LIARS ,FRAUDS, THE REAL TRAITORS , HE’S A HERO TO THE TRUTH SEEKERS! NONE OF WHICH RESIDE ON CAPITOL HILL. ,
I don’t know the man, but from what I’ve read about him I think it was a very brave thing he did knowing the consequences.
How can he be a traitor with a gumit like ours if he came back as a wistleblower he would end up dead
Patriot
anytime you go for the government , to bring out hidden truth..you are in trouble..
Patriot.
He is not only a patriot… But a hero. Think about one of my favorite lines from the movie “national treasure”.
“Treason… Men doing what the knew was RIGHT, even though it was considered wrong…”
Where would we be without people like that?
patriot