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
As of now he is a patriot, nothing he has done has harmed our country.
He’s our HERO! I wish we had MORE Ed Snowdens, and I pray G_D protects him, and wherever lives, may he live a long, happy, and peaceful life. He did the right thing, and then some, which is more than I can say for many of the “leaders” of this country.
PATRIOT
Patriot and hero
He is not a traitor in my opinion..He was doing his duty as a patriot, and because he pissed off obama by telling the truth about a dictator at work..obama violated the rights of other governments and he needs to be sent to them for prosecution..Snowden did not open our country for any type of harm..He did harm to obama and his agenda..I applaud Edward for his right to fight the wrong obama and his thugs are doing..If the American people do not see this an act of a patriot, then I have no remorse for upsetting the liberals who branded him as a traitor..They need to look in the mirro and see a real traitor looking back…
SNOWDEN A PATROIT, OBAMA IS AN ARAB WHO IS RUINING AMERICA AND CONGRESS AND SUPREME COURT DO NOTHING.
Patriot
Traitor
Patriot !
He has let us know the truth