Eugene Robinson: Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks show we need a debate

[ProSense]

Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks show we need a debate

By Eugene Robinson

The important thing right now isn’t whether Edward Snowden should be labeled a hero or villain. First, let’s have the debate he sparked over surveillance and privacy. Then we can decide how history should remember him.

Snowden is the 29-year-old intelligence analyst and computer geek who leaked some of the National Security Agency’s most precious secrets to journalists from The Post and the Guardian. He is now on the lam, having checked out of the Hong Kong hotel where he holed up for several weeks as he orchestrated a worldwide media splash that shows no sign of ending.

Snowden betrayed his employer, the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, and his promise not to divulge classified information. He paints what he did as an act of civil disobedience, but he has decided to seek political asylum abroad rather than surrender to authorities and accept the consequences. In published interviews, he comes across as grandiose to the point of self-parody, a legend in his own mind.

He is an imperfect messenger, to say the least. But his message should not be ignored.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/eugene-robinson-snowdens-nsa-leaks-show-we-need-a-debate/2013/06/10/002911b6-d203-11e2-8cbe-1bcbee06f8f8_story.html

No one with any objectivity is going to defend this guy, and a pardon is highly unlikely.

'Pardon Edward Snowden' Petition Seeks White House Response
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022988977

AP Editor: Do Not Describe Edward Snowden As A 'Whistleblower'
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022989251

"Most significant" leak in history, and likely one of the dumbest.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022987178

[Javaman]

1. that is the very last thing the government wants.

that debate appears to be completely one sided.

[Laelth]

2. Excellent essay. k&r for exposure. n/t

-Laelth