Snowden doesn't really matter

[newthinking]

He isn't the point. He did bring some pretty serious information into the public view (the place where the generally distracted public is listening).

Which demonstrates a point?

Sure it is uncomfortable to have "our guy" in the hotseat. But I think there is historic precidence and this is just the way Democracy works. The good (or shall we say "better", depending on your viewpoint) guy is unfortunately the one who pretty much may *have* to take heat, even if he may not have generated it all.

When "some" hear "criticism", others see expanding awareness and the issues being discussed and debated and moving into the public concience. Those who continue to bring these issues forward do not do it to "critisize the President", they do it because they really do see the issue (like NSA abuses) as serious and potentially threatening to the democratic way.

I am not sure what folks are asking for when they tell people not to (essentially) be so loud? Close their mouths when they see serious, even threatening, issues? Not if you want democracy to work you don't?

You have to be blind not to see that the dialog is seriously changing. And (IMHO) that is happening because for the current moment the issues are becoming so obvious that political and economic propaganda cannot shout over them (and push people further into complacency).

And when people are expressing and educating others to legitimate concerns that is an important part of the process that has been moving us. This is the same force that is energizing a very serious change in the discussions "around the water cooler". And, at least where I am, people have been coming out of the woodwork to challenge the right wingers and their ideas more than I have seen in 20 years. That has happened pretty much *despite* what has been coming out of Washington.

I am not afraid that it might be on "our watch" that heat and agitation may come, because when it comes to getting all the arguments and issues out to the forefront it is our side that benefits.

[RobertEarl]

1. We look more honest

When we are heard going against the administration we are seen as not being partisan just to protect 'our side'. Lawd knows they toed-the-line behind bush and any that are somewhat honest can now see how them doing so has lead to harm for our democracy and our freedom.

I am impressed that we are not fools for the hierarchy and are willing to question even our side. Others see that too and are impressed with our patriotism. They can't help but be impressed.

[RobertEarl]

2. And those supporting wiretapping?

They look pretty damn silly.

Silly, because they think that by supporting the tapping they are doing Obama a favor.