The Snowden Case: About More Than Leaking

[Purveyor]

The Snowden case provides a glimpse into the dysfunctional dialogue between Americans and their government. A majority of Americans currently see their government as a threat to their personal freedom. Kerry Cosby argues that leaking classified information may be the 21st century form of the long tradition of American civil disobedience against the government.

--CLIP

If we leave the drama for a moment, Snowden's flight from the United States may have provided the country with an opportunity to slow down and take a fresh look at key items of the U.S. fabric historically — resistance, civil disobedience and protest in the country.

Wherever one stands on the Snowden issue, it is high time to reassess the United States' level of civic participation and, in particular, the Americans' ability to express the feeling of disaffection that many have.

What is intriguing about the Snowden case is that it cuts across ideological boundaries. Take Bruce Fein, a Reagan Administration justice official. He has assisted Snowden's father in some of his communications with the public.

There are more than a few ardent conservatives in the Untied States who are very concerned about overreaches by the government.

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http://www.theglobalist.com/storyid.aspx?StoryId=10077

[Andy823]

1. Interesting

Isn't Fein a libertarian, and worked for Ron Paul on his 2012 race for the republican nomination? Seems like a lot of Paul people support Snowden!

[msongs]

2. and they are all racist too, you forgot that one...except it is about OUR government not snowden nt

[railsback]

7. Its NEVER about the 'hero' Snowden

and how he should be forgiven for his 'heroic' efforts. Never!

[Andy823]

8. Oh I agree

It is about out government, but my point is that the "hero" worship seen around here for Mr. Snowden seems a bit odd since he himself is a Paul supporter. Now I want to see things that are being abused changed, an congress needs to get on the ball and make those changes, but as far as I am concerned, Snowden's sudden need to "leak" information was not something patriotic, but simply political. In my view he was used by those who are, or will, be making money on this, or who will be using it for political gains, like running for president in 2016, or congress next year.

Like I said fix the problems, but why make a "hero" out someone who once stated that whistleblowers should be kicked in the balls, that SS should be done away with, and who pretty much supports the radical views of the Ron and Rand Paul?

[RobertEarl]

3. Do not ever forget

This whole problem with the NSA spying on everyone started with a republican administration.

Boehner, McConnel, et al, are all for giving the NSA the freedom to spy on everyone.

Sure, Obama is now head of the government, but this spying is really a republican baby.

[delrem]

4. It has been endorsed by Dems in power.

There was *zero* reflection on the past when Obama assumed power.
In fact, I recall a photo-op where GWB is (smugly grinning) signing some document vis-a-vis a bailout of Wall St., flanked by Obama, Biden, and Dems on all sides. No Reps.

[RobertEarl]

5. Does not pertain to my fact

That this is a republican baby. If the democrats had even made a peep about aborting it, the stuff hitting the fan would have made Rove and Cheney happy as can be.

Like I said: Do not forget this is a republican baby.

[delrem]

6. uhuh. To continue the metaphor

it is a Dem baby too, in this, Obama's 2nd term.
Obama never looked back, he looked forward, to this.