Edward Snowden better off in Russia than US, his father says

[bemildred]

The father of the National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden says his son has been so vilified by the Obama administration and members of Congress that he is now better off staying in Russia.

Lon Snowden had been working behind the scenes with lawyers to try to find a way his son could get a fair trial in the US. Edward Snowden has been charged in federal court with violating the Espionage Act by leaking details of NSA surveillance.

But in a telephone interview with the Associated Press, the elder Snowden said he had lost faith in recent weeks that his son would be treated fairly by the justice department. He now thinks his 30-year-old son is better off avoiding the US if possible until an administration that respects the constitution comes into office.

"If it were me, knowing what I know now, and listening to advice of sage people like [Pentagon Papers leaker] Daniel Ellsberg ... I would attempt to find a safe haven," Snowden said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/27/nsa-snowden-father-justice-russia

[LuvNewcastle]

1. At least the U.S. is too afraid to send drones into Russia.

That's one of the few advantages to being there.

[NorthCarolina]

2. "better avoid the US until an administration that respects the Constitution comes into office"

Bush summed up exactly how our GOP and Neo-Con 'dem' leaders feel about the Constitution:

Dec 14, 2005 - "Stop throwing the Constitution in my face," Bush screamed. "It's just a goddamned piece of paper!"

Obama obviously feels much the same way. So much for our "Constitutional Scholar".

Politicians sell inalienable rights for big bucks, all the people were asking for is "change".

[Laelth]

3. k&r for exposure. n/t

-Laelth

[Igel]

4. The more I hear about the father ...

The more I'm reminded that we're all largely the result of our home environment and genetics.

[indepat]

5. This entire episode imo begs the question as to who was better protecting and defending the

Constitution of the United States: Edward Snowden or big brother. If it were big brother, Snowden should be prosecuted, but not on trumped-up charges. If it were Snowden, big brother might well beef up its protection and defense of the Constitution of the United States and back off its trumped charges against Snowden.