For What It's Worth...

[WillyT]

I have a government job... State... yet I have millions of SSN's/Documents in my hands, and flashing before my eyes every single day.

A number of years back, I had Ken Lay's SSN right in my face... And not being a ghoul, since he had just died, I quickly handed it to a co-worker.

We are required... because we get to see everybody's SSN, Business Name, Address, etc..

To hand off any document that we are "familiar" with... family, friends, political opponents, etc...

You don't get to use your access to personal info, for your own reasons.

We are required by law... to destruct all records after some legally prescribed amount of time.

And when I hear that Edward Snowden is some sort of coward... when I hear about his apparent cowardice because he didn't come back the the United Circus of America, that would have ensued...

He... according to some... is the coward...

As someone who has access to far less serious stuff...

I have a lot more respect for Edward Snowden.

[KoKo]

1. Willy T...your post is confusing.

If you wouldn't turn over that info and have all these requirements on you and yet Snowden didn't then it makes me wonder what is the difference. Why would Snowden (a Private Contractor) have so much fewer constrictions on him than you did?

Can't tell if you are trashing Snowden for turning over info you would have done...or, praising him because he saw so much worse than you do and it was out of control and it was good that he wistleblew?

[Fumesucker]

2. The last people you want playing God are those who enjoy the role

It's not that power corrupts so much as it is magnetically attractive to the corruptible.

[jazzimov]

3. "I have a lot more respect for Edward Snowden."

Please don't. The last page isn't written yet. This is only the beginning - he will be revealed to be a coward.

[1000words]

6. What exactly will transpire that will undermine his efforts?

Will we discover the NSA is not functioning outside of established parameters and lacking proper oversight? Will their past (and current) actions be any less unconstitutional?

[former9thward]

8. Your deepest fantasy I'm sure.

But it will never come true. Deal with it....

[rhett o rick]

9. "he will be revealed to be a coward." Unless you are clairvoyant you must just be

hateful. You hope he will to justify your hatred. You only hate him because he besmirched your illusion of authoritarian security.

[grasswire]

10. the bell has rung, and cannot be unrung

Snowden's goal was to open a conversation on surveillance so the American people would know what was being done in their name.

He rang the bell. It cannot be unrung.

He did what he set out to do. Can't change that, no matter what anyone does to him now.

[NightWatcher]

4. I ran in the same circles and had an SCI

I have no respect for him, I think the company that did his SSBI (and a lot of other problem people's) should be disbanded and never see another government contract. They put the focus on money and miss security threats. They missed a lot, even when it was put in their faces. They deserve Snowden and all the shit that comes with.

[Ohio Joe]

5. I've worked IT in a number of insurance companies...

It is amazing how much personal information you get to access.

[babylonsister]

7. That explains it. You looked me up. nt

[snot]

11. Dear WillyT,

I think maybe you should try to ignore most of the replies so far; sadly, they're mostly deranged.