General Discussion
Showing Original Post only (View all)I COMPLETELY support Snowden. [View all]
Yes, I have tremendous respect for his courage and conviction.
Yes, I think he is brave. Yes, I think he is honorable.
No, I do not think he lied intentionally in any way. No, I do not think he did what he did for himself. This was no way to try to improve one's life. He took a tremendous risk and is paying for it. But WHY did he take the risk? Do you REALLY believe it was for fame? For riches? I think that is ridiculous on the face of it to believe such a thing. Only a fool would choose such a path filled with danger and pain -and he is no fool. So what is he?
His claim that there was "direct" access was based on his best information such as the Powerpoint file -and even if the access is not "direct", it is overwhelmingly pervasive and with little access with little real oversight or obstacles. Those that try to make a big deal about this one word being "debunked" are splitting inconsequential hairs.
After watching his videos, I have even greater respect for him. He sacrificed his entire life and took a blind leap off a cliff in order to remain true to the same values that led him to enlist in the army and the government. But rather than allow his values to be subverted, he remained true to them and did the RIGHT THING.
Just like we teach our children, he spoke up when he saw something wrong being done. I am grateful to him for his sacrifice and thankful that there are people like him. Imagine if there were only apologists and those ready to roll over when they became aware of these crimes against the citizens of the US and the world?
He is a warrior for human rights. He is a man who sees the lie behind nationalism because he has peered into the shadows behind the security state.
Yup, I'll say it. He embodies all the qualities I find honorable. He is a hero.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.
-Edmund Burke