"I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions,"

[99th_Monkey]

"I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions," but "I will be satisfied if the federation of secret law, unequal pardon and irresistible executive powers that rule the world that I love are revealed even for an instant."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/wall-street-journal/security-leaker-edward-snowden-outs-himself/story-fnay3ubk-1226661446340?sv=2d4f0cefaa8f3944c7a9e26c6ac38e4

These don't sound like self-indulgent ravings of some "narcissistic traitor"; rather, it sounds a lot more like a clarion declaration of love for truth, beauty and true liberty, bravery speaking truth to power, at long last.

[Skittles]

1. I suspect the truth is somewhere in-between

yes indeed

[Summer Hathaway]

2. They could also be the ravings

of someone who is deeply paranoid.

That quote could be read either way.

Just one example of why instant deification is as ludicrous as instant demonization.

The facts will unfold over the next - oh, that's right. This is DU - no facts required anymore. Just pick a side and declare which one it is.

[99th_Monkey]

6. There is some wisdom in waiting

to form an opinion; but I know where I'm leaning so far, and
it isn't towards "trusting and obeying" the official demonization
of Snowden that's going on now.

[napoleon_in_rags]

3. Yeah, the attacks on Snowden have made me a supporter.

This guy is probably sacrificing himself for this, and the attacks from these attention whore media figures are that he is an attention whore. Its absurd. What happened to adult rationality? I would be comfortable if the attacks against him were saying that he had a wrong worldview, that the checks and balances are stronger than he believed, that people are actually more good than he believes, etc. But those arguments are buried, and this dumb, almost high school rumor mill type stuff is taking center stage.

[Locut0s]

4. Can't it be both? Can't he be something of a hero, and a narcissist?...

I certainly don't think or agree that he's a traitor or in any of the smear campaigns against him. But I could see him being narcissistic and egotistical. Some of the greatest people in history were too though.

[99th_Monkey]

5. You make a good point

often the whole truth has two seemingly opposite sides or aspects, but they're both the same truth, from a different view.

Still, I think the "charge" that someone is a "narcissist" for leaking or whistle-blowing is generally misplaced and largely irrelevant.

[99th_Monkey]

9. He probably eats babies alive too

or I'm CERTAIN he would if he hadn't "been in a position to betray his country"

[colorado_ufo]

10. There's an old saying:

"It's not paranoia if they really are after you."

[BillyRibs]

8. Sounds Like someone,

who thought this out and has resigned himself to the consequences. As for his personal place in history, He doesn't want to be compliant with evil. IOW What will I tell my children and grand children. I would guess He knows he would be no more than a foot note.

[CakeGrrl]

11. Sounds like

a lawbreaker pushing some martyr buttons for sympathy.

Work for a government agency and reveal information? You can go to jail.

Many corporate employees agree not to share company information or else incur a penalty.

He knew, so he fled the consequences. And now wants to be lionized.

[handmade34]

13. yup

[Amonester]

12. I predict a few movie-makers will make a killing with that guy's story.

Other than that, I wish him good luck.

I am afraid he will need a lot of that.

[randome]

14. Sounds like someone with a martyr complex to me.

That's just my impression so far.

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[font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font]
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