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marmar

(76,984 posts)
Mon Dec 23, 2013, 05:56 PM Dec 2013

David Sirota: Why Edward Snowden Is the Definition of a Whistleblower


from In These Times:


Why Edward Snowden Is the Definition of a Whistleblower
The verdict on Snowden is in.

BY David Sirota


For months, a debate over Edward Snowden’s status has raged. In the back and forth, one question about this icon who disclosed NSA abuses has dominated: Is he or is he not a whistleblower with all the attendant protections that should come with such a designation?

As of this week's federal court ruling saying the NSA's data collection programs are probably unconstitutional, that debate is finally over. After all, if the most basic definition of a government whistleblower is one who uncovers illegal or unconstitutional acts, then the ruling proves Snowden is the dictionary definition of a whistleblower.

Of course, there still remains a cottage industry of tough-talking saber rattlers slamming Snowden not merely for being in a foreign country, but more revealingly, for the disclosures themselves. These demagogues often invoke the age-old law-and-order cliches about classified information. Yet, based on what we now know, their criticism of Snowden actually puts them on the side of those who are systemically violating the very laws and constitution, which they purport to love. .......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://inthesetimes.com/article/16021/edward_snowden_whistleblower



12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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David Sirota: Why Edward Snowden Is the Definition of a Whistleblower (Original Post) marmar Dec 2013 OP
Du rec. Nt xchrom Dec 2013 #1
Kick And Recommend cantbeserious Dec 2013 #2
DURec for the Whistle Blowers.... They are the Protectors of our Democracy. bvar22 Dec 2013 #3
Where have all the Edward "Old News" Snowden posters gone? WowSeriously Dec 2013 #4
Please stop elias7 Dec 2013 #6
No, I won't be silenced. WowSeriously Dec 2013 #8
I get that elias7 Dec 2013 #10
I concede that it is a baiting tactic. WowSeriously Dec 2013 #11
K&R. nt OnyxCollie Dec 2013 #5
K&R. (nt) Kurovski Dec 2013 #7
K&R Thank you, Edward Snowden. woo me with science Dec 2013 #9
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Dec 2013 #12

bvar22

(39,909 posts)
3. DURec for the Whistle Blowers.... They are the Protectors of our Democracy.
Mon Dec 23, 2013, 06:58 PM
Dec 2013

Rampant Government Secrecy and Democracy can not co-exist.

Persecution of Whistle Blowers and Democracy can not co-exist.






 

WowSeriously

(343 posts)
4. Where have all the Edward "Old News" Snowden posters gone?
Mon Dec 23, 2013, 07:40 PM
Dec 2013

They couldn't stop posting, now they can't post at all.

It's was perfectly ok to hold that position. But what is your position now?

elias7

(3,976 posts)
6. Please stop
Mon Dec 23, 2013, 10:45 PM
Dec 2013

I despise the "cue the this or that group in 3..2..1..." It is provocative and unnecessarily so, like starting an argument before there is even a disagreeing voice.

 

WowSeriously

(343 posts)
8. No, I won't be silenced.
Tue Dec 24, 2013, 02:54 AM
Dec 2013

There was a concerted effort to shutdown discussion about Snowden because it reflected poorly upon the President.

They had loud voices. Let them defend their position in light of the new evidence, or demonstrate that they can evolve their positions in light of new evidence.

Both approaches are perfectly valid.

elias7

(3,976 posts)
10. I get that
Thu Dec 26, 2013, 10:15 AM
Dec 2013

But for someone who is neutral or ambivalent on many contentious issues, I find this to be a baiting tactic.

No one is silencing you. No one is saying you can't express your opinion. And if you believe people were trying to shut down discussion about Snowden, I get your anger.

But I also feel that many on your side ascribed the defense of Obama at all cost argument to anyone who disagreed with you, which I believe was unfair.

On this particular issue of Snowden, I am in agreement with you. I say dump the entire contents and give some fuel to the public to make changes, because it sure ain't happening through our legislature.

 

WowSeriously

(343 posts)
11. I concede that it is a baiting tactic.
Thu Dec 26, 2013, 01:30 PM
Dec 2013

It just frustrates me when we don't tie the past to the present. It's kind of like when a news organization publishes the story on page one and retracts the story on page 17.

But I shall try to ammend my ways so as to start discussions rather than stop them.

Thanks!

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