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ProSense

(116,464 posts)
Thu Apr 17, 2014, 09:16 AM Apr 2014

Putin Tells NSA Leaker Snowden There’s No Mass Surveillance In Russia (updated) [View all]

Last edited Thu Apr 17, 2014, 12:09 PM - Edit history (1)

Putin Tells NSA Leaker Snowden There’s No Mass Surveillance In Russia

By Hayes Brown

Russian president Vladimir Putin had a surprise guest during his annual marathon press conference: former National Security Administration contractor, and distributor of millions of secret documents related to the spy agency’s programs, Edward Snowden.

“I’d like to ask you a question about mass surveillance of online communications and the bulk collection of private records by intelligence and law enforcement services,” Snowden began, appearing via pre-recorded question and speaking in English. The former contractor went on to cite recent decisions from the administration’s review panel and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that the NSA’s current systems of collection are overexpansive and can be pared down without impacting its effectiveness.

“I’ve seen little public discussion about Russia’s policies on mass surveillance,” he continued, “so I’d like to ask you: does Russia intercept, store, or analyze, in any way, the communications of millions of individuals? And do you believe that simply increasing the effectiveness of intelligence or law enforcement can justify placing societies, rather than subjects, under surveillance?”

Putin quickly latched onto the question once it was translated into Russian for him. “Mr. Snowden, you are a former agent — a spy — I used to be working for an intelligence service, we are going to talk one professional language,” Putin said, referring to his previous career in the KGB. When Russian special forces and other intelligence agencies collect information from phone calls or follow someone online, the Russian president said, court permission is needed to stalk a particular person. “We don’t have a mass system of such interception,” Putin said.

- more -

http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/04/17/3427770/putin-tells-nsa-leaker-snowden-theres-no-mass-surveillance-in-russia/


Updated to add:

The Snowden Effect, Continued

By Charles P. Pierce

This, dear boy, is a very bad move.

<...>

As it happens, I actually believe the U.S. capacity for surveillance probably is greater than that of Russia. (USA! USA!). But this "Our special services are strictly controlled by law" yadda-yadda is such hilariously arrant bullshit that Snowden ought to be embarrassed for helping to catapult it into the dialogue. If you're trying to convince people that you are a disinterested seeker of truth who happens to be in Moscow because of a variety of very strange circumstances -- The new Vanity Fair has a long piece on how Snowden came to be in Russia in which Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks people do not come off well at all -- and that you are not operating too closely with the current Russian regime, having Vladimir Putin get publicly chummy with you, spy-to-spy, is really not the way to make your case.

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/edward-snowden-putin-041714


166 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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And Snowden responded, "Thanks, Dad. You're swell!" randome Apr 2014 #1
I used to support Snowden, but now... Polito Vega Apr 2014 #7
I clearly didn't intend to win hearts and influence minds with that post. randome Apr 2014 #9
Just so sad. So very sad. nt kelliekat44 Apr 2014 #115
Russia's surveillance state Benton D Struckcheon Apr 2014 #2
"I will name you Edward." randome Apr 2014 #3
lol treestar Apr 2014 #4
That is too hilarious! Like Bill Maher said, everytime Snowden opens his damn mouth, he says..... Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #28
Maher said "fucking stupid".. Eddie sets it up and Putin knocks it outta the Cha Apr 2014 #121
I stand corrected. "Fucking stupid" it is. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #125
LOLZZZZZZ JaneyVee Apr 2014 #5
Nice To Have A Hearty Laugh To Go With My Morning Coffee, Ma'am The Magistrate Apr 2014 #6
ha ha ha Enrique Apr 2014 #8
Of course, ProSense Apr 2014 #11
BTW, phone call conversations was passed to the US on the Boston Bombers and Thinkingabout Apr 2014 #13
Could you be any more of a joke at this point? Are you... Logical Apr 2014 #31
Actually, it appears you're the one practicing to be "joke." n/t ProSense Apr 2014 #34
Answer the question! Nt Logical Apr 2014 #35
3-4 keep your disruptive post. joshcryer Apr 2014 #143
I'm not even sure how that SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #67
Bizarre leap, indeed. Bobbie Jo Apr 2014 #89
It just doesn't make any SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #119
What the poster refuses to acknowledge is the prevailing opinion of the American people is expressed Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #112
Sitting down with Putin SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #135
"Pumping up Russia over his own country". Snowden may turn out to be the best... Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #136
Yes I have noticed that SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #138
Well, I think everyone's waiting for the launch of GG's new media venture. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #139
Not necessarily. joshcryer Apr 2014 #147
It's logical! joshcryer Apr 2014 #146
Where has ProSense said NSA has done nothing wrong? joshcryer Apr 2014 #145
Charlie Pierce: "This, dear boy, is a very bad move." nt Cha Apr 2014 #131
Oh dear flamingdem Apr 2014 #161
NSA domestic spying is a big problem. Marr Apr 2014 #10
And what domestic spying is the NSA engaged in? randome Apr 2014 #14
NSA spies on Congress, for starters. Octafish Apr 2014 #22
Blackmailing 535 congressional representatives? I don't think so. randome Apr 2014 #23
Doesn't have to be everyone. Take what NSA did to Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho) Octafish Apr 2014 #158
Somehow I think that might be a good idea... Historic NY Apr 2014 #126
True about the assholes. Wrong about spying: They are the People's representatives. Octafish Apr 2014 #159
So you have no trouble with anything the NSA is doing? nt Logical Apr 2014 #33
I don't really care about international spying. Couldn't care less about the metadata stuff. randome Apr 2014 #68
Yea, right, Russia has never spied on anyone. So, Putin was answering a question Thinkingabout Apr 2014 #12
I guess wikipedia is blocked over there. Maybe they think it will give you the Eurogay or something arely staircase Apr 2014 #15
lol & smh. bunnies Apr 2014 #21
We know Putin's lying his ass off but here it is in Black and White. The Putin and Snowden show.. Cha Apr 2014 #132
LOL! Has Fast Eddie taken up stand up comedy? Whisp Apr 2014 #16
Comrade Eddie!!!! I guess I called that correctly. nt msanthrope Apr 2014 #17
And notice how Putin called him a 'spy'. randome Apr 2014 #19
Yes...called him a spy, treated him like a colleague. nt msanthrope Apr 2014 #50
Did you see the other thread that says that Snowden is NOT a Russian spy despite the fact that Putin Number23 Apr 2014 #141
Snowden worked as an NSA contractor. Union Scribe Apr 2014 #151
It was a love-fest.. Cha Apr 2014 #137
Well, they are having trouble keeping up due to lack of beta tapes snooper2 Apr 2014 #18
It takes a soft voice and dewey eyes! randome Apr 2014 #24
!!! Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #47
Maybe a "pole dancing" friend or two! VanillaRhapsody Apr 2014 #76
R#6&K he should have asked if there is Ruskie Selective Service drafting forhis age group forUkraine UTUSN Apr 2014 #20
Mr. Snowden, I have never slit anyones throa.......... NCTraveler Apr 2014 #25
At least there is one person in Russia willing to call out AgingAmerican Apr 2014 #26
Who's that? Certainly not the hypocrite Snowden. Ohio4theWin Apr 2014 #39
lol AgingAmerican Apr 2014 #40
No, he chose Russia and is hypocrite for doing so. Ohio4theWin Apr 2014 #44
You just don't recognize a true American hero AgingAmerican Apr 2014 #45
???!!!??? Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #51
You believe Snowden called out Putin today, perhaps it is you that does recognize what is going on? Ohio4theWin Apr 2014 #61
I agree.. Snowden's no "hero" .. he's America's enemy.. Cha Apr 2014 #130
Eddie's clown shoes are getting bigger and shinier. n/t Whisp Apr 2014 #27
LOL! Greenwald: ProSense Apr 2014 #29
"Greenwald!" AgingAmerican Apr 2014 #41
LOL! ProSense Apr 2014 #42
Greenwald's a Snowdenbot BenzoDia Apr 2014 #95
I assume this is why Edward Snowden's favorability continues to erode in this country. He's about.. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #30
Bullseye! Cha Apr 2014 #129
It'd be funny if it weren't true. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #133
I know Tarheel.. sad but true.. :( .. Cha Apr 2014 #134
Eroding favorability, you say??! Pshaw! Not among the DU faithful! Number23 Apr 2014 #142
They'll only come around when some crack reporter uncovers the truth about Comrade's covert.... Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #160
And now Snowden is unmasked for the Putin tool that he is. nt stevenleser Apr 2014 #32
Daily Kos ProSense Apr 2014 #36
I particularly liked how Putin referenced his KGB past. yellowcanine Apr 2014 #37
To be honest this whole charade is turning into a carnival. Hutzpa Apr 2014 #38
"Leave Snowden Alone!!"... SidDithers Apr 2014 #43
You sure do spend a lot of time trying to discredit a guy... Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #46
Snowden is doing all that himself...whose bright idea was for him to show up at this circus??? nt msanthrope Apr 2014 #48
I had nothing to do with staging this Putin propaganda event. ProSense Apr 2014 #49
I see you only focus on two things on this site. Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #53
I see you only "focus" on me. ProSense Apr 2014 #55
There's supporting, Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #57
Oh, ProSense Apr 2014 #60
I would actually like to see you discuss the NSA domestic spying. Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #62
Leave Snowden alone!!! ProSense Apr 2014 #63
Wow. Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #65
people can discuss both arely staircase Apr 2014 #101
Sure, it's possible. Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #102
That's hilarious ProSense Apr 2014 #104
*cough* Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #105
The OP is "about Snowden" ProSense Apr 2014 #106
Maybe instead of attacking an irrelevant person every chance you can get... Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #107
Here's an idea ProSense Apr 2014 #109
you are the person in this thread trying to change the subject of the op arely staircase Apr 2014 #108
They sure can, and your statement is borne out in American public opinion. They don't like secret.. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #113
"Hmmmm..." indeed. tridim Apr 2014 #82
I have nothing to tell you. Vashta Nerada Apr 2014 #85
oh noes.. obama propaganda!! dionysus Apr 2014 #166
I totally Agree ProSense. gholtron Apr 2014 #66
False: Highlighting Snowdens overt stupidity doesn't take a lot of time.. uponit7771 Apr 2014 #52
I can't wait til it comes to light that Snowden didn't wind up in Russia by accident. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #54
Wow, I think even the Putin/Snowden apologist crowd will have a hard time tritsofme Apr 2014 #56
nah nt arely staircase Apr 2014 #58
What in the hell did I just read? Cali_Democrat Apr 2014 #59
Snowden is beyond pathetic... Spazito Apr 2014 #64
And those weren't Russian troops massed at the border WhiteTara Apr 2014 #69
K&R! Prosense do you have SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #70
No, I don't. Will try to find. n/t ProSense Apr 2014 #73
Thank you nt SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #75
it's here ProSense steve2470 Apr 2014 #77
Thanks. n/t ProSense Apr 2014 #81
Thank you steve :) SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #118
Snowden has never been a "disinterested seeker of the truth" BeyondGeography Apr 2014 #71
Putin's having some fun playing with his new pet! How embarrassing for Snowden Skraxx Apr 2014 #72
I'm speechless Blue_Tires Apr 2014 #74
Putin said essentially the same thing that Obama and the NSA said. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #78
Kindly cite where POTUS agreed Comrade Eddie was a "spy." msanthrope Apr 2014 #79
I was referring to the the denial that Russia performed Mass Intelligence gatherering. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #83
Aha! BenzoDia Apr 2014 #94
Which, like I said, ProSense Apr 2014 #80
And, the difference between Snowden and reporters who ask the same questions Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #84
Well, ProSense Apr 2014 #86
And, you "know" it wasn't voluntary. How? Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #87
LOL! ProSense Apr 2014 #88
No, I don't. No more than I know that Jim Acosta or Major Garrett are Obama's "tools". Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #90
That makes no sense. n/t ProSense Apr 2014 #91
Makes no sense? Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #92
No, ProSense Apr 2014 #93
Obama denied (or, if you prefer rationalized) the mass surveillance carried out by the NSA. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #96
This ProSense Apr 2014 #98
Do you believe that the NSA doesn't engage in mass surveillance? Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2014 #99
Snowden made a big-ass fool of himself by playing Putin's fool. ProSense Apr 2014 #100
!!! Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #103
"I also believe that the new KGB does" SunsetDreams Apr 2014 #120
God! If it was voluntary that makes him even more of a tool. nt brush Apr 2014 #110
Just spit out my diet Pepsi. nt clarice Apr 2014 #97
The russian government is his protector; he had to do it; rumdude Apr 2014 #111
The sad part is, you probably believe that. Tarheel_Dem Apr 2014 #114
Wonder who among the President's detractors will applaud the "thruthiness" of Putin? nt kelliekat44 Apr 2014 #116
There is no mass surveillance in Russia..... AverageJoe90 Apr 2014 #117
Ed finally blew it.. Snowden Quote When he First Came to Russia.. Cha Apr 2014 #122
He's Putin's tool and ProSense Apr 2014 #123
And, he's America's enemy.. Cha Apr 2014 #124
Gannon enid602 Apr 2014 #127
I don't understand the update article. stone space Apr 2014 #128
Propaganda Calista241 Apr 2014 #140
Was it a bullshit question when it was asked of Clapper? (nt) stone space Apr 2014 #157
Probably... Calista241 Apr 2014 #162
I'm sure it was just a random thing, like Snowden showing up in Hong Kong and Moscow. ucrdem Apr 2014 #144
Hong Kong was planned. joshcryer Apr 2014 #148
Snowden might not be planning his moves, but someone is. ucrdem Apr 2014 #149
Unquestionably. joshcryer Apr 2014 #153
I think I'd agree with that. ucrdem Apr 2014 #154
watching video of this is sad and embarrassing JI7 Apr 2014 #150
ODS is a strange taskmaster. ucrdem Apr 2014 #152
It's relentless! Cha Apr 2014 #165
Kick...nt SidDithers Apr 2014 #155
No, just brutal oppression, starvation, jailing of political opponents Arkana Apr 2014 #156
Damn... DonViejo Apr 2014 #163
Thanks for pointing that out, Don. Yeah, I would say Putin has the framing down.. Cha Apr 2014 #164
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