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opethPA
The problem is for those that have never had a clearance or worked in the defense/intelligence community, Snowden seems like nothing more than a hero.
opethPA
I'm not here to argue if it's justified that he did those things because the Govt does them. That's not the point for me. When you get your clearance you know what you are signing up for.
phinubian
Let me ask one question, have you been a federal employee or contractor that has held a clearance, if so would you do this ? if not and you have never entered into or seen a non disclosure, been briefed or debriefed by a security officer which re-iterates and emphasizes the penalties for divulging any classified information, it is easy to keep going on and on like you have as though what Edward Snowden did was correct and he should not face any punishment.
Snowden made himself judge, jury and executioner by his stupid actions and then seeks sympathy for this irresponsible and treasonous act, the world is not America's court by default for matters affecting it's citizens and they should not have been involved in this by Edward Snowden especially by going to Russia, a country that has probably exceeded the U.S. or any other country with some of the very grievances he brings to bear, that made zero sense and if he were reasonably intelligent, Russia would have been the last place he would have gone if he really believed in what he was trying to expose as wrong in his eyes.
Panic2k11
reply to post by SloAnPainful
I'm not a defender of death penalty for any crime ever, it is just too easy to use it to silence people and keep errors mum. But I would go along with some form of physical punishment and extreme social shame for those that work against national (not governmental) interests...edit on 18-12-2013 by Panic2k11 because: (no reason given)
Xcathdra
I have no problem with that stance, provided government officials are in the same line to the gallows. While I don't agree with the manner in which Snowden released the information, im willing to overlook that simply because the info he released about the NSA has exposed serious legal / constitutional issues / violations.
GrdcgvdhjM
edit on 12/20/2013 by tothetenthpower because: (no reason given)
bigfatfurrytexan
So then the question is....why is nothing done?
The latest is that the telecom companies should possibly hold onto the data for the NSA, rather than the NSA holding it. As if that makes any difference. Well, other than how insecure the data would be with the telecoms vs the separate network of the NSA.
The problem is for those that have never had a clearance or worked in the defense/intelligence community, Snowden seems like nothing more than a hero.
To those that have done both of those things he has broken multiple rules, laws, regulations and the contract he agreed to when choosing that career in life.
I'm not here to argue if it's justified that he did those things because the Govt does them. That's not the point for me. When you get your clearance you know what you are signing up for.
jimmyx
maybe this is something that all of us here on ATS should not comment on. the serious nature of what has happened cannot be overstated. I am quite confident that none of us here know the full extent of what is being played out at this time. commenting in a public forum is not productive or informative due to possible misinformation and/or manipulation. just because you have the ability to speak, doesn't necessarily mean you have to.
I can no longer see any solution but a complete overthrow of government as Jefferson recommended, peaceful and nonviolent if possible. Only this time we do not set up some Other form since all governments are intrinsically evil. Google "The Anatomy of The State" by Murray N. Rothbard to understand how NO governments work without oppression.