Opinions about Edward Snowden and whistleblowers in general do not fall along traditional party lines and a debate at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday is a great example of the division. Representing one side, constitutional attorney Bruce Fein applauded Snowden’s actions, while Jim Gilmore, ex-governor of Virginia called him a “traitor”.
Fein received decent applause. Gilmore got a light applause but even more boos.Fein said Americans were outraged by Snowden’s revelations about the National Security Agency’s controversial metadata collection program, something the agency intended to keep “secret from the American people forever.” Fein portrayed Snowden as a sympathetic figure willing to break the law for the higher purpose of showing Americans what they’re government was doing to them.
Gilmore held up a New York Post from June featuring Snowden and Russian President Vladmir Putin featuring the headline “comrades,” and blasted the whistleblower as a “traitor,” a “coward” and someone who gives “aid and comfort” to America’s enemies.
Fein pointed out that the United States government had not charged Snowden with treason and that when Director of Intelligence James Clapper was asked by Congress if the NSA was spying on every American citizen, Wyden answered no. “In a democracy people have a right to know what their government is doing” said Fein, adding “The American people have forced changes… only because of Mr. Snowden’s revelations.”
What’s your opinion on Snowden? Do you believe he revealed NSA documents as he did in order to help the enemies of America? Or to throw the spotlight on the corruption within?
Constitutional Attorney Bruce Fein – Photo by Gage Skidmore
Source: Rare
Photo: Rare
Another debate on the same subject.
http://youtu.be/rY-jOqFYzy0
Hero
He is a patriot the ones who are traitors are in the White House!!!!
The real traitors are the ones who authorized and continue to enfrorce these unconstitutional laws
Honestly I am torn on this issue. When it first happened, there was no doubt in my mind, I considered him an outright traitor. But now I am seeing him and this whole issue in a new light. I dont like what he did…BUT after seeing so much outright greed, lies; corruption; duplicity, hypocrisy and just outright traitorous behavior in this administration, as well as the personal risk that he took upon himself in doing this, I Dante help but think that maybe I was wrong. I’m still struggling through this…but I think I am coming around from seeing him as a traitor to something totally opposite from that. Thoughts?
Patriot
Patriot
We need more ppl to come out with corruption issues against we the ppl
agreed
anyone that has the balls to inform the American people what the corrupt government is doing is a patriot. the elected officials are the traitors