4 ms·

There is no evidence that it caused any harm though. Can you explain why you feel that way or show some evidence?

• piptastic 10y ago
  That's not really a valid reason to not prosecute people though. If I run a red light and no one happened to be going through the intersection besides me, should I still not be ticketed?
  • serg_chernata 10y ago
    Agreed, though as a counter point to OP I would propose that if Snowden only revealed information about our international operations then he should have been prosecuted. However, his act was twofold. Arguably 50% heroic and 50% of betrayal. There is no good to your running of a red light. This is not a proper comparison.
    • EdHominem 10y ago
      That's not your, or Snowden's worry. The law doesn't say you have to reveal criminal activity - only IF you feel it's a benefit overall. If the organization had real internal controls, or was under the control of government at all, Snowden could have used those channels and could have been expected to. But as soon as he fears they won't work he must do whatever he can. The obligation to blow the whistle doesn't end when it's hard, or when your friends get hurt.
  • Zigurd 10y ago
    It is a good reason to deemphasize such prosecutions. Federal prosecutions are expensive and take resources away from cases where material damage is involved. It's not like writing a traffic ticket.