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I significantly doubt the premise of this article is true. If you read into Snowden's background, the job at Booz Allen was quite a lucky gig for him. Having no

by readme 13y ago

I significantly doubt the premise of this article is true. If you read into Snowden's background, the job at Booz Allen was quite a lucky gig for him. Having no formal education, to include a high school degree, he managed to climb his way to a 6 figure salary at a big firm, anyway, nonetheless, a defense contractor. Sorry, but I don't buy it. It seems much more likely that he really needed the job and was fortunate to have it, but felt guilty about what he saw there, or just got pissed off and decided to leak.

mpyne 13y ago
Not only do I not doubt it, but the premise has been my own assumption every since I figured out how short of a time Snowden actually worked at NSA. As a guy with a clearance and prior intel community experience he was never likely to be in much danger of remaining unemployed unless he wished to be. As it stands it smells of a digital "grab and dash".
- discostrings 13y ago
  He worked at NSA since 2009--just not through Booz Allen. I imagine he saw things that struck his conscience in his previous roles, and he took the latest position at Booz to gather hard evidence.
moskie 13y ago
But what about these direct quotes from him: > "My position with Booz Allen Hamilton granted me access to lists of machines all over the world the NSA hacked,” he told the Post on June 12. “That is why I accepted that position about three months ago.” And also: > Asked if he specifically went to Booz Allen Hamilton to gather evidence of surveillance, he replied: “Correct on Booz.”
- bas 13y ago
  Precisely. How is this not espionage?
  - readme 13y ago
    What he did was definitely espionage whether it was opportunistic or not. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism, though.
- readme 13y ago
  Two things: 1. Snowden is capable of lying. 2. The media is capable of misrepresenting his quotes. I simply don't believe them or (him if applicable)

by readme 13y ago

mpyne 13y ago

Not only do I not doubt it, but the premise has been my own assumption every since I figured out how short of a time Snowden actually worked at NSA. As a guy with a clearance and prior intel community experience he was never likely to be in much danger of remaining unemployed unless he wished to be. As it stands it smells of a digital "grab and dash".

discostrings 13y ago
He worked at NSA since 2009--just not through Booz Allen. I imagine he saw things that struck his conscience in his previous roles, and he took the latest position at Booz to gather hard evidence.

moskie 13y ago

But what about these direct quotes from him: > "My position with Booz Allen Hamilton granted me access to lists of machines all over the world the NSA hacked,” he told the Post on June 12. “That is why I accepted that position about three months ago.” And also: > Asked if he specifically went to Booz Allen Hamilton to gather evidence of surveillance, he replied: “Correct on Booz.”

bas 13y ago
Precisely. How is this not espionage?
- readme 13y ago
  What he did was definitely espionage whether it was opportunistic or not. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism, though.
readme 13y ago
Two things: 1. Snowden is capable of lying. 2. The media is capable of misrepresenting his quotes. I simply don't believe them or (him if applicable)