3 ms·
Here's the ironic thing: If Snowden had done the more courageous thing and stayed in his country and released this data he'd be viewed as much more of a hero an
by jusben1369 13y ago
Here's the ironic thing: If Snowden had done the more courageous thing and stayed in his country and released this data he'd be viewed as much more of a hero and would make it 10 times harder to prosecute him. To me that's the difference between a true patriot vs someone who wants all the glory but none of the consequences of their actions.
- peterkelly 13y agoWe saw with the treatment of Bradley Manning that it is very unlikely Snowden would have been treated well. Yes, there is merit in the argument that being willing to go to jail for your beliefs improves your moral standing. But there's also the argument that Snowden could do more good as a free man who (when he arrives somewhere safe) is able to speak freely about the issues and participate in the public discussion, which he would be unable to do from jail. I don't really see any upside, for him or the public, to him being locked away.
- tking8924 13y agoJust personal speculation, but I think that his remaining "on the run" has extended the discussion over the actual issues. Of course there has been a lot of focus put on 'Where Snowden will go' and 'What options does he really have' but even events such as the forced landing of the Bolivian president's plane have added to the spying discussion. Honestly I think if Snowden had remained in the US and been arrested, there wouldn't have been enough "intrigue" for the media to continue running the NSA story at all.
- apalmer 13y agoIf snowden stayed in the country he would be locked in solitary, and wouldnt even have a trial scheduled for 2 to 3 years. And his trial would have been 'classified' and the public would have no knowledge of the precedings.