However, given what we know about the current state of the things you list in your last paragraph, it would be incredibly naive to expect the Rule of Law to be

However, given what we know about the current state of the things you list in your last paragraph, it would be incredibly naive to expect the Rule of Law to be upheld in the case of Snowden (and most likely also Assange). Also, I'm no American, but doesn't your president have some leeway in deciding who his administration will go after and who walks free? For instance, I'm sure they would go after any intelligence agent that lies to congress under oath. Haaaaaaaaclapper! Gesundheit. Thank You.