http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/01/edward-snowden-whistleblower-russia-exile
Edward Snowden demonstrated the vicious path that was taken by being a whistleblower. By now, everyone knows the story of him moving from country to country under political asylum. As important as his work has been to exposing the NSA of their extensive knowledge and spying on the US population, does his journey make it worth it to release information like he did? The article speaks on Snowden’s opinion of other people making the same choice as him. He said that he doesn’t view himself has having an unhappy ending. While it is easy to say that if someone had the information he did, that they should post it for the greater good, people still value their lives as individuals. How would you feel about giving up everything you’ve ever known to expose information about the government? Personally I back everything that Snowden did but I would not sacrifice myself and life to make it happen. Edward Snowden was the “lucky” one. Many other government whistleblowers never even made it to public view but rather where jailed immediately.
In the article, Snowden says that he is actually more fulfilled, connected, and effective with his work now. He is encouraging other people to come forth and that he should be the example of how it is possible to escape and live his life. The Obama administration is now suggesting that a plea deal could be possible with Snowden. Obama even said that Snowden’s case needed to be discussed even though he disagreed with his tactics. The government has still held firm with Edward because of the floodgates that would be open if they let him go. This ideology goes far back with governments. Publilu Syrus said in the first century BC, “Pardon one offense, and you encourage the commission of many.” Future leakers must be weary; Edward Snowden might be carving out a new path but is not necessarily setting a precedent. Until there is complete freedom for exposing wrongdoing by the government, there will always be a risk taken by the individual.
I also read the article you posted and I totally agree with your opinion. I think Snowden did the right thing for guarding the country and people’s freedom. He has revealed the existence and extent of the surveillance, the U.S government devotes electronic communications worldwide in a heroic effort at great personal cost. Although he betrayed state secrets and against the profession morality. He through that individuals can stand up for fundamental rights and freedoms. I thought it is necessary to protect our personal privacy, even we are not doing anything we need to hide, we still have to take care our privacy.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. You are right that if blow the whistle to the citizens who need to hear it, going through the right chains of command, they were held at gunpoint, computers confiscated, and worse. Snowden knew that so he went a different route. It is risky, but if more people did it, then maybe they would be taken more seriously. Thanks for the article.
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