The Framing of Assange

[Belsnickel]

(10-20-2016, 09:20 AM)xxlt Wrote: So, can you just clarify your personal take on Snowden a bit? Are you saying you are OK with him exposing illegal government activities when they violate the rights of U.S. citizens, but not when they violate the rights of foreign countries? Or are you saying you that you don't want your government doing illegal things but you also oppose anyone who exposes the government; when the government is ready to admit transgressions it will do so? Or are you saying you are OK with a government that does whatever if wants, the rights of U.S. citizens and foreigners be damned?

I'm not SSF, but I want to address this because I am someone that does not think Snowden should be pardoned. Had Snowden operated domestically and contacted someone he trusted in the government or a news agency (even if he only trusted a foreign based one) to provide information to show the violation of rights, I would consider him a whistleblower and would not consider him. But when any information is given to another nation state, that's a crossing of the line.

This is a very simplified version of it all because the type of information would also be a concern and that's something that would be beyond my knowledge on the subject, but my most important focus is on to whom the information is given. The second is intent, and I personally don't think Snowden actually had noble intentions. I think that is something the public have placed on him as a mantle and he has worn it in an effort to garner sympathy, but that wasn't his intent.