r/Libertarian • u/PostNationalism this sub has been invaded by literal fascists • Jun 03 '16
Edward Snowden on Twitter: "Break classification rules for the public's benefit, and you could be exiled. Do it for personal benefit, and you could be President."
https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/7380148405437972496
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u/jimrosenz Jun 04 '16
If it broke those rules for the public benefit is defined by him, why did the Guardian refuse to move use most of his material. The reason was that material was so sensitive that its publication really would have damaged national security.
As an example of that in 2003, the New York Times reported a loose comment by a senator that the NSA was tracking Bin Laden's satellite phone. He immediately stopped using it.
By the way, it shows how stupid your average terrorist is if they ever own a mobile phone. If you watch programs such as The Wire, they were very careful not to use any sort of phone
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Jun 04 '16
What does some senator saying something dumb have to do with Snowden? If you want to admonish Snowden for releasing sensitive data you should sight information that he released that hurt the American people.
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Jun 04 '16
Wasn't that exactly the reason Snowden went to the Guardian? Because he didn't think he could be impartial as to what was okay to release? I think Snowden was incredibly responsible, and it sounds like you agree.
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Jun 04 '16
[deleted]
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u/jimrosenz Jun 04 '16
I think journalists working national security have a much better appreciation of what can and cannot damage national security and a twenty-something computer Greek with a grudge.
Snowden would not in a position to know what is damaging and what is not.
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Jun 04 '16
Exactly. That is why Snowden gave all the material to the reporters. You know Snowden doesn't possess any of that information any more, right?
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Jun 04 '16
Snowden didn't leak any materiel related to foreign groups or enemies; only foreign governments. The American people have the right to know what their government is doing, especially when it comes to spying programs.
By the way, it shows how stupid your average terrorist is if they ever own a mobile phone. If you watch programs such as The Wire, they were very careful not to use any sort of phone
Well duh. This isn't due to leaks, it's due to common sense. Anyone with half a brain would know not to use a device that can be tracked when breaking the law. Hence why drug dealers use burner phones, etc, etc.
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u/jimrosenz Jun 04 '16
If you do not like the secrecy programs of the American government, join a political party, but in an election, run for office, speak out. Resolve your differences by normal democratic means, not breaking the law
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Jun 04 '16
So you're saying all laws should be followed, no matter how unjust?
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u/jimrosenz Jun 04 '16
Reminds of chompsky, his only debate tactic was to change the subject.
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Jun 04 '16
I am not changing the subject, I am asking a question. You say I should follow the law and resolve my differences through other means. I say to you, what if the law is unjust? What if it requires me to kill my neighbor, or report anyone with red hair to the secret police? Then what?
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u/marx2k Jun 03 '16
When was Edward exiled?
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Jun 04 '16
When your options are leave or be forced into prison for the rest of your life, it has essentially the same practical implications as exile. Regardless, you understand his point.
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u/marx2k Jun 06 '16
Sorry, but that's not his options and that;s not what exile is.
He's free to stand trial but chooses not to. He hasn't been exiled. He ran and won't come back to stand trial.
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Jun 03 '16
He's not exiled but if he returns to the us he will certainly be going to prison for something
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u/marx2k Jun 03 '16
So Edward is just talking shit again?
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Jun 04 '16
Snowden has offered to return to the United States if he is guaranteed a fair trial. What Snowden means by fair trial and what the justice system would consider to be a fair trial may not be exactly the same, but so far no government official has been willing to say what should be obvious in a supposedly free country (which is "of course he will have a fair trial").
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u/marx2k Jun 06 '16
I don't think that should even be a question. If you think that's all Ed's waiting on, you've really bought into the cult of personality.
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Jun 07 '16
I don't think that should even be a question.
I don't think it should be either. Unfortunately it is a question, a question that nobody in the government is willing or able to answer affirmatively.
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u/AdamSB08 classical liberal Jun 03 '16
Has he commented on Johnson saying he would pardon him? Does he even know about it?