He's more a machine than a man

At the request of my good friend Jon, I am writing a non-vacation related blog. He wants to know what I think about the current Edward Snowden situation. But before I get started, please understand that I am not looking for debate. I don't want to argue with you. I am doing this as a request. So... let's talk.

Snowden is essentially accused of espionage. So from what I have read, it sounds like he did exactly that. However, is this one of those times when the end justifies the means? I mean, this goes back to the security/privacy issue. Now of course the NSA says that everything they were doing was legit. Do you believe that? I don't. 

Now the fact that Snowden stole files, told the media, and then popped smoke out of the country probably shows that there are no questions about the validity of the charges. But should he be prosecuted? He told the NSA was spying on people in America. Is this news? Didn't we all know that? 

Snowden showed just how much the NSA does intrude into our lives. He did the right thing by showing the public illegal government activities. He did not go about it the right way. Should he have skipped the country? I don't know. Maybe so. Maybe not. It is pretty clear that the Obama Administration wants to crucify him. However, I am not surprised because the Obama Administration hates when anyone speak against them. 

I am all about privacy from the government, but there has to be a give and take. The lines are so blurry for me on this, because privacy and security are important to me. There cannot just be completely free communication, due to security concerns. But don't people know every day they use technology someone could see what they're  throwing out there. It is the same idea as flying on a commercial airline. When I choose to fly, I know that I will be searched, scanned, and checked by the TSA. I am willing to deal with that for the convenience and speed of an airplane. People that get butthurt over being searched at the airport. They knew when they checked in at the counter they'd be going through security. I think these two are the same. 

So the big question from Jon is- is he a hero or a villain? I say he is just a guy who saw the U.S. government doing something illegal, and he spoke out against it. Does that make him a traitor? See I don't know about that... Because think about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, etc... Who were all called traitors by the English government. Well, that turned out pretty well for all of us, huh?

Snowden committed espionage, technically. But if he is extradited to the U.S. and prosecuted, when the hell are Obama and Holden going to be prosecuted? They are some of the biggest criminals in the U.S. right now.

In case you cant tell, I do not trust or like the Obama Administration. I mean, this is the same government who means to turn the U.S. into a gun free country. The same government who means to turn the U.S. into a socialist nation. If you don't agree, you are likely a liberal democrat. Even more likely a liberal democrat who doesn't think independently, but has undergone a lobotomy. Maybe not. But probably so. With that said, I do respect the views and opinions of others... Unless they aid in ruining my America. 

So, my vote for Snowden based on the known info so far: 

Guilty, but should not be prosecuted, therefore not a hero not a villain.