Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 6 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
OpEdNews Op Eds    H3'ed 6/2/14

Snowden, Modern Day Patriot

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   No comments
Message Dale Schlundt
Become a Fan
  (2 fans)
Snowden 8, SXSW, Austin, TX
Snowden 8, SXSW, Austin, TX
(Image by gruntzooki)
  Details   DMCA

As the Edward Snowden interview with Brian Williams concluded, Snowden stated that he is comfortable with his actions of divulging the NSA's information gathering program. After watching the interview, my thoughts were much the same, which is content, with Snowden's actions. Although, I was previously supportive of the former intelligence employee's actions, I had not expected such an eloquent defense and more important argument for the welfare of the U.S. to be put forth. To not heed his word of demanding accountability and transparency of our government officials in programs mentioned, may prove to be a mistake. My vote between traitor or patriot, is patriot.

There has been much focus on the idea that Snowden has put American security at risk, making readily available information to our enemies and potential enemies. However, the issue lies in defining the identity of these so call enemies. In other words, the premise of Snowden's course of actions was to make known, that perhaps the overseas foe is not as great of a threat, as the domestic one. Perhaps it is not a terrorist lurking in your back yard, but your own government.

As Brian Williams points out in his initial questioning, if we are doing no wrong, then what disadvantage is it to us to have our government invade our privacy, at least in terms of lives through technology? I could not agree more with Snowden in this regard, as he refers to a "security state", one where security takes priority over freedom. Yet, the fundamental issue, as my wife and I debated without coming to a consensus following the interview, is that this sets a precedent. The idea that I have nothing to hide, there I lose nothing in allowing this, misses the bigger question. If we allow this, what liberty is allowed to be taken next?

I argue in my article, "Radicalism Can Promote Change" for the Express News, Thomas Jefferson states, 'When people fear the government, there is tyranny. When governments fear the people, there is liberty.' The question of Snowden's appropriate judgment or sentence arose, in the event that he returns to the U.S. For the purposes of this piece it is irrelevant, yet brings to light a great question. Is what Edward Snowden did illegal or for that matter ethical? It's a great question that I will answer with the following. As I point out to my students, the American Revolution, was illegal.

Must Read 1   Well Said 1   Valuable 1  
Rate It | View Ratings

Dale Schlundt Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Dale Schlundt holds a Master's Degree in Adult Education with a concentration in American History from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently an Adjunct Professor for Palo Alto College. Dale's new book Education Decoded (A (more...)
 
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Re-thinking Military Involvement in the Middle East

Snowden, Modern Day Patriot

The Abandoned American Indian of the U.S.

The Need to Teach Students How to Practice Active Listening

History Teaches Students How To Be Vigilant in the 21st Century

How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER?

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend