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We know Snowden has forced a discussion of a part of the US government that even Congressman cannot audit. We spend more on these 'secret' budget items than other countries spend on their entire military. And we know this 'secret' government is taking liberties that threatens foundations of a democracy.
Whether Snowden is a scoundrel or a hero has yet to be determined. Because we still do not know how 'out of control' this part of our government is. And because we have not yet defined what is legal and illegal. Years from now, when that decision is made, only then can we define Snowden's actions.
Calling him a rat because he ran is a cheapshot that ignores what is more important.
We know George Jr had a memo on his desk warning of bin Laden's actions involving planes or buildings. We had sufficient intelligence. "All lights were flashing red." Instead of blaming the problem, we gave the 'secret' government unrestricted access. We are now living with that legacy based in the Cheney's paranoia.
We must decide how excessive this 'secret' government has become. Limits currently are not defined. Boundary lines only exist on paper. We are discussing this only because of Snowden's actions. Snowden really is not the story. The story is about excessive government actions and the legacies of Mission Accomplished.
Pentagon papers were not about Ellsberg. They were also about a government that had become wacko extremist so as to not think or act rationally. In that case, we massacred 50,000 Americans to no useful purpose. Snowden is about a spy system without limits that has not yet caused wars and unnecessary deaths. WikiLeaks were saying same.
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