I read two important articles side by side in The New Yorker, one titled Why Edward Snowden is a Hero, by John Cassidy, the other by his colleague Jeffrey Toobin, titled Edward Snowden is not a Hero.
Both articles were very compelling in their arguments and perspectives in painting Edward Snowden in opposite lights.
I could see both sides, although I was beginning to feel more strength from the Why Edward Snowden is not a Hero camp.
One interesting side note to this discussion is to see how some extreme right and left wingers agree, either supporting or opposing what Snowden did. Snowdens act has catalyzed reactions that cross party lines. Though it is most likely that this was not his purpose, he has nonetheless united people across political parties.
At first I wasnt sure what the big surprise was. After all, the Patriot Act was supported and passed by both parties in Congress. We all knew that to some degree there was the post-9/11 reality in which access to peoples information was more prevalent. With the passing of the Patriot Act, a deal was essentially struck. To a degree, citizens gave up certain rights for the benefit of greater security.
Read related IJN editorial, “A great week for George Orwell’s estate“
Those who opposed the Patriot Act stood for retaining our civil liberties as they are, even if this posed a greater risk to our safety. Its the classic debate of freedom versus security
Of course, I understand the argument against promoting a police state, which fights terrorism by selling our civil rights down the drain. That is not a society or way of life worth fighting for, many will argue.
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