As an American, I obviously have a less positive view of Snowden’s actions. Without diving deeply into the right or wrong of whistleblowing, I do want to examine one particular bit of his behavior.

In the past, civil disobedience has generally been coupled with an acceptance of the consequences. Boycotting an event or a service means that you just live without the exposure or benefits that come with your presence. Participating in an unlawful protest means that you’re comfortable being arrested to draw attention to the issue. In the most extreme example, martyrdom (be it Tibetan self-immolation or western-Asian suicide bombing) means you’re willing to die for your beliefs.

Compare with these general examples Snowden’s specific actions. He could have blown the whistle and gone to prison, knowing that the information would still be disseminated and that the public would be on his side as he awaited trial. The notion is that the principles are more important than your own personal benefit, because that’s why you speak up. Instead, he metaphorically flung a pile of documents into the air and then ran away to hide, as if the consequences didn’t apply to him. That implies that he thinks the show is about him, and not about the issues he is addressing. For half of America, the story isn’t that the government spies on people (which frankly, we already knew) but that this kid does not have the courage of his convictions. For all of the legitimate grievances that have been aired, I see the messenger as a narcissistic and arguably unreliable representative of them.

This will blow over. Nobody is paying attention to Bobby Fischer or Chen Guangcheng or any number of people who have run away from their governments claiming corruption and injustice. Snowden, when the spotlight turns from him, may need to discover that you can’t change a system of government from the outside.

First, it’s interesting that it’s ‘obvious’ you’d have a less positive view of Snowden’s actions. Based on what I read on sites within my usual sphere it seems like it’s the whole world vs America’s government. I had assumed that the only people against Snowden were USgov and old men. THanks for shaking that up a little. =)

Years ago, when I thought America still stood strong for justice and due process I would have been much less likely to approve of Snowden’s flight. Now, however, with ‘hackers’ and leakers and Manning and Mitnick being convicted and jailed for many years without charges, never mind a trial, I’d be pretty tempted to leak and flee too.

I can no longer view the system as trustworthy. Consider where he has fled to, places like Russia and China as safer havens than America? It’s only one man’s opinion, but wow.

I hope it does blow over for Snowden, like it has for others. I also hope America gets its shit together, and starts thinking long term. I hope they stop freaking out every time someone uses a computer without getting permission first. I hope people selling security snake-oil and military toys stop hyping minor threats. I hope America stops fearing the educated, and starts accepting again the idea that freedom comes with risks.

But I don’t expect any of these things to happen soon.

Also, as an update, how about that presidential Bolivian flight, eh? The US suspects Snowden is on board, and commands their flunkies France, Portugal and Spain to deny permission to fly over these countries, forcing them to land in Austria.

No matter what Snowden did, it’s America that looks bad here. Every minute and every day.

Olympus Has Fallen