will snowden be like ellsberg

[eissa]

6. No comparison

Ellsberg (like Manning) revealed abuses committed during war time. In Ellsberg's case, his publishing of the Pentagon Papers helped bring an end to a pointless war, thus saving thousands of lives. Snowden is a libertarian who doesn't want the government involved in anything, including national security. He didn't reveal anything illegal, or even anything we didn't already know. The government tracks communications and looks for patterns of possible nefarious conduct that could threaten security. It's not eavesdropping on your fascinating conversation with Aunt Edith about last night's episode of the Real Housewives.