General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I am getting the odd sense that some don't like Snowden because he made the establishment look bad [View all]ProSense
(116,464 posts)Snowden planned to commit this crime for a specific reason. He fled for a specific reason.
He intentionally planned to steal the information, making the decision even before he had access to the information. He then stole it and misrepresented the program and other details via Glenn Greenwald.
The entire Snowden incident has become an international tug of war by design. Snowden left the country intentionally to shift the focus. The goal was never a debate about the NSA. Snowden and Greenwald's goal was to embarrass the United States and the President and create an international incident.
Fleeing to Hong Kong didn't help his case: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023162351
NYT editor's blog: Snowdens Questionable New Turn
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023034825
What Kind Of Coward Is Edward Snowden?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023169023
If he gets asylum, he'll live his life hiding. If he returns to this country, he will be prosecuted.