NYT editorial: Snowden's "fears do not qualify him for asylum"

[snappyturtle]

55. I see it this way: putting that lone sentence out there without the

explanatory text around it makes Snowden's idealogies look aligned, e.g., with
Russia. It becomes a smear against his judgement. Snowden is simply giving
the countries mentioned credit in this instance of offerring support and asylum
in light of the pressures of the powerful (U.S.) over the powerless (himself).

Yet even in the face of this historically disproportionate aggression, countries around the world have offered support and asylum. These nations, including Russia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador have my gratitude and respect for being the first to stand against human rights violations carried out by the powerful rather than the powerless. By refusing to compromise their principles in the face of intimidation, they have earned the respect of the world. It is my intention to travel to each of these countries to extend my personal thanks to their people and leaders