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In reply to the discussion: Lawrence O'Donnell: Edward Snowden's Christmas Message Was 'Wildly Overblown,' 'Provably Untrue' [View all]JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)trust?
That of O'Donnell who apparently read the reports in the news and maybe a few of the FISA court's orders, Vanity Fair and maybe talked to a few NSA or administration spokespeople or that of Snowden who actually worked in a sensitive position in the programs and learned first-hand at a desk plugged into the NSA's systems what was going on?
I think I'll go for Snowden. Yes. He has an imagination. That doesn't make what he says untrue. It doesn't even suggest he is exaggerating. Snowden has watched the CIA and NSA computer use expand, grow, become much more intrusive, and he knows where it is headed. I trust Snowden's opinion, his appraisal of the current reach and potential reach of the NSA's programs. I trust his opinion and view on this more than I trust Obama's. Snowden had a front seat. None of the others sharing their opinions do or did.
I think that O'Donnell and those who agree with him are just indulging in wishful thinking.