Edward Snowden made a calm, compelling case for clemency last night. He's a patriot.

[olegramps]

89. That's a bit of a stretch.

I would have much greater admiration for him if he was convinced that their activities were illegal and he choose to have stayed in the United States and made his appeal directly to the people.

I can not fathom how he has advanced his patriotism by revealing the contents of classified material to a number of foreign governments who have demonstrated animosity toward the United States. I held Top Secret clearance and I can not understand how someone can justify revealing information that could possibly harm my fellow citizens after taking a solemn oath not to do so.

If I thought that certain activities were illegal I would have discussed this with my superiors and if they failed to act I would contact, on a strictly confidential basis, our elected representatives who are sworn to uphold the Constitution to take the appropriate action. Going public would be the last and most desperate choice.