Snowden signed a non-disclosure agreement to get the Federal security clearance

[karynnj]

99. Given that you call an obvious DU thread "hypothetical"

and imply that saying that Snowden broke the law -- without adding a motivation or explanation --- is smearing, it is clear you are not operating in the real world.

Not to mention, if you think arguing over " whether Snowden broke a law is a diversion", stop doing so. He very likely did break the law, though he has yet to be found guilty of doing so.

As to debating what is needed and what are abuses, obviously the US does -- unless you agree with things as they are.

By the way, I suspect that I am not alone in being annoyed at the third way verbiage thrown at anyone who is not a libertarian on this issue. I am a liberal - as I have been for at least 50 years. The fact is that Bernie Sanders, certainly not third way, also nixed Snowden getting a pardon. (Not a surprise to me - one of the best moments at a great Sanders town Hall in Burlington - was when a Ron Paul guy spoke of their values being similar - Sanders was incredible in listing why they had little in common - starting with things like wanting to help people who have less. ) The political spectrum is multi-dimensional and not everyone thinks that liberal or progressive are a fit with Libertarian.

When you then cite "Constitution" as if there is one sacrosanct interpretation of it on this issue - even though the Supreme Court, Congress, and the President - a Constitutional Law professor disagree with you - it is not any more impressive than when the right does the same thing.

Just as it is unrealistic to expect everyone here to be impressed with President Obama, or any other Democrat, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be impressed with Snowden. I resent the constant intimidation of anyone here who does not worship at his feet. I also resent the smearing of any Democrat who has suggested that Snowden is not a hero.