General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Re: Attacks on Snowden, Greenwald. How the fuck do people like that sleep at night? [View all]LiberalLovinLug
(14,173 posts)I admit I am guilty of conflation of all those in here that have a problem with Snowden/Greenwald and spew all manner of wild accusations and insults. I just get so angry at those that say such stupid things like "Snowden is a traitor" or "Greenwald is an asshole". It reminds me of a typical baseless "gut feeling" type RW smear that Colbert is a genius at satirizing.
Even to say, without knowing him personally, that Snowden is "victim of his own ego and sense of self-importance" seems to be conjecture. Maybe he does have a big ego, I don't know. From what I've seen in interviews of him, like his TED Talk appearance in Vancouver he seems quite mild mannered and has decried any type of hero worship. But on the other hand maybe it takes a big ego and a belief that what you are revealing IS very important to the world, otherwise why do it? At the end of the day, does it really matter what kind of personality flaws a whistleblower has?
I also don't quite understand your problem with GG making a living with this story. Or even upscaling his position and profile in the industry. He is a journalist, a Pulitzer Prize winning one. And he is paying a big social price for his success as he is derided both from the right and some on the left so its not like its an easy path. I'm sure Snowden is fully aware of GG rise to fame through his revelations. I'm not sure that that is a big concern for him. Also to me, and I'd imagine to Snowden, the extent of success GG has is reflective of how many people are paying attention to this important story.
Whether GG brags about revelations that he hasn't delivered on doesn't bother me I guess. He may have a brash, even arrogant personality, but to me, like with Snowden, that is not important. And also we don't know that he will not be revealing more damning information in the future. There may be reasons that he hasn't that we don't know about (ie. threats to his safety or legality issues) But what he has already done, working with Snowden, to me is quite enough to sustain, if not my admiration, then my acceptance. I don't need him to do any more, but as a journalist not afraid to ruffle feathers, I will welcome and anticipate any new revealing stories he writes.
I realize that people, even (or especially perhaps), those left of center, won't always agree on the issues. And I appologize for anything I wrote in anger (including this post). I hope to see you participate on DU more in the future. cheers.