> believes the US government can be reasoned with and negotiated with
Whistle-blowing is an important exercise that keeps the system in check. And I do think this whole thing was an important wake-up call. But it really seems that Snowden has gone beyond any capacity for protection -- the leaks are so far-reaching that it will be easy to steamroll and discredit him. He doesn't deserve treason, but the politicians will be able to make a convincing argument of that (or at least espionage), given the scope of the leaks.
> this issue as one which affects the whole world
No doubt.
> Of course the only country and legal framework we can currently work within is our own
Exactly. This information is too much, too fast, and is overwhelming reasonable options for what can be done. Fix the first things first (surveillance, tapping US companies), and other things later (vacuuming up data globally).
Of course it's impossible to say how fixing the "other things later" should/would have worked -- it could've required another leak (or at least a less egocentric approach), or the process of fixing things in the US could have strengthened rights elsewhere. The way things are going now, I fear we may not even have chance to fix anything at all.
He doesn't deserve treason, but the politicians will be able to make a convincing argument of that (or at least espionage), given the scope of the leaks.
It doesn't convince me. YMMV.
The way things are going now, I fear we may not even have chance to fix anything at all.
Fixing things doesn't depend on what happens to Snowden, even the release of information doesn't rely on Snowden (he's already leaked it all). Fixing things depends on people being informed about the issues and implications, and taking action on it. I don't see why you'd want to be less informed or pretend that this does not require global solutions. One country alone cannot fix this, but we can start with our own countries, by expecting and demanding equal treatment under the law for all.
Personally I think there's plenty of chance to fix this - there is plenty wrong with our societies (UK or US), but also much to celebrate, and much opportunity to discuss what is wrong and put it right. That requires us not to fear failure before we even begin, but to discuss these issues at every opportunity in public forums (in the UK this is particularly important due to Section D notices limiting reporting). I'd like to see my politicians answer to the world as to why this information is collected on innocent citizens on the news rather than hide behind excuses of national security and terrorism.
Whistle-blowing is an important exercise that keeps the system in check. And I do think this whole thing was an important wake-up call. But it really seems that Snowden has gone beyond any capacity for protection -- the leaks are so far-reaching that it will be easy to steamroll and discredit him. He doesn't deserve treason, but the politicians will be able to make a convincing argument of that (or at least espionage), given the scope of the leaks.
> this issue as one which affects the whole world
No doubt.
> Of course the only country and legal framework we can currently work within is our own
Exactly. This information is too much, too fast, and is overwhelming reasonable options for what can be done. Fix the first things first (surveillance, tapping US companies), and other things later (vacuuming up data globally).
Of course it's impossible to say how fixing the "other things later" should/would have worked -- it could've required another leak (or at least a less egocentric approach), or the process of fixing things in the US could have strengthened rights elsewhere. The way things are going now, I fear we may not even have chance to fix anything at all.