Snowden pardoned? Ask Mr. Putin, since that is who he apparently works for now. Russian can keep him. He put us all at risk.
24
Snowden? As he's another Putin stooge, he only has to wait one more day until his pardon.
3
Edward Snowden did this country a great service and should be recognized for it. Why he is held up in Russia is a mystery to me. On the other hand, the purveyors of Fake News here should be brought up on charges of treason. Starting with Fox "News," Rush Limbaugh and the like. It started here, not in Russia.
5
I don't know what to say to convince Pres Obama to pardon Snowden, who revealed an unconstitutional plan to the American people.
Please, please, President Obama: please pardon Snowden.
Please, please, President Obama: please pardon Snowden.
9
I am appalled by the plethora of apparently bloodthirsty readers who are willing to condemn Mr. Snowden as a traitor with little evidentiary foundation that his revelations of unconstitutional actions on the part of a powrful federal agency legally constitute treason.
At the very least those readers should trouble themselves to follow the recommendation of Susan Anderson (Boston) in her comment to read the excellent op-ed (also published in the Times today) written by Alan Rusbridger, who was editor of the formidable British newspaper, The Guardian, when it published Mr. Snowden's revelations. (Ms. Anderson supplies a link to the op-ed.)
As Mr. Rusbridger notes, "Even Eric H. Holder Jr., the former attorney general, acknowledged last year, 'We can certainly argue about the way in which Snowden did what he did, but I think that he actually performed a public service by raising the debate that we engaged in and by the changes that we made.' "
Surely Mr. Snowden merits a pardon on the basis of that public service and the reforms of the intelligence agencies to which Mr. Snowden's public service led.
At the very least those readers should trouble themselves to follow the recommendation of Susan Anderson (Boston) in her comment to read the excellent op-ed (also published in the Times today) written by Alan Rusbridger, who was editor of the formidable British newspaper, The Guardian, when it published Mr. Snowden's revelations. (Ms. Anderson supplies a link to the op-ed.)
As Mr. Rusbridger notes, "Even Eric H. Holder Jr., the former attorney general, acknowledged last year, 'We can certainly argue about the way in which Snowden did what he did, but I think that he actually performed a public service by raising the debate that we engaged in and by the changes that we made.' "
Surely Mr. Snowden merits a pardon on the basis of that public service and the reforms of the intelligence agencies to which Mr. Snowden's public service led.
14
Historically it is never the "Bad Guy" that pays. So I would be totally suspect of what Snowden's real crime is.
2
Obama's pardoning reminds me of Bane emptying the prison in Dark Knight Rises.
6
Excuse me, but both Manning and Snowden committed acts of treason which caused serious and long lasting damage to the U.S. Manning was on active duty in U.S. Military for his acts for which he was tried and sentenced. Pres. Obama's granting of clemency to Manning was an insult to ever American who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan! Pres. Obama claimed that one of his greatest honors was being Commander-in-Chief of the U.S Military forces, if so, then he apparently had forgotten or disregarded their decades of sacrifice with repeated tours of combat and deployments when granting clemency to Manning! This is a stain on Pres. Obama's record and it will not be forgotten!
12
Why no mention of the fact that Obama just signed an agreement with Cuba that protects fugitives from American justice in cuba, including convicted cop-killer Joanne Chesimard, aka Assata Shakur. These are Obama's Heroes: terrorists, traitors, criminals, cop-killers. In the sick, twisted mind of Obama anyone who tries to kill or facilitates the killing of Americans is worthy of being free. This is even more proof of how vengeful, bitter, angry Obama is (ab)using his power to achieve his goal of getting Americans killed
11
Obama should show mercy on Americans by leaving the White House and staying on the golf course
14
Snowden, his betrayal to the US, and willingness to flee and share his information with Russia, do not warrant any mercy from full prosecution under any and all available laws. If he so "right", he should come back and face the judgements of the courts.
19
The Espionage Act was passed to address citizens giving information to adversaries of the US that would have adverse consequences. By that definition Manning's leaking of diplomatic cables qualifies, but Snowden's does not.
The substance of Mr Snowden's actions was only to confirm what many people already knew or suspected to be true. People who worked in the data network industry privately talked about "what was going on". Many were under government orders not to disclose surveillance efforts that they were forced to work on that they believed were unconstitutional, and a threat to civil liberty.
The technical details and tools of NSA network intercepts are not "secret", as would be in the case of nuclear weapons design. They are a "specialized application" of generally known tools in the public domain. 99 percent of it "off the shelf" software and hardware, used for fault analysis and performance monitoring in commercial networks.
Even the recently leaked NSA code for tools for "tailored operations" have been in the public domain for years, in the form of reverse engineered code written by hackers based on rumors of what the NSA had. Some of the NSA's tools were based on original code taken from the hacker community, once advertised or discovered.
The substance of Mr Snowden's actions was only to confirm what many people already knew or suspected to be true. People who worked in the data network industry privately talked about "what was going on". Many were under government orders not to disclose surveillance efforts that they were forced to work on that they believed were unconstitutional, and a threat to civil liberty.
The technical details and tools of NSA network intercepts are not "secret", as would be in the case of nuclear weapons design. They are a "specialized application" of generally known tools in the public domain. 99 percent of it "off the shelf" software and hardware, used for fault analysis and performance monitoring in commercial networks.
Even the recently leaked NSA code for tools for "tailored operations" have been in the public domain for years, in the form of reverse engineered code written by hackers based on rumors of what the NSA had. Some of the NSA's tools were based on original code taken from the hacker community, once advertised or discovered.
2
What makes Manning’s case and Snowden’s case problematic is that had they secretly divulged the same information to a foreign government or group, no one would see it as anything other than a form of espionage and perhaps treason. In other words, divulging information to the whole world, for all and sundry to see, is viewed more sympathetically than giving an advantage to only one outfit—or transparency is a value of its own.
1
If Edward Snowden had contained himself to exposing government surveillance on its citizens he would be a hero. But, no, he had to cross a line and give classified information, in a free wheeling way, to journalists and governments. It showed his narcissism, immaturity, and lack of judgement. Snowden is a traitor and if he wants to return home, fine, but then he goes on trial.
2
Yet another ridiculous concept. Snowden has not been tried in a court of law. The concept of showing mercy...has no place in our criminal system. Leniency because of other contributing factors could be considered at sentencing. But again, he wont be sentenced until he has been convicted. That does not appear likely to happen any time soon.
2
I agree about Peltier-however Snowden deserves no mercy. He deliberately went to work for the government specifically to steal documents, and by all his actions is owned by Putin and the Russian government. He helped the hack of the 2016 elections, and even now, according to his lawyer is being offered Russian citizenship. He belongs to Putin-let him stay there...
4
Snowden stole 1.5 million secret documents, only a small percent of which related to the existence of controversial global surveillance programs. A report released in September by the House Committee on Intelligence states that “Snowden caused tremendous damage to national security, and the vast majority of the documents he stole have nothing to do with programs impacting individual privacy interests—they instead pertain to military, defense and intelligence programs of great interest to America’s adversaries.” The report also that “Snowden insists he has not shared the full cache of 1.5 million classified documents with anyone; however, in June 2016, the deputy chairman of the Russian parliament’s defense and security committee publicly conceded that Snowden ‘did share intelligence’ with his government.”
6
The average sentence for those convicted of leaking classified material may be one to three years as the article asserts, but average the leak doesn’t expose more than 700,000 classified documents either. Of course, Chelsea Manning wasn’t convicted of “leaking.” He was convicted of five counts of espionage. Robert Philip Hanssen, who was convicted of espionage in 2001, is currently serving 15 consecutive life sentences. Other people convicted of espionage spent only a few years behind bars because they were executed.
9
My problem with being merciful towards Mr. Snowden are the two nations he went to after fleeing the United States: China and Russia. It is naive in the extreme to believe that these were random choices. Each country engages in aggressive Intelligence collection aimed at TheU.S. This obvious fact could hardly have been unknown by Snowden. It also seems obvious that the Intelligence services of each country benefitted from Snowdon's presence.
He is a traitor and should be treated as such if and when he returns to the U.S.
He is a traitor and should be treated as such if and when he returns to the U.S.
7
In my opinion, the only "treason" was that committed by the NSA, and its faithful backers on the Senate Intelligence Committee, in spying on and betraying the trust of the American people, putting at risk the business models of some of America's most successful tech companies, snooping on the personal communications of friendly foreign leaders, such as Merkel, and lying, lying, lying about their actions whenever confronted. James Clapper should go to prison, not Edward Snowden.
9
Snowden is not a hero. He is a traitor being protected by one of our country's most venal enemies. He should be brought back to the United States and tried. If convicted he should meet the business end of a rope.
7
As with Van Gogh and the world, in that song, the U.S. is not ready for someone as beautiful as him., Edward.
which would be all right if it were just a song, but in truth we are sinking deeper and deeper into the mire of turning our lives dark away from the light of knowledge and civilisation.
which would be all right if it were just a song, but in truth we are sinking deeper and deeper into the mire of turning our lives dark away from the light of knowledge and civilisation.
5
So happy to see this editorial, though it was too late to influence Obama to free Leonard Peltier. I don't believe we are safer by locking people away. It just splits up families & spends millions to put humans in cages. We need money in our schools. I think its especially important to release political prisoners who are locked up for actions related to struggles for freedom and justice. They should be released!
6
A coward does not deserve mercy. There are so many incarcerated youngsters whose lives have been upturned for petty crimes, some even totally innocent. They have spent so many years imprisoned already. And they did not disclose any State secrets! They are the ones Obama should have pardoned. They are the ones who need help to rebuild their lives. Snowden and Manning? They belong in the prison for 35 years!
6
It's absolutely stunning that the NY Times reminds Obama to be merciful while completely ignoring the horror of Obama unilaterally reversing decades of bipartisan policy by eliminating automatic residency to Cubans fleeing a communist dictatorship. Obama has become Raul Castro's bounty hunter. Obama hunts down children and turns them over to Castro to be tortured, shot, and killed
5
Snowden has done much good (revealing illegal U.S. spying on citizens) and much harm (exposing legitimate U.S. spying abroad). He never explained why he had to do both. He was smart enough to do just the good.
The Espionage law stops him from using good motives as a defense. So change the law to let him raise a full defense, so that we can have confidence in any conviction. But then let him come back, and see how his defense holds up in court. Let him explain why he had to do the bad part -- if he can.
The Espionage law stops him from using good motives as a defense. So change the law to let him raise a full defense, so that we can have confidence in any conviction. But then let him come back, and see how his defense holds up in court. Let him explain why he had to do the bad part -- if he can.
4
The truth is not in vogue these days. Our government officials, elected and otherwise, prefer to keep us in the dark, and have criminalized the whistleblowers and true reporters of the news: those who keep us informed of things outside of the prescribed, editor-approved, politically endorsed list that we are served by corporate media. We as citizens need to stand against the persecution of Snowden and others who insist on exposing the truth that has been buried behind other agendas. Maybe we can work toward fair and honest elections someday, and climb out of this mess.
10
January 19, 2017
Respectfully and with confidence in this Editorial's discernment; I concur with its decision: for is seemingly it's without strings yet hopefully in the interest of the greater good for our modern advance cultural maintenance ('s) ever challenging and with earnest goodwill for transparency that's ever law bound and exposed to the light of our self esteem at a nation to emulate for all times.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
Respectfully and with confidence in this Editorial's discernment; I concur with its decision: for is seemingly it's without strings yet hopefully in the interest of the greater good for our modern advance cultural maintenance ('s) ever challenging and with earnest goodwill for transparency that's ever law bound and exposed to the light of our self esteem at a nation to emulate for all times.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
4
Manning did not flee the United States, apologized for what she had done, and served seven years in jail. When Snowden returns to the United States, apologizes for the damage he has done, and serves seven years in jail, then perhaps mercy for Snowden might be something to consider.
17
Edward Snowden should not be granted any clemency. People who truly engage in Civil Disobedience face the consequences, not run off to find shelter in Russia. That is a significant difference from Manning, the two should not be compared.
5
Words such as traitor and terrorist are used out of context on a regular basis by both the media and media makers. They are almost like the chum used to promote a feeding frenzy among large sections of the masses. As 20 million (or so) Americans are about to lose medical insurance - who's the terrorist and who's the traitor when those terms are applied to real (as opposed to imagined) impact on the real lives of real human beings? We live in a world where people of conscience are defined as traitors and people who would exploit the fears and anxieties of the uninformed are elevated to high office by virtue of their manipulative chumming skills. If Obama is willing to break with conformity he will pardon Edward Snowden. I doubt that will happen though.
4
Snowden should get the Nobel Peace Prize.
7
I doubt that the Nobel Prize committee agrees with you. Sorry, their votes count but yours don't.
5
They gave it to Obama, so they clearly have no standards
1
Wouldn't surprise me from that group.
1
Ms. Manning dumped classified (not top secret) files, admitted guilt, and has suffered the consequences. Mr. Snowden dumped top secret files, ran away, has never admitted wrong doing, and remains a fugitive under the protection of a hostile foreign government. There is little basis for comparison here.
17
I think that Mr. Snowden is welcome to return to the United States, by his own volition, to face the Federal Authorities. Whether of not it is done under color of a plea agreement is less relevant due to the nature of his betrayals. I feel that the Authorities should be enabled to house Mr. Snowden, for at least the next 30 years in a "nice" Federal Facility, without access to the internet/news media. The significant damage has already been done to U.S national security with effects to be felt for at least the next generation or generation and a half.
4
You want what the people who set up a system to spy on every American without probable cause want. Generations to come will experience the effects of the surveillance state they have established in violation of our Constitutional protections.
4
John, if your lying, intrusive government officials state that "significant damage" has been done by exposing the truth about the extent of their mischief and malfeasance, and you believe that the effects will be felt for the "next generation or generation and a half" (!) please tell us what you believe those effects are. I have a feeling that what you believe is what you have been told to believe, and no evidence to the contrary will satisfy your need to believe the "Authorities" you refer to.
4
Edward Snowden deserves no special consideration for his actions, especially when viewed with what happened to Iva Toguri d'Aquino after World War II. Dubbed "Tokyo Rose", a woman (although there were several such "Tokyo Roses") who broadcast propaganda and popular songs to Allied troops under considerable duress as she was a Japanese-American who was caught in Japan at the outbreak of WWII and couldn't leave the country. She was later charged with sedition by the US Govt. and served 6 years of a 10-year sentence. (She was later pardoned by President Gerald Ford.) Whether one agrees or disagrees with what Snowden did, he still broke the law. He needs to turn himself in, be held accountable for his actions, and go through the judicial process. It is unjust and is racist for the law to be applied to a minority woman and then not be applied for a white man.
5
While you're demanding old terrorists and murderers be set free, perhaps we can add to the list.
What about Charles Manson? He's old (82) and sick too. He's also crazy as a loon. Doesn't this paper usually call for clemency for the "mentally ill"? And technically Manson didn't actually kill anyone (at least none related to his conviction). Doesn't he deserve clemency?
What about Chapman and Hinkley? Both nutty as fruitcakes and most definitely have done their fair share of time.
What about OJ? He's 69. Why aren't you demanding OJ be released? Everyone knows he wasn't really sent to jail for stealing his own memorabilia back. He was sentenced to prison because he beat a murder rap everyone thinks he committed.
Sirhan Sirhan? He's almost as old as Lopez Rivera and the same age (72) as Peltier. Why are we still keeping him in jail? It's been 49 years! Plus, I'm pretty sure he's sorry.
What about Charles Manson? He's old (82) and sick too. He's also crazy as a loon. Doesn't this paper usually call for clemency for the "mentally ill"? And technically Manson didn't actually kill anyone (at least none related to his conviction). Doesn't he deserve clemency?
What about Chapman and Hinkley? Both nutty as fruitcakes and most definitely have done their fair share of time.
What about OJ? He's 69. Why aren't you demanding OJ be released? Everyone knows he wasn't really sent to jail for stealing his own memorabilia back. He was sentenced to prison because he beat a murder rap everyone thinks he committed.
Sirhan Sirhan? He's almost as old as Lopez Rivera and the same age (72) as Peltier. Why are we still keeping him in jail? It's been 49 years! Plus, I'm pretty sure he's sorry.
6
Johannes, there is a difference between murderers, mass, attempted, or otherwise, and a person who is being persecuted for exposing criminal behavior by his own government. Snowden is no terrorist. These are terrorists within the government, setting policy, who need to be exposed, removed, and legally prosecuted. If you don't think it's a problem, take the tape off of your computer camera lens. We are citizens, not a peep show for the CIA.
5
Sorry, but this liberal has absolutely no appetite for doing anything for Snowden. We know how Trump feels about Putin and vice versa. Think Snowden has not been helping Putin while a guest in Russia? Bring this traitor back to the US and Trump will make him head of the CIA or Secretary of State. Maybe Manning was just misunderstood or naive, but not Snowden. His wanting to show the country the error of our ways was akin to bringing a bomb on a plane to show the airlines their security lapses. Not buying it. Let him enjoy his new homeland.
22
Exposing a wide-spread top secret system of unconstitutional crimes against the American citizenry perpetrated by the government is not treason...
Edward Snowden did the courageous, and right thing... George W Bush and Richard Cheney are the traitors.
Edward Snowden did the courageous, and right thing... George W Bush and Richard Cheney are the traitors.
29
Please, please pardon Edward Snowden.
What he did was to protect All Americans.
Don't leave him in the hands of Trump.
What he did was to protect All Americans.
Don't leave him in the hands of Trump.
20
@holly bower - Snowden will not be "in the hands of Trump". Snowden has chosen to stay in the hands of Putin, and permission for his staying in Russia has been extended to 2020. Although Snowden will be able to apply for Russian citizenship much sooner than that (5 years living in the country). And I'd bet he'll go for the citizenship. So, no need for pleas for Snowden, he could have come back any time to face the music.
12
Only a small percent of the documents Snowden took related to the existence of controversial global surveillance programs that compromise individual privacy. The vast majority related to military and defense operations. Why not pardon Snowden for stealing documents that relate to eavesdropping on ordinary citizens while prosecuting him for the million documents relating to military and defense operations.
1
Snowden: "I've told the government I would return if they would guarantee a fair trial where I can make a public interest defense of why this was done and allow a jury to decide."
The U.S. government doesn't want that. They only offer a plea bargain that will allow them to immediately lock him away without a public hearing. Because they're the bigger wrongdoers.
The U.S. government doesn't want that. They only offer a plea bargain that will allow them to immediately lock him away without a public hearing. Because they're the bigger wrongdoers.
2
Snowden is no hero. I am a liberal but I do not want any twenty-something deciding in the future what should, or should not be, in the public domain. If you believe the bipartisan report from the Senate Intelligence Committee Snowden, who does not have so much as a high school diploma (and lied about it), did what he did because of a negative performance review.
23
Snowden is no hero, nor should he be treated any differently than other publicity hunters with access to our country's secrets....I am obligated to remind you that spies, no matter their lofty goals, pose a greater danger to our military members than any person or persons. Ask any 20+ military veteran such as myself and you will find the same answers........
2
Snowden took an oath, then, he broke that oath, then, he fled. On top of it all, he has expressed absolutely no remorse.
I've read other commenters refer to him as a "hero". Well, that term has been tossed around with such abandon that it's become debased. if Snowden had come home (to the US, that is, not Russia) maybe he'd be a hero.
I've read other commenters refer to him as a "hero". Well, that term has been tossed around with such abandon that it's become debased. if Snowden had come home (to the US, that is, not Russia) maybe he'd be a hero.
6
Our government was secretly violating its own laws and lying about it--to Congress, no less. Snowdon revealed this perfidy to the public, and I,for one, am grateful. And the Obama administration has so vindictively pursued whistleblowers--consider the grotesque sentence dropped on Manning--I cannot fault Snowdon for evading its clutches.
2
I am very grateful that President Obama commuted Chelsea Manning's sentence, and also support the release of Leonard Peltier. I hope Edward Snowden has his day in court.
3
Abraham Lincoln once said: "Men moving only in an official circle are apt to become merely official - not to say arbitrary - in their ideas, and are apter and apter, with each passing day, to forget that they only hold power in a representative capacity."
Mr. Snowden pointed out that U. S. government intelligence agencies were monitoring almost every form of communication within the United States. It was obvious that Barak Obama, the President of the United States, had arbitrarily decided that such universal surveillance of this nation's citizens was permissible and acceptable.
Following Mr. Snowden's revelations and the subsequent public uproar regarding these intrusions upon the privacy of all Americans, President Obama and Congress [presumably the leaders in both houses of Congress were also aware of these government abuses] decided that these universal, surreptitious monitoring activities of government were an abuse of power in a democracy. Corrective action and legislation followed.
But the public and major internet companies decided that taking the government at its word of honor was not sufficient (and justifiably so). Communication encryption followed, naturally. And, the government intelligence community howled its disapproval.
All of this occurred because one man, Edward Snowden, said that the government of this democracy, including the President, was wrong in imposing universal surveillance upon its citizens.
I recommend pardoning Edward Snowden.
Mr. Snowden pointed out that U. S. government intelligence agencies were monitoring almost every form of communication within the United States. It was obvious that Barak Obama, the President of the United States, had arbitrarily decided that such universal surveillance of this nation's citizens was permissible and acceptable.
Following Mr. Snowden's revelations and the subsequent public uproar regarding these intrusions upon the privacy of all Americans, President Obama and Congress [presumably the leaders in both houses of Congress were also aware of these government abuses] decided that these universal, surreptitious monitoring activities of government were an abuse of power in a democracy. Corrective action and legislation followed.
But the public and major internet companies decided that taking the government at its word of honor was not sufficient (and justifiably so). Communication encryption followed, naturally. And, the government intelligence community howled its disapproval.
All of this occurred because one man, Edward Snowden, said that the government of this democracy, including the President, was wrong in imposing universal surveillance upon its citizens.
I recommend pardoning Edward Snowden.
16
@David Lockmiller - No, Edward Snowden took his job expressly to gain access to top secret information, copy it, and release it to an unscrupulous and unprincipled group, WikiLeaks. It's not only espionage (maybe treason), but purposeful espionage. And then he fled the country. It's likely that both China and Russia would have gained access to what he stole. Sorry, but Snowden doesn't deserve a pardon, he did serious harm to national security, does not regret it one bit, and he has not paid any sort of price for his actions. In fact he says he's happy in Russia, has a girlfiend and everything he could want. Personally, I don't think he deserves a pardon.
3
Plus he needs to leave a pardon in the drawer for Sgt Bergdahl should he be convicted of a lack of military bearing or something at his upcoming GCM. "In the drawer", because ideally something will be negotiated and instead of a GCM, Bergdahl will be reduced to Pvt., fined for accumulated Sgt's pay and awarded a carton of cigarettes to ease the financial burden.
Yes on Snowden and Peltier. Read the words of a prosecutor in the Peltier trial who after 40 years of silence says the prosecution was flawed. "It was a very thin case that likely would not be upheld by courts today." http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-leonard-peltier-sh...
6
Advocating clemency for traitors who have done massive damage to US national security says a lot a lot about the advocate.
This editorial is consistent with the NYT's long-time contempt for, and dislike of, America.
This editorial is consistent with the NYT's long-time contempt for, and dislike of, America.
4
Mercy for a traitor in cahoots with Putin? How do you square that with sanctions against Russia for hacking the election? Please, some consistency!!
7
Antonio, the editorial is not referring to Trump, they are referring to Edward Snowden.
5
"Snowden did irreparable harm."
I am wondering where in the world I will be able to travel safely starting next week. Mexico? Italy? China?
Even tho I try to blend, I imagine that many people in many places will find Americans uglier than perhaps any other time historically. Irreparable harm looms, I fear.
I admire what Snowden did... and doubt that he could have done other than flee before revealing and not ended up dead in an accident. It has in fact happened.. on various occasions. If only there were actual people in charge who would stand up for what was right ethically as well as legally, we might all be "safer" and better off. In any case I don't think that Snowden put the USA in harm's way --and he exposed a money-wasting racket that was in part privatized. (A friend recently had a job for Pinkerton/ AIG reading Croatian newspapers looking for?? that was not so clear. Middle class wage to be sure!! Socially useful? not in my book.)
I am wondering where in the world I will be able to travel safely starting next week. Mexico? Italy? China?
Even tho I try to blend, I imagine that many people in many places will find Americans uglier than perhaps any other time historically. Irreparable harm looms, I fear.
I admire what Snowden did... and doubt that he could have done other than flee before revealing and not ended up dead in an accident. It has in fact happened.. on various occasions. If only there were actual people in charge who would stand up for what was right ethically as well as legally, we might all be "safer" and better off. In any case I don't think that Snowden put the USA in harm's way --and he exposed a money-wasting racket that was in part privatized. (A friend recently had a job for Pinkerton/ AIG reading Croatian newspapers looking for?? that was not so clear. Middle class wage to be sure!! Socially useful? not in my book.)
7
The unfortunate thing shown here among the Snowden sympathizers is the obvious lack of information on which they base their desire to bring him home, much less bring him home as a hero. Part of the reason Russia has been able to penetrate our security so effectively lies right at the feet of Snowden. He wasn't in a position to decide for America what destructive information he stole and delivered to our enemies. Thank you, Mr. Snowden, for setting the wheels in motion to elect the lies of the very equally destructive and misguided Donald Trump. Maybe we should give Trump some pardon in advance for what he's about to do to health care recipients, many of whom voted for him with the deluded belief he would do right by them. Two peas in a pod. I feel no charity toward Snowden nor Trump.
5
Total fabrication in your head. Snowden has nothing to do with the ability of Russia to do anything. They have had that capability on their own.
Also the Head of National Security Clapper himself stated that Snowden did not release anything that put peoples lives in danger or compromised America intelligence.
So many commenters here are just making stuff up.
Also the Head of National Security Clapper himself stated that Snowden did not release anything that put peoples lives in danger or compromised America intelligence.
So many commenters here are just making stuff up.
2
Why do you guys want mercy for traitors who compromised national security information to our nation's enemies, yet howl for jail time for those who exposed the truthful information that the DNC was manipulating the primary elections to hurt Bernie Sanders?
Why are the DNC's internal emails more sacrosanct than national security programs?
Why are the DNC's internal emails more sacrosanct than national security programs?
4
There is an inconsistency which seems to stem from partisanship. Handing over information to Wikileaks is either a punishable offense or it's not. It shouldn't depend on whether one political party is adversely effected.
My guess is that the "Russian hacking" uproar was purely political theater meant to distract from an embarrassing loss by Hillary Clinton and meant to delegitimize Trump in the process.
My guess is that the "Russian hacking" uproar was purely political theater meant to distract from an embarrassing loss by Hillary Clinton and meant to delegitimize Trump in the process.
There is much to be said for mercy.
But Ms. Manning got off with too lenient a punishment, and Mr. Snowden should not receive a pardon. Both individuals stole and then released enormous amounts of classified information. The leaks, particularly Mr. Snowden's, accomplished substantial good, in informing the American people about the surveillance activities of our government. But we cannot escape the fact that the leaks of both these individuals seriously comprised national security and almost certainly resulted in the deaths of many people who were serving the United States, and working to protect our values and the lives of Americans.
National security must not be taken lightly. As 9/11 horribly demonstrated, a single terrorist act can take thousands of innocent lives.
Both Ms. Manning and Mr. Snowden deserve strong punishment for what they did.
But Ms. Manning got off with too lenient a punishment, and Mr. Snowden should not receive a pardon. Both individuals stole and then released enormous amounts of classified information. The leaks, particularly Mr. Snowden's, accomplished substantial good, in informing the American people about the surveillance activities of our government. But we cannot escape the fact that the leaks of both these individuals seriously comprised national security and almost certainly resulted in the deaths of many people who were serving the United States, and working to protect our values and the lives of Americans.
National security must not be taken lightly. As 9/11 horribly demonstrated, a single terrorist act can take thousands of innocent lives.
Both Ms. Manning and Mr. Snowden deserve strong punishment for what they did.
6
@alex - Ms. Manning faced the music, apologized for what she did, and served 7 years in prison. The typical sentence for the low level of the material she leaked is about 2 years. Ms. Manning deserved the commutation of her sentence. She will still carry the consequences of her record, as this is not a pardon.
2
Snowden clearly acted in conscience, and today, all Americans have benefited from his actions. He halted what was a steady slide towards a surveillance state. We all benefit from this every day, because the destination of that slide is not a country I want to live in.
Critics here talk about the "enormous damage" he did, but I look around and do not see it with my own eyes. What I do see is the preposterous situation of Russia giving sanctuary to a free-speech and freedom of association activist, which is really messed up. I thought those things were what we are supposed to be about.
Critics here talk about the "enormous damage" he did, but I look around and do not see it with my own eyes. What I do see is the preposterous situation of Russia giving sanctuary to a free-speech and freedom of association activist, which is really messed up. I thought those things were what we are supposed to be about.
11
Given the hatchet job the FBI did to our electoral process, I say that alone is grounds for releasing Peltier.
As for Snowden, there are increasing indications, it seems, that he was acting not just as a whistleblower, but a spy.
As for Snowden, there are increasing indications, it seems, that he was acting not just as a whistleblower, but a spy.
3
I am disgusted by some of some of things the U.S. government has done, supposedly on my behalf. I urge Snowden’s detractors to consider whether they would prefer to remain unaware of our country’s use of torture on suspected terrorists? Or of the CIA’s massive surveillance program?
Only through whistleblowers have I become aware of such clandestine atrocities. Mr. Snowden has offered repeatedly to return to the U.S. and be tried, as was Daniel Ellsberg, but the right to a fair trial seems no longer necessary for those accused of espionage.
My own favored site for learning about the Snowden case is: https://edwardsnowden.com/frequently-asked-questions/
However I urge all concerned to conduct their own searches for information and background on it.
P.S. I’m not a millennial left-winger. I was an officer on active duty when I reached voting age and cast my first ballot for Eisenhower, not his Democratic rival.
Only through whistleblowers have I become aware of such clandestine atrocities. Mr. Snowden has offered repeatedly to return to the U.S. and be tried, as was Daniel Ellsberg, but the right to a fair trial seems no longer necessary for those accused of espionage.
My own favored site for learning about the Snowden case is: https://edwardsnowden.com/frequently-asked-questions/
However I urge all concerned to conduct their own searches for information and background on it.
P.S. I’m not a millennial left-winger. I was an officer on active duty when I reached voting age and cast my first ballot for Eisenhower, not his Democratic rival.
10
Bravo! Common people, Manning and Snowdon both did the only thing they could think of to inform all of us what our government is doing. In the name of security. I believe security was the driving force behind the 1950's labeling (black listing)of so called "communists by the CIA. Limit our own government from spying on every and all citizens. It takes acts like this for us to defend ourselves from our own government(who are paid for by our own hard worked for $)
7
In my mind there is only the slightest comparison. First, leaking and whistle-blowing aren't the same thing. In reality we sort of knew what was going on anyway. It had been a topic (briefly) long before he leaked. Also what we learned was not that new (and not to split hairs but I think the government was storing everyone's data not reading everyone's data - not good in a free society but it wasn't exactly not legal - is there a moral issue?). Also they both had clearances so they both knew the consequences for their actions. Snowden was a mature contractor who ran to China and Russia. When he comes home and stands trial the decision of whether he is or isn't a whistleblower will be determined. It is indisputable that he provided classified documents to the enemy far beyond the data storage info and then ran to China and Russia for asylum. When he has put his time in in prison like Manning has, then he might deserve a pardon. He has the right to a trial - but for some reason wants to skip that part. That says it all for me. Man up or stay in Russia - I honestly don't care if he does.
11
I second your thoughtful and wise post.
2
Some of the people posting in this section here remind me of Inspector Javert: "The law is the law." Someone who breaks it, no matter what the reason, should be punished. (Remember the abolitionists?) I'll wager the same commentators aren't calling for people who lied us into the Iraq War and those who tortured inmates at Gitmo to be punished as severely.
10
Oddly, the CIA stands accused of lying us into war in Iraq and torturing prisoners in black sites, yet they are now the moral authority that Vladmir Putin aided Donald Trump's election. Go figure.
7
I am. I think Cheney and Rumsfeld are guilty of war crimes. Kissinger too.
This is a straw man argument since you assume what the motives of those who disagree with you are.
This is a straw man argument since you assume what the motives of those who disagree with you are.
6
NO WAY!!!!
Snowden did a huge amount of damage to our overseas intelligence operations.
Snowden did a huge amount of damage to our overseas intelligence operations.
16
The frequent number of commenters here posting, verbatim, that Obama is trying to "free terrorists and traitors" is indicative of folks who are paid by the Republican Party to do so and told what to post. Scary but not surprising.
6
Snowden is still committing treasonous acts. He should be prosecuted vigorously should he ever be returned to the United States.
4
oh, by all means, mercy for poor Snowden. Maybe Obama can also pardon Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanson, the Rosenbergs (posthumously), etc. etc. Heck, just pardon 'em all since they all thought they were "right" at the time, whether for ideology, money, sex, spite or whatever. He can even devote a chapter in his award-winning book to be published about what a great humanitarian he is!
6
As long as commutations and/or pardons are being parceled out right and LEFT, don't forget Benedict Arnold. And how about John Wilkes Booth and Oswald?
2
Chelsea Manning was tried an convicted, and then served 7 years of her sentence. When Snowden returns and his case is adjudicated through the court, and has served 7 years (he can't very well plead not-guilty, and the evidence against him played out on the global stage), THEN commuting his sentence could be discussed.
1
Obama won't release Snowden because the NSA whistle blow had direct consequences for him. Manning's actions reflected on the military. Meanwhile, on a somewhat unrelated note, Bowe Bergdahl is still facing the possibility 100 years in prison, and his court marshal has been pushed back to February. Trump has said that he wants to push Bergdahl out of a plane and said in 2013 that Snowden should be executed, so we know there will be no pardon or clemency from him.
4
If only Snowden had done something benign, like crashing the world economy and ruining the lives of millions of Americans.
Financial predation is not only forgivable, but rewarded !!
He made a bad choice.
Financial predation is not only forgivable, but rewarded !!
He made a bad choice.
7
If anything, Snowden is more deserving than Manning.
7
Mr. Snowden rendered a public service in disclosing a US Government program that should not have been kept secret. He provoked a needed debate, but did so in an egregious manner that caused immense, lasting damage to important U.S. covert programs that had nothing to do with the his supposed main objective. Mr. Snowden has done great harm to the United States and should never be shown the slightest leniency.
4
I don't understand why the number of things that were leaked should matter, or why that should be a factor in weighing punishment. If you steal one thing or one hundred things, it's still stealing. Rape one person or dozens, it's still rape. Snowden, Assange, Cartwright, Petraeus, Manning, are all guilty of this, and yet their punishments are wildly disparate, and seem to be based on relative status and "importance". Petraeus got a misdemeanor and probation? Cartwright lied to the FBI and then plead guilty? Manning gets 35 years. Please. Personally I am glad she was granted clemency. I hope Peltier's sentence is commuted.
6
When treason is treated like a misdemeanor the US is the loser.
How do you expect us to get help from our adversaries in foreign countries when we treat people who got their friends and family killed by the release of those documents like ordinary criminals?
Manning and Snowden are not whistle blowers; they are criminals of the highest order. In previous years they would be hanged.
This is not a public service or for the good of the people. The documents released harm real people and give our adversaries information that could and did get US operatives killed.
This editorial board should realize that those who were killed and injured by theses releases were shown no mercy by their killers.
Mercy is not needed here.
How do you expect us to get help from our adversaries in foreign countries when we treat people who got their friends and family killed by the release of those documents like ordinary criminals?
Manning and Snowden are not whistle blowers; they are criminals of the highest order. In previous years they would be hanged.
This is not a public service or for the good of the people. The documents released harm real people and give our adversaries information that could and did get US operatives killed.
This editorial board should realize that those who were killed and injured by theses releases were shown no mercy by their killers.
Mercy is not needed here.
10
Snowden v. Manning. Review of coverage about Manning found his supervisors regularly reported to their supervisors that Manning appeared unfit for duty, yet those responsible to fire Manning did nothing (and were never punished for their negligence.) Manning is a person with serious mental health issues (I do not consider his sexual orientation mental illness). Snowden had no such mental health issues; as such was clear thinking about his actions. He did precious little to achieve his supposed goal of 'whistle blowing' in a productive manner (e.g. stealing a few documents and leaking them to NGOs that would have pursued the problem though legal channels). Instead Snowden fled with thouscnads of classified documents, cut a deal with China to permit his exist to Russia where he enjoys a rather good life as the guest of the Russian government.
Snowden is a traitor that should be returned to the USA for proper investigation and trail in civilian court and allow a jury to decide his fate.
Snowden is a traitor that should be returned to the USA for proper investigation and trail in civilian court and allow a jury to decide his fate.
10
There are important policy reasons why doctors, lawyers and other professionals must maintain the confidentiality of their clients regardless of whether the disclosure of information obtained from the client would serve the public good. Disclosure of confidential information would not only destroy the professional relationship, but it would potentially cause grave harm to the client. The same principle applies to the laws relating to treason and disclosure of classified information. Professionals with access to such information must maintain its confidentiality. A failure to do so will undermine the integrity of the system, result in grave harm to the country and get people killed. Consequently individuals with access to classified information must understand that a failure to follow the law will be severely punished.
7
A fair justice system should not rely on random occasional pardon from the President
11
Two more possible candidates for pardon: Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain, the two Muslims from Albany, NY, who were convicted in a clear case of entrapment.
1
Unless Manning is physically released from incarceration within the next day, the Presidential Pardon may have limited effect.
Strange as it may seem, even if we see a last minute pardon for Snowden I wonder if Putin will let him go.
2
I wonder why words like obligation, oath, and honor no longer seem to be valued by journalists. Yes, I know getting information is important but how it is obtained is also important. The United States is not alone in this world. There are many who would like to destroy or hurt us. You only need to look to France, Germany and the US to see the deaths that brought to us by those who hate what we are and what we stand for. There is this strange view that being a “whistler blower” brings special rights. There is a difference between a “whistle blower” who reveals criminal actives and one who steals runs and lies.
Snowden took a position in a classified world, signed agreements to protect and not disclose that information and then he stole classified information and gave it to hostile parties. He deserves to be in prison. He does not deserve a pardon.
Snowden took a position in a classified world, signed agreements to protect and not disclose that information and then he stole classified information and gave it to hostile parties. He deserves to be in prison. He does not deserve a pardon.
10
It is difficult to sort out how a whistle blower should be judged. Many of the things that were revealed by these two, that were being done in my name as an American citizen, were distasteful. I remember thinking such thoughts as "you gotta be kidding!" But also I'm not fool enough to believe that certain actions being taken to protect me while distasteful, may be necessary. I think my final thought would be that at least the possibility of the emergence of a whistle blower might act as a brake on really distasteful activity.
1
Peltier? Absolutely. Snowden? Never. Let Mr. Snowden renounce his Russian patrons, come home and face the music, take his conviction and then petition for clemency. Otherwise he's right where he belongs, he and Putin deserve each other.
15
Yes, free Peltier.
Not Snowdon, the spy.
Not Snowdon, the spy.
4
Thank you, Mr. Snowden, for your courage in standing up to Big Brother--and many fellow Democrats like Feinstein, Franken, etc. whose menacing behavior towards you is shameful.
Now do the right thing, Pres. Obama. Pardon Snowden... for his selfless courage on behalf of ALL of us, especially our children whose freedom this threatened at its very core.
Now do the right thing, Pres. Obama. Pardon Snowden... for his selfless courage on behalf of ALL of us, especially our children whose freedom this threatened at its very core.
10
Pardon Snowden. He took on terrific personal risk to stop the momentum of the growing surveillance state. He did us all a service and deserves to return to his country as a free man.
11
So many view Manning's commutation as a clearcut act of justice, and yet it is fraught with moral confusion. Manning's massive data dump was not an act of principled courage. Manning could not possibly know the contents of most of the data he passed on and could not know the ultimate effects the data would have once released. Manning professed to be attempting to shine a light on unjust wars, and yet the Iraq war was already widely seen to be a massive mistake, one that Obama was already attempting to rectify. Manning's leak did not help in this cause but rather appears to have helped to spark the Arab Spring which has turned out to be a complete and utter disaster of untold proportions. Manning's true motivation for the leak was to gain validation from Assange and Wikileaks in whom Manning found an accepting community during a dark and desperate time. Manning was so proud to become the biggest leaker ever that he had to brag about it to others until someone turned him in. Upon being rightfully imprisoned, Manning decided that he needed a sex-change operation or he would kill himself. Although this had nothing to do with the leak, he managed to somehow conflate his gender struggle with his status as a supposedly unjustly imprisoned 'hero'. He managed to stir-up such a public outcry over his need to change his gender that he became a hero to the trans community as well. This seems to be the main reason for the commutation, providing Obama one more opportunity to appear holy.
3
So, she is pardoned, and I assume, is about to write a book? If that happens, can we look for the check to reimburse USA for her sex change procedure; the cost of lost wages to the agents/employees, safety and security of foreign citizens who no longer can aid USA's efforts to obtain info, etc.etc.
Snowden on the other hand is a thief. Nothing more.. Nothing honorable or heroic about what he did. Motive, if in his mind was an honorable one, still makes him a thief. He could have refused the job or quit at the first sign that the task he was asked to perform was not what he signed up for. ? I don't recall reading about his refusing the paycheck.
Snowden on the other hand is a thief. Nothing more.. Nothing honorable or heroic about what he did. Motive, if in his mind was an honorable one, still makes him a thief. He could have refused the job or quit at the first sign that the task he was asked to perform was not what he signed up for. ? I don't recall reading about his refusing the paycheck.
8
I generally agree with the main points of this editorial, but it is a weak argument to state that because he "acted in the spirit of a whistle-blower", Edward Snowden should be offered some type of deal. There are many questions about Mr. Snowden's motivations; let him stand in front of a judge or jury and explain his devotion to a higher cause. Then let the court decide whether or not to believe him.
14
Do some research. Do to "national security concerns" much exculpatory evidence for Mr. Snowden could not be produced in court making any trial a joke.
1
No pardon for Snowden--he is a deliberate traitor who planned his actions for a fair time period--it was not spur of the moment. And he is not sitting in a jail cell. He is living in relative comfort in Russia. Let him grow old there.
3
I am appalled at the number of hate-filled comments here. Snowden is a patriot, not a traitor. I believe he should be pardoned. Remember Jesus? "Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." He's paid for any wrong he did by being separated from family, friends, and home. He's only in Russia because the vengeful people like those above want him dead or in prison. He shouldn't die for spend his life in jail for a patriotic act that has helped to expose the deep state in all its ugliness.
2
The documents Edward Snowden leaked were extraordinary in scope and provided the world vital insight into how the government of the world's most powerful nation had become consumed with gathering mass amounts of information and was (and is) on the verge of becoming a total police state. For this I applaud him and hope there are more individuals like him in the future.
However, Mr. Snowden fled the country. Indeed he left the country for Hong Kong to even meet with the reporters to whom he released the documents. This is a clear indication that he knew full well that what he was doing was both against the law and that he was unwilling to face the consequences. Fleeing persecution had the effect of sullying his credibility but more importantly it gave potential future whistleblowers an unreasonable precedent that may impede their want to follow in his footsteps.
Had Mr. Snowden stayed in the country, been tried, convicted, and sentenced, and had professed remorse in at least the release of the documents that did indeed cause harm to unsuspecting Americans, I would be entirely in favor of granting him a commutation similar to that of Chelsea Manning. But his cowardice (for lack of a better word) in being unwilling to face the consequences makes it impossible for me to favor a pardon now and any plea deal that he might be offered should at least force him to admit regret for evading persecution.
However, Mr. Snowden fled the country. Indeed he left the country for Hong Kong to even meet with the reporters to whom he released the documents. This is a clear indication that he knew full well that what he was doing was both against the law and that he was unwilling to face the consequences. Fleeing persecution had the effect of sullying his credibility but more importantly it gave potential future whistleblowers an unreasonable precedent that may impede their want to follow in his footsteps.
Had Mr. Snowden stayed in the country, been tried, convicted, and sentenced, and had professed remorse in at least the release of the documents that did indeed cause harm to unsuspecting Americans, I would be entirely in favor of granting him a commutation similar to that of Chelsea Manning. But his cowardice (for lack of a better word) in being unwilling to face the consequences makes it impossible for me to favor a pardon now and any plea deal that he might be offered should at least force him to admit regret for evading persecution.
34
IMO had Snowden stayed in the country, he would be dead.
The people who do "spying" on their fellow citizens and Angela Merkel have no conscience and "believe" in who knows what, and would have no compunction in killing (make it look like an accident) whomever got in the way of "Big Brother."
The people who do most harm -- and pay as little at possible -- are often IMO
the gazillionaires who often don't follow rules or wait to get sued. (And we got rid of the luxury tax, thanks Bill Clinton, so now they buy their 170 million dollar Picassos tax free.. while all of us including those on minimum wage pay whatever the gas tax is on every gallon purchased. Go figure.
Free Snowden.
The people who do "spying" on their fellow citizens and Angela Merkel have no conscience and "believe" in who knows what, and would have no compunction in killing (make it look like an accident) whomever got in the way of "Big Brother."
The people who do most harm -- and pay as little at possible -- are often IMO
the gazillionaires who often don't follow rules or wait to get sued. (And we got rid of the luxury tax, thanks Bill Clinton, so now they buy their 170 million dollar Picassos tax free.. while all of us including those on minimum wage pay whatever the gas tax is on every gallon purchased. Go figure.
Free Snowden.
3
This notion that a whistleblower, who points out criminal, immoral, or unethical behavior on the part of powerful people, should then submit himself to the judgment and punishment by the same is beyond me. I guess we really expect a lot from our heroes as most of us go about our thoroughly unheroic lives.
Personally, I thank Snowden for his thoughtfulness and commitment to a cause far greater than himself. In his case, those causes were everyone's right to privacy, and a patriotic attempt to expose an enormous, unprecedented overreaching government institution. The fact that Obama has not yet pardoned Snowden is disappointing to say the least. I expect that we are going to need quite a few Snowdens after Trump moves into the White House. To leave Snowden hanging, to become a political extra in the
Trump Show, will more than likely send a cold chill down the spine of many would-be whistleblowers.
Personally, I thank Snowden for his thoughtfulness and commitment to a cause far greater than himself. In his case, those causes were everyone's right to privacy, and a patriotic attempt to expose an enormous, unprecedented overreaching government institution. The fact that Obama has not yet pardoned Snowden is disappointing to say the least. I expect that we are going to need quite a few Snowdens after Trump moves into the White House. To leave Snowden hanging, to become a political extra in the
Trump Show, will more than likely send a cold chill down the spine of many would-be whistleblowers.
2
I understand your thinking regarding some of Mr. Snowden's decisions. However, please consider the fate Ms. Manning was made to endure when assessing what was fair to expect of Mr. Snowden.
Ms. Manning was made to remain in solitary confinement, with no clothing, for a period of years. In my view, that's no better than torture, particularly in light of her acknowledged psychological infirmities. Why would someone like Snowden knowingly return if that's the treatment and justice the U.S. now accords whistle blowers? Would you feel quite so righteous and moral about it were it you that would return to the U.S., only to be tortured in a manner that has little relationship to due process?
Further, for all the angst people here have over Snowden's opting to find shelter in another country, it seems to be quickly forgotten the U.S. revoked Mr. Snowden's passport, ultimately leaving him with little in the way of alternatives. Those that condemn him for winding up in Russia seem to forget that country wasn't his first choice. Russia was merely where he was allowed to finally land.
In my view Snowden did this country a favor. He alerted all of us to the fact the U.S. decided it had the right to snoop on each and every one of us. No one ever gave that right to our country. Someone had to stand up. I applaud Snowden for doing so.
Ms. Manning was made to remain in solitary confinement, with no clothing, for a period of years. In my view, that's no better than torture, particularly in light of her acknowledged psychological infirmities. Why would someone like Snowden knowingly return if that's the treatment and justice the U.S. now accords whistle blowers? Would you feel quite so righteous and moral about it were it you that would return to the U.S., only to be tortured in a manner that has little relationship to due process?
Further, for all the angst people here have over Snowden's opting to find shelter in another country, it seems to be quickly forgotten the U.S. revoked Mr. Snowden's passport, ultimately leaving him with little in the way of alternatives. Those that condemn him for winding up in Russia seem to forget that country wasn't his first choice. Russia was merely where he was allowed to finally land.
In my view Snowden did this country a favor. He alerted all of us to the fact the U.S. decided it had the right to snoop on each and every one of us. No one ever gave that right to our country. Someone had to stand up. I applaud Snowden for doing so.
2
If Snowden was just a whistle blower, he should have stayed in the US and made his case for reform. He chose instead to flee to Russia. Patriots don't do that. Whistle blowers hoping to affect change don't do that. He's not worthy of any leniency.
2
I find it interesting that your advocacy of clemency for Edward Snowden aligns you squarely with that of Russia who recently extended his asylum. Perhaps Donald Trump is not the only admirer of Vladimir Putin's policies when it comes to our national security. I guess one man's traitor is another man's patriot.
2
I wish the president had heeded this call to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier and Edward Snowden, both. There is one glaring error in this piece (probably an editing error): Oscar is the only figure from the Puerto Rican movement left in prison, but far from the only figure "from that era" still behind bars. In addition to Leonard, of course, there are Dr. Mutulu Shakur and Veronza Bowers, both in federal prison and seeking clemency. In state prisons there are many more who were active in the social justice movements of the 70s and 80s, including four here in New York State (former Black Panthers Herman Bell, Jalil Muntaqim, Robert Seth Hayes, and white solidarity activist David Gilbert), and two in Pennsylvania, including the most well known of all, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and Russell Maroon Shoatz. All of these also fall into the category of incarcerated elders, which means they share the lowest of all risks of recidivism with other incarcerated women and men over the age of 50. For so many reasons, President Obama should have freed Leonard, should free Mutulu and Veronza, and should encourage the states to free elders as well.
5
Our lock them up and throw away the key mentality is costing the taxpayer $50,000 plus per inmate. A reasonable sentence I will agree to but the ones that are beyond excessive such as Ms. Manning's is to be questioned.
4
They both should be treated as traitors!
5
When the NY Times advocates pardoning Snowden they are admitting the whole Russian hacking is nonsensical Fake News
7
Chelsea Manning, like Daniel Ellsberg before her, stayed here and faced trial. I applaud Mr. Obama's decision to commute her sentence, as it was overly harsh for the damage she did. Mr. Snowden, on the other hand, tucked his yellow tail between his legs and fled the country, rather than staying to defend his actions. To pardon him at this point would be to make a mockery of the entire concept of civil disobedience, which is based on the idea of standing up for what one believe in and defending, in open court, one's violation of the law.
What I would agree with, although I doubt that Mr. Snowden would have the courage to accept, is an offer to guarantee him an open trial if he promised to fly into the country when the trial was to begin, thereby avoiding any pre-trial incarceration.
What I would agree with, although I doubt that Mr. Snowden would have the courage to accept, is an offer to guarantee him an open trial if he promised to fly into the country when the trial was to begin, thereby avoiding any pre-trial incarceration.
1
It is quite simple really. A pardon would condone Snowdon's action and might prompt others to do the same. They might reveal when government officials are lying to the public or doing unlawful things.
Does the status quo want this? Does even to Obama administration want this? NO. It is to be business as usual. In other words citizens rights count for nothing.
Does the status quo want this? Does even to Obama administration want this? NO. It is to be business as usual. In other words citizens rights count for nothing.
6
Progressives just seem to have a love affair with terrorists and traitors! Lets pardon them ALL !!
7
Safe to say they are not at all sympathetic to the military.
4
I'm a progressive.
Please read my take on Snowden in the NYT picks section. It defies your statements.
Please read my take on Snowden in the NYT picks section. It defies your statements.
2
When the USSR was still going strong many Russians and East-Europeans fled to the USA, and for good reason. Now, judging by the Edward Snowden case, this seems to be the other way around. Why is that?
3
Obama has the chance to do something right in his rotten tenure . Free Mr. Peltier .
1
The Snowden controversy can be distilled to the central question of whether the ends justify the means. In my mind, they do not. There is no such moral good which is obtained by immoral means.
I never thought I'd see the day I agreed with Richard Luettgen. If we are Americans then we must have faith in our judiciary. Snowden cannot be tried, sentenced and pardoned in the court of public opinion as many commenters here would have it. Let him stand before a federal court and be judged. Only then can we discuss showing him mercy for his crimes.
I never thought I'd see the day I agreed with Richard Luettgen. If we are Americans then we must have faith in our judiciary. Snowden cannot be tried, sentenced and pardoned in the court of public opinion as many commenters here would have it. Let him stand before a federal court and be judged. Only then can we discuss showing him mercy for his crimes.
7
I would like Obama to pardon both Snowden and Assange.
The sad fact is that we've needed leaks to protect us from an abusive bureaucracy that lies to us while killing abroad and spying at home.
The Pentagon Papers were illegal too, when released. It was good for us. Legality is not the only test for our public interest in the truth being known while it still matters and we can do something about it.
I would have liked more, to do something about all that killing and lying. Better than Bush was not the only standard for that, though certainly a minimal one.
The sad fact is that we've needed leaks to protect us from an abusive bureaucracy that lies to us while killing abroad and spying at home.
The Pentagon Papers were illegal too, when released. It was good for us. Legality is not the only test for our public interest in the truth being known while it still matters and we can do something about it.
I would have liked more, to do something about all that killing and lying. Better than Bush was not the only standard for that, though certainly a minimal one.
7
Assange has recast himself as a Putin stooge. Let him live in Russia.
2
To my knowledge (please correct me if I'm wrong) Assange is wanted in the country of Sweden for molesting children or the rape of a minor. I am not aware of any crime in this country for which Assange has been convicted, thus for which he could be pardoned.
@elise
You're wrong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assange_v_Swedish_Prosecution_Authority#Co...
You know, it's pretty easy to check on things nowadays...
You're wrong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assange_v_Swedish_Prosecution_Authority#Co...
You know, it's pretty easy to check on things nowadays...
2
Yes, please free Leonard Peltier, President Obama. Today.
7
I guess there are people who got thrown in jail for 'leaking' information about
what our government has been doing. On Friday, we won't be needing any more leakers. We are about to install a President who sounds like he doesn't
want to do things that are leaked. He wants to do them right out in the open
and all we will have to do is keep up with front page news as it happens. We won't have to wait for any leakers to reveal secrets.
what our government has been doing. On Friday, we won't be needing any more leakers. We are about to install a President who sounds like he doesn't
want to do things that are leaked. He wants to do them right out in the open
and all we will have to do is keep up with front page news as it happens. We won't have to wait for any leakers to reveal secrets.
4
Open all secrets is the Assange motto .
I am glad to see the NYT supporting clemency for Leonard Peltier, but this should have been the article's strongest emphasis. The arguments from both justice and mercy are strongest in Peltier's case. It was devastating to hear of yesterday's official decision against the commutation of Peltier's sentence. But Obama still has the power to do the right thing in the final minutes of his presidency.
8
"The average sentence for those convicted of leaking classified material is one to three years."
Manning released over 700 thousand pages of secret information. That's ten thousand times more information than is leaked in the average case for which people serve one to three years. So receiving ten to thirty-seven times the average sentence for releasing ten thousand times more secret information is not disproportionately high sentencing. It's shockingly disproportionately low sentencing.
Manning's massive release of diplomatic information betrayed the confidence of many foreigners who gave our diplomats information in secret. This proved to the world that -- because of leakers like Manning and the moral support they get from the likes of the New York Times Editorial Board and now, unfortunately, Barack Obama -- it is unsafe to trust pledges of confidence from American diplomats. This betrayal of diplomatic confidence much more than ten to thirty-seven times as damaging to America than the average leak punished by a one to three year sentence.
Manning released over 700 thousand pages of secret information. That's ten thousand times more information than is leaked in the average case for which people serve one to three years. So receiving ten to thirty-seven times the average sentence for releasing ten thousand times more secret information is not disproportionately high sentencing. It's shockingly disproportionately low sentencing.
Manning's massive release of diplomatic information betrayed the confidence of many foreigners who gave our diplomats information in secret. This proved to the world that -- because of leakers like Manning and the moral support they get from the likes of the New York Times Editorial Board and now, unfortunately, Barack Obama -- it is unsafe to trust pledges of confidence from American diplomats. This betrayal of diplomatic confidence much more than ten to thirty-seven times as damaging to America than the average leak punished by a one to three year sentence.
3
If a president can pardon Scooter Libby, and another Oliver North....
1
Let's Be Honest:
"The average sentence for those convicted of leaking classified material is one to three years.
*****
I considered that statement by Obama to be a lie, precisely the type of statement he makes and is blindly repeated by the media, as here.
"The average sentence for those convicted of leaking classified material is one to three years.
*****
I considered that statement by Obama to be a lie, precisely the type of statement he makes and is blindly repeated by the media, as here.
1
Utter nonsense, releasing Chelsea Manning early. And, for that matter, the system's allowing a sex-change procedure to take place while Manning is behind bars.
Which is not to say that I appreciate the sexual fascism of our Christian fundamentalists or the puerile, machismo posturings of our President-elect.
We have lost our senses.
Which is not to say that I appreciate the sexual fascism of our Christian fundamentalists or the puerile, machismo posturings of our President-elect.
We have lost our senses.
5
To come to this conclusion means the editorial board who wrote this has to have totally ignored very crucial and important facts of the Snowden case. Do not pardon him. He lied to get his job, he lied to steal documents that he gave to our enemies and he compromised the safety and security of the citizens of the U.S. and many others around the world. Never pardon this man. He lied about his journey on the run and to whom he did and did not give documents. He is just like Trump, a friend of Putin's. Don't pardon him and I hope he lives in Russia the rest of his natural born days.
14
Leonard Peltier should be at the top of the list. Even if he did what he was convicted of -- and that is in doubt -- consider the crimes committed against Native Americans by the US Government. Consider the situation at Standing Rock and the excessive force being used against protestors. And consider the message it would send to the FBI, which tipped the election away from Hillary Clinton.
17
LIAR!! The FBI had no influence at all on the election. Hillary was a rotten, lying, corrupt, criminal candidate.
3
All caps _and_ two exclamation points. Well that does it, I'm convinced.
2
Convinced? The type of type will do that...
2
I wish the Times would do one of the big magazine articles laying out all the legal facts and nuances of both the Manning and Snowden cases. If memory serves, Manning's was military and Snowden's was subject to the early 20th century Espionage Act, which I think is the reason he left the country, knowing ha the Act was obsolete and called for execution.
When the options are so difficult, he public should be better informed about how the so-called system works. I believe Snowden did try to go through channels before he went the route he finally took via The Guardian reporters. And people should learn the truth about how and why he ended up in Russia.
And neither the editorial nor these comments mention the terrible long periods of solitary confinement Manning was subject to, which were grotesque given the nature of his/her crime.
The NSA and the military justice system are not free and clear on these cases; a good clear report on the behavior of both sides would be useful.
When the options are so difficult, he public should be better informed about how the so-called system works. I believe Snowden did try to go through channels before he went the route he finally took via The Guardian reporters. And people should learn the truth about how and why he ended up in Russia.
And neither the editorial nor these comments mention the terrible long periods of solitary confinement Manning was subject to, which were grotesque given the nature of his/her crime.
The NSA and the military justice system are not free and clear on these cases; a good clear report on the behavior of both sides would be useful.
13
Twitter @POTUS to ask Obama to pardon a true American hero: Edward Snowden. While songsters, snipers, politicians, (Thatcher, Blair) and others have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Obama has now lost the opportunity to place one on a true hero but a "pardon" will do just as well.
5
Snowden is no hero.
2
Please let Edward Snowden come home a free man, Mr. President.
14
How ca he pardon Snowden when he has not been charged? I remember NYT's "outrage" when Ford pardoned Nixon before charges were filed. At least it probably got RMN to resign. Has anyone posited the likelihood that Snowden helped the Russian ti get the e-mails etc to Wikileaks? Why not, makes as much sense as other theories of transmittal?
3
You cited the precedent yourself.
As to your theory regarding Russia, is there any evidence at all that Snowden had anything to do with the emails? You say that it makes as much sense as any other theory, but even if that were true, which it is not, is it evidence? This lack of critical thinking is why we are where we are.
As to your theory regarding Russia, is there any evidence at all that Snowden had anything to do with the emails? You say that it makes as much sense as any other theory, but even if that were true, which it is not, is it evidence? This lack of critical thinking is why we are where we are.
2
We pretty much know how WiKiLeaks got the emails, and how the Russians got them too. Snowden wasn't involved, and we can most surely know the US intelligence community would have been quick to tell us had he been.
2
Please, Mr. Obama, please pardon Edward Snowdon before it is too late! Mr. Snowdon did what he did out of conscience. He informed me, and the rest of the American people, about the NSA's illegal surveillance. This surveillance was the sort of illegal activity against which free people should always be vigilant. His reward? He is now a man without a country. Please, Mr. Obama, a final act of courage, pardon Edward Snowdon. I want to be proud to be an American.
James Clapper lies to congress about the NSA's activities. His punishment? He remains the Director of National Intelligence. David Petraeus leaks secrets to his girlfriend and biographer (hardly a service to the American people). His punishment? He loses his job and makes millions as a talking head. Please, Mr. Obama, justice.
James Clapper lies to congress about the NSA's activities. His punishment? He remains the Director of National Intelligence. David Petraeus leaks secrets to his girlfriend and biographer (hardly a service to the American people). His punishment? He loses his job and makes millions as a talking head. Please, Mr. Obama, justice.
22
I say Leonard Peltier, over 40 years incarcerated. Why just the Hacking Celebutants?
9
Mr. Peltier’s trial was deeply flawed; an appeals court found that the government had deliberately withheld key evidence, and prosecutors admitted that they could not prove Mr. Peltier had shot the agents.
---------------------------------------
Despite all that you say and the way you say it, the appeals court upheld his conviction. So he is guilty of murdering two young FBI agents. If murder, espionage and conspiracy to violently over throw the US government does not qualify a leftie for a complete prison sentence, just what, in left-wing's eyes does.
---------------------------------------
Despite all that you say and the way you say it, the appeals court upheld his conviction. So he is guilty of murdering two young FBI agents. If murder, espionage and conspiracy to violently over throw the US government does not qualify a leftie for a complete prison sentence, just what, in left-wing's eyes does.
4
I notice you conveniently left out that the prosecutors admitted that they could not prove Mr. Peltier had shot the agents. Not surprising, though, since it doesn't fit into your "leftie" narrative. Yes, you are all about justice, aren't you?
2
Mr. Peltier was convicted of murder of the two agents. You are trying to cloud the issue by conflating things. They could not prove that it was his hand that fired the shots. In the eyes of the law that made no difference. If you didn't know that then you learned something today. If you did then you are just a typical left wing tool, willing to twist the truth to fit your narrative.
The argument of pardon for Snowden fails on a couple of fronts. Unlike Manning, Snowden has not faced trial or plead guility but chose instead to flee. Clemency might have been appropriate if he had faced prosecution and had been given a sentence. As long as he chooses exile (and he has chosen it, it hasn't been imposed upon him), he has no claim to it.
As to what he revealed, there are two aspects of it. Revealing those portions of US surveillance that violated the Constitution is one thing as those would be illegal acts and Snowden could argue a necessity defense. However, much of what he revealed involved surveillance of foreign targets in which there is no Constitutional prohibition. He has no defense there except if one argues against the morality or policy utility of such surveillance. However, it was not his place to decide that such was a bad idea and end it by revealing its existence.
As to what he revealed, there are two aspects of it. Revealing those portions of US surveillance that violated the Constitution is one thing as those would be illegal acts and Snowden could argue a necessity defense. However, much of what he revealed involved surveillance of foreign targets in which there is no Constitutional prohibition. He has no defense there except if one argues against the morality or policy utility of such surveillance. However, it was not his place to decide that such was a bad idea and end it by revealing its existence.
10
I'm sorry that President Obama has chosen to leave Edward Snowden in his very dangerous position. He should know that if Mr. Snowden had not fled, he would be dead, today. Republicans would have made sure of it. They won't convict their own of treason, like their very own liar-in-chief-elect, but they'll do to everyone else. As it is, with the trump/putin incest, Snowden is probably a dead man walking, anyway. What a shame that the real heroes will never be honored.
12
Let me first of all say that I am a liberal who voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012 and Hillary in 2016. I also understand and accept that countries spy on each other, including their allies. A mole could be hiding in a "friendly" space too.
Snowden must be recognized for what he really is - a TRAITOR. He is not a whistleblower like some people argue. There is a process/ path for whistleblowers, which he chose not to take. Instead he ran away with our secrets to foreign countries where he sought asylum. Sharing your country's secrets with foreign powers like China and Russia does not make him a whistleblower, but what it does is make him is a traitor.
No pardon for him.
Snowden must be recognized for what he really is - a TRAITOR. He is not a whistleblower like some people argue. There is a process/ path for whistleblowers, which he chose not to take. Instead he ran away with our secrets to foreign countries where he sought asylum. Sharing your country's secrets with foreign powers like China and Russia does not make him a whistleblower, but what it does is make him is a traitor.
No pardon for him.
14
Sarah said exactly what I would say. I'm also a liberal who voted twice for President Obama and more recently for Secretary Clinton. Snowden didn't stumble over the information he stole, he went after it deliberately and indiscriminately. He was thoroughly underhanded. I don't care if he lives out his life in Russia. If he wants to return to the USA, he'll have to stand trial. Let him argue his case in court. Daniel Ellsberg understood the potential consequences of his own Pentagon Papers disclosures; yet, he did not run away like the sleazy coward Edward Snowden. He might be Putin's hero, but he's not mine.
2
Get your facts right. Snowden shared nothing with Russia and China. He shared his information with the NYT and The Guardian, which then wisely chose to publish. Also look up the legal definition of treason (18 USC, p. 2381). Snowden's actions are not treason by any stretch.
Snowden is a whistleblower and not a spy. He should never have been charged under the Espionage Act.
Snowden is a whistleblower and not a spy. He should never have been charged under the Espionage Act.
2
A murdering terrorist is released from prison. Why does Obama and the rest of the leftist choir have such a love for those who hate America. I wrote yesterday that Obama's communication was a disgrace and now we have Rivera's impending release. Can Benedict Arnold's pardon be far behind?
5
Benedict Arnold's spiritual brother will take the oath of office tomorrow.
@ Michael F
Lopez Rivera's (proper last name, López, NOT Rivera and he had, as Puerto Rican PATRIOT, reasons a plenty to despise the U.S.A. He did, however serve valiantly in the U.S Army in Vietnam and was decorated.
Who should NOT be far behind but ahead of the line is Leonard Peltier whose sin was loving the Ojibwa nation more than the "Exceptional" U.S. of A. For that he has spent nearly 42 years in prison on fabricated evidence.
Then I also have doubts about Benedict Arnold who was a Loyalist acting out his conscience in favour of the British.
Where did the trials for mass murder against Truman – the greatest number of killings in the shortest period of time via the only use of nuclear weapons in history – Reagan for his scorched earth policies in Central America and George W. Bush & Co. for his mendacious wars of choice, consequences of which we are still reeling from after almost 17 years of death and destruction? Swept under the Star Spangled rug?
“The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.” ~ ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT
Did you learn nothing at all after leaving the nativist U.S. education system.
"Never miss a good chance to shut up.” ~ WILL ROGERS
Lopez Rivera's (proper last name, López, NOT Rivera and he had, as Puerto Rican PATRIOT, reasons a plenty to despise the U.S.A. He did, however serve valiantly in the U.S Army in Vietnam and was decorated.
Who should NOT be far behind but ahead of the line is Leonard Peltier whose sin was loving the Ojibwa nation more than the "Exceptional" U.S. of A. For that he has spent nearly 42 years in prison on fabricated evidence.
Then I also have doubts about Benedict Arnold who was a Loyalist acting out his conscience in favour of the British.
Where did the trials for mass murder against Truman – the greatest number of killings in the shortest period of time via the only use of nuclear weapons in history – Reagan for his scorched earth policies in Central America and George W. Bush & Co. for his mendacious wars of choice, consequences of which we are still reeling from after almost 17 years of death and destruction? Swept under the Star Spangled rug?
“The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.” ~ ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT
Did you learn nothing at all after leaving the nativist U.S. education system.
"Never miss a good chance to shut up.” ~ WILL ROGERS
2
Mr. Coane,
You missed LBJ in Vietnam. I wonder why.
Truman ended WWII. If Obama was president then it would still be going on. But then again you hate the US. So why would anyone even listen to you.
You missed LBJ in Vietnam. I wonder why.
Truman ended WWII. If Obama was president then it would still be going on. But then again you hate the US. So why would anyone even listen to you.
This is Obama's last chance to get Americans killed. Obama is flooding the streets with terrorists and traitors in the hopes that they kill more Americans. What a petty, vengeful, bitter, evil person. Obama told us he'd be personally insulted if Hillary didn't win, and now Obama is taking his revenge on the very lives of Americans
2
I am sorry to perpetuate the extraordinary level of political incivility in this country, but I have to say that this an inanely stupid comment.
3
It's a fact that Obama hates America and Americans. Flooding our nation with terrorists and common criminals is his last, vengeful act against America
Ms. Manning didn't just leak "classified material". Her information put our military personnel at immediate risk and resulted in the murder of those who even remotely looked like they were collaborators.
The president has shown that the only leak he really takes seriously is one that damages himself.
The president has shown that the only leak he really takes seriously is one that damages himself.
3
What about Petraeus? He got a slap on the wrist.
1
outs:
Interesting tidbit about Petraeus. His situation only became public after he had refused to cooperate on the Benghazi talking points. Those who cooperated with Clinton, such as CIA Deputy Director, Mike Morrell, were rewarded with jobs from her friends. No surprise, Morrell is also now claiming Trump is a "unwitting agent" of Putin.
Moral of that story: It doesn't pay to cross a Clinton. Trump only tweets against his opponents. That's child's play compared to how Clinton retaliates.
Interesting tidbit about Petraeus. His situation only became public after he had refused to cooperate on the Benghazi talking points. Those who cooperated with Clinton, such as CIA Deputy Director, Mike Morrell, were rewarded with jobs from her friends. No surprise, Morrell is also now claiming Trump is a "unwitting agent" of Putin.
Moral of that story: It doesn't pay to cross a Clinton. Trump only tweets against his opponents. That's child's play compared to how Clinton retaliates.
1
There used to be a dividing line between responsible liberal publications such as the NYT and the more radical types such as 'The Nation', 'Progressive' and the 'Weekly Worker', etc. etc.
This editorial obliterates that line. When the NYT urges Obama to make it a priority to free terrorists and traitors where exactly do we go from here? Is there any movement further to the left that the NYT can possibly go?
Ironically, in recent days the left has criticized Trump for daring to question the CIA and not being sufficiently tough on Russia. The new 'cold warrior' stance was obviously just a ruse as this editorial makes clear. The true allegiance of the left and the NYT has never changed. And from now on we can dump the NYT with the other deplorables on the left...oh wait, bad choice of words!
This editorial obliterates that line. When the NYT urges Obama to make it a priority to free terrorists and traitors where exactly do we go from here? Is there any movement further to the left that the NYT can possibly go?
Ironically, in recent days the left has criticized Trump for daring to question the CIA and not being sufficiently tough on Russia. The new 'cold warrior' stance was obviously just a ruse as this editorial makes clear. The true allegiance of the left and the NYT has never changed. And from now on we can dump the NYT with the other deplorables on the left...oh wait, bad choice of words!
3
The Times' position exactly why Trump voters hate the Times so much and why even many Hillary voters like me think it is biased and disdainful and out of touch with most of America. Every convict the Times advocates for is a left wing hero, but to victims of the FALN bombings of civilians, FALN terrorists are akin to KLAN terrorists, but with celebrity support.
The Times is quick--and I think correct--in accusing Putin of manipulating the election, but accepts on faith that his publics shill and honored guest Snowden did not help him or (or China).
Peltier is not the only one involved in murder whose trial was not perfect--advocates for the murderers of 1960's civil rights heroes convicted decades later have their own grievances--Peltier should stay imprisoned with them.
The Times is quick--and I think correct--in accusing Putin of manipulating the election, but accepts on faith that his publics shill and honored guest Snowden did not help him or (or China).
Peltier is not the only one involved in murder whose trial was not perfect--advocates for the murderers of 1960's civil rights heroes convicted decades later have their own grievances--Peltier should stay imprisoned with them.
4
The Manning pardon was wrong. A Snowden pardon would be wrong. In fact any pardon for those who leak classified information with the express intent of making it public, or giving it to a foreign government, is wrong. The same holds for seditious actions.
Our country grants freedom of speech, the freedom to take issue without fear of prosecution. Treason and sedition undermine those values.
Our country grants freedom of speech, the freedom to take issue without fear of prosecution. Treason and sedition undermine those values.
2
Neither Manning nor Snowden gave information to a foreign government. Manning gave information to Wikileaks; Snowden to the NYT and The Guardian.
If you believe that Manning and Snowden are guilty of treason and sedition for publicly releasing classified information (I don't), then what about General Petraeus who gave classified information to an author writing a book about him? Is Petraeus, whom Trump at one point considered for Secretary of State, also guilty of treason and sedition?
If you believe that Manning and Snowden are guilty of treason and sedition for publicly releasing classified information (I don't), then what about General Petraeus who gave classified information to an author writing a book about him? Is Petraeus, whom Trump at one point considered for Secretary of State, also guilty of treason and sedition?
1
Totally disagree.
Snowden is a traitor and should be treated as such. He gave secrets over to foreign powers. He could have stayed here in his country and faced a proper trial. Instead he ran to Putin, of all people. No pardon for him.
Manning faced the music, was judged harshly, served time, and absolutely deserved the commutation that was extended. A whole different ball game.
Snowden is a traitor and should be treated as such. He gave secrets over to foreign powers. He could have stayed here in his country and faced a proper trial. Instead he ran to Putin, of all people. No pardon for him.
Manning faced the music, was judged harshly, served time, and absolutely deserved the commutation that was extended. A whole different ball game.
5
He did not give secrets to foreign powers. Get your facts straight.
1
I am amazed at how many commenters have their facts wrong. Snowden did not give secrets to any foreign government. He gave documents to two newspapers, the NYT and The Guardian, which then published them. And, BTW, even a former U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, said that Snowden did a "public service".
2
"Snowden did not give secrets to any foreign government. He gave documents to two newspapers," who by publishing their contents gave the "secrets over to foreign powers..." There, does that clear things up?
1
Obama should pardon Snowden before Peltier. Exposing overreach turning America into a surveillance state is patriotic. Executing FBI agents, assuming Peltier actually did, is most certainly not.
1
President Obama should have pardoned Edward Snowden. Without Snowden we would have never known about the overreaching surveillance our own government was conducting on us.
I admire President Obama, but rather disappointed on him for not being able to cross that threshold in this instance.
I admire President Obama, but rather disappointed on him for not being able to cross that threshold in this instance.
7
The Times is overreaching in suggesting that anything should be done to mitigate the crimes of Edward Snowden. Unlike the other people cited in this editorial, Snowden has fled justice, avoided due process, and the full scope of his crimes remains unknown. To suggest that any president should intervene in the legal process BEFORE it has taken its course is irresponsible and, quite frankly, saturated in a dangerous ideological positioning.
3
The NYT is consistent with having gone off the deep end - sure lets let all the terrorists loose because their causes were "noble". The long national nightmare is almost over and common sense can rule the day again
4
Juxtaposing Manning's pardon that cost two American Reuters journalists their lives and put the target on the back of thousands of Afghani's and American citizens abroad, slaughtering many, versus the potential pardon of an individual whose leaks, while an act of espionage, showed flaws in the American surveillance network is a strawman argument.
Though a different take on the matter: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/opinion/snowden-does-not-deserve-the-...
Though a different take on the matter: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/opinion/snowden-does-not-deserve-the-...
2
"Of course, it was Mr. Obama’s overly aggressive Justice Department that sought, and in 2013 won, that absurdly long sentence in the first place. The average sentence for those convicted of leaking classified material is one to three years."
This is such a patently absurd statement it is ridiculous. This is akin to saying the average sentence for fraud is 3 years and Bernie Madoff has thus been oversentenced. Absolutely zero weight put on the volume and gravity of the crime.
This is such a patently absurd statement it is ridiculous. This is akin to saying the average sentence for fraud is 3 years and Bernie Madoff has thus been oversentenced. Absolutely zero weight put on the volume and gravity of the crime.
2
Snowden has not been convicted and until he returns and faces a trial for the release of secret documents no consideration should be given to a pardon. Pollard served his full sentence before parole was granted for passing secrets to the Israelis. Snowden, on the other hand, released classified documents to the world. Why does he deserve a pardon?
3
extenuation of any sort, whether it be in the actual circumstances of the crime, the personal circumstances of the criminal or the conditions of incarceration, deserves a degree of parsing.
manning (a clerk? an analyst?, a low-level analyst? an intelligence specialist? could the press please (!) pin this down?) 1. stole classified information, 2. has, since then, made a difficut personal journey and 3. was incarcerated under conditions that apparently contradicted the gender issue and, if so, can be seen as cruel and unusual.
so: review the sentence, (guilt is not under question), if unjust, modify it, but ADMIT its injustice (at least for the sake of future debate);
consider the posssiblites of stress and mental strain and TREAT them; and, if the circumstances of incarceration are in conflict with gender issues, CHANGE the circumstances to suit.
conflating these solves nothing and makes pardons and commutations rather part of the muddle than part of any useful clarification.
manning (a clerk? an analyst?, a low-level analyst? an intelligence specialist? could the press please (!) pin this down?) 1. stole classified information, 2. has, since then, made a difficut personal journey and 3. was incarcerated under conditions that apparently contradicted the gender issue and, if so, can be seen as cruel and unusual.
so: review the sentence, (guilt is not under question), if unjust, modify it, but ADMIT its injustice (at least for the sake of future debate);
consider the posssiblites of stress and mental strain and TREAT them; and, if the circumstances of incarceration are in conflict with gender issues, CHANGE the circumstances to suit.
conflating these solves nothing and makes pardons and commutations rather part of the muddle than part of any useful clarification.
It's also the last day for President Obama to order the IRS to finish the audit and release Prezident Trump's tax returns.
Get busy, Mr. President!
Get busy, Mr. President!
2
Mr. Obama should grant a pardon to Hillary Clinton, as Gerald Ford did for Nixon... otherwise you can be certain that the GOP will haul her in for another round of Clinton-bashing, which brings them so much joy. The Ford decision said in part: ""Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974."
Refusing to "litigate" the crimes of the Bush/Cheney Administration, which included torture, kidnapping, indefinite detention, failure to protect civilians while under occupation, failure to protect the cultural heritage of Iraq while under occupation and worst of all the unnecessary, unjustified and illegal invasion of Iraq based on lies, only highlights the excessive reaction to the crimes of Manning and Snowden.
Manning gets 35 years, Snowden is accused of espionage, and the real war criminals of the Bush Administration get to brag and gloat over the crimes they committed.
Manning gets 35 years, Snowden is accused of espionage, and the real war criminals of the Bush Administration get to brag and gloat over the crimes they committed.
6
I applaud those in the bottom of the pit the left has dug for itself, still there shoveling furiously. Pardoning Snowden, naked boys walking around girls
locker rooms pretending they are girls, and the many other crazy ideas the left has adopted, will accelerate the coming of reform that will reject all of these ideas.
locker rooms pretending they are girls, and the many other crazy ideas the left has adopted, will accelerate the coming of reform that will reject all of these ideas.
1
A president's only charge is to protect and defend this country. The Obama years, perversely, are about protecting and defending a legacy that was incidentally a presidency.
The Manning commutation is likely a prelude to a Hillary pardon, (which is an indirect pardon of himself). The precedent of not rendering equal justice in these compelling, massive, prima facie cases of espionage imperils our national security in perpetuity. (NB: Obama springing the FALN terrorist who bombed our cities finished what the Clintons had started in the 90s.)
These are dangerous times. The magnitude & frequency of Obama's acts of irreversible damage vary inversely & exponentially with his time left in office.
A despot can do a lot of damage in one day & a deluded one blinded by his own imagined brilliance will.
The Manning commutation is likely a prelude to a Hillary pardon, (which is an indirect pardon of himself). The precedent of not rendering equal justice in these compelling, massive, prima facie cases of espionage imperils our national security in perpetuity. (NB: Obama springing the FALN terrorist who bombed our cities finished what the Clintons had started in the 90s.)
These are dangerous times. The magnitude & frequency of Obama's acts of irreversible damage vary inversely & exponentially with his time left in office.
A despot can do a lot of damage in one day & a deluded one blinded by his own imagined brilliance will.
2
Amen.
But fewer prisoners in the 1st place should be the goal
America's criminal justice system is a paragon of hypocritical rich white supremacist hypocrisy that continues the 13th Amendment's carefully carved colored exception to the abolition of slavery and involuntary servitude. The 2.3 Americans in prison are 25% of the incarcerated on Planet Earth with only 5% of human beings. And 40% of those prisoners are colored black like Obama when only 13.2% of Americans are black. Blacks go to prison for doing the same things while black that white folks do while white.
A pardon rather than a commutation should be the preferred form of clemency for the black and brown non-violent illegal drug users, sellers and possessing drugs or property and personal crimes and the mentally ill. Rather than tilting criminal justice towards removal and retribution instead of rehabilitation you increase the chances of recidivism.
Unlike Paul Ryan, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Mitch McConnell, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Marco Rubio, Rafael Cruz, John Cornyn, Jim DeMint, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Britt Hume, Bill Kristol and Bill O' Reilly, Chelsea Manning was bravely patriotic and honorable enough to volunteer to put on the military uniform of an American force.
Since 9/11/01 only 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on an American military uniform. In keeping with family tradition neither of Trump's boys Donald Trump, Jr nor Eric nor his son-in-law Jared Kushner were among them.
But fewer prisoners in the 1st place should be the goal
America's criminal justice system is a paragon of hypocritical rich white supremacist hypocrisy that continues the 13th Amendment's carefully carved colored exception to the abolition of slavery and involuntary servitude. The 2.3 Americans in prison are 25% of the incarcerated on Planet Earth with only 5% of human beings. And 40% of those prisoners are colored black like Obama when only 13.2% of Americans are black. Blacks go to prison for doing the same things while black that white folks do while white.
A pardon rather than a commutation should be the preferred form of clemency for the black and brown non-violent illegal drug users, sellers and possessing drugs or property and personal crimes and the mentally ill. Rather than tilting criminal justice towards removal and retribution instead of rehabilitation you increase the chances of recidivism.
Unlike Paul Ryan, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Mitch McConnell, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Marco Rubio, Rafael Cruz, John Cornyn, Jim DeMint, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Britt Hume, Bill Kristol and Bill O' Reilly, Chelsea Manning was bravely patriotic and honorable enough to volunteer to put on the military uniform of an American force.
Since 9/11/01 only 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on an American military uniform. In keeping with family tradition neither of Trump's boys Donald Trump, Jr nor Eric nor his son-in-law Jared Kushner were among them.
3
I responded to the first Times editorial with the name of a person I thought should have been pardoned—the Times didn’t print the letter. Reading the readers’ comments, I understand the error of my ways.
There are more than 2 million people incarcerated in the United States and someone somewhere believes that each of the 2 million plus people should be pardoned.
While not a true-believer, I do find the Bible a very useful manual for operating an obsolete model of mankind. I recall the dilemma faced by Pontius Pilate when urged by the crowd to punish the innocent and reward the guilty. Pilate ignored the urging of his wife, listened to the crowd, freed Barabbas and condemned Jesus to death.
The irony was that everybody was right and everybody was wrong—there is no justifiable way to right a punishable wrong.
This dilemma is one of the Times with unlimited time and limited demands confronting President Obama who has limited time and limited choices.
I apologize for being a part of the noisy crowd and with-draw my suggestion.
There are more than 2 million people incarcerated in the United States and someone somewhere believes that each of the 2 million plus people should be pardoned.
While not a true-believer, I do find the Bible a very useful manual for operating an obsolete model of mankind. I recall the dilemma faced by Pontius Pilate when urged by the crowd to punish the innocent and reward the guilty. Pilate ignored the urging of his wife, listened to the crowd, freed Barabbas and condemned Jesus to death.
The irony was that everybody was right and everybody was wrong—there is no justifiable way to right a punishable wrong.
This dilemma is one of the Times with unlimited time and limited demands confronting President Obama who has limited time and limited choices.
I apologize for being a part of the noisy crowd and with-draw my suggestion.
Snowden did the right thing for the country: the government of any country should not have unlimited power to track and record private communications. There is a thing called a warrant and something known as due process. It's why we have a Constitution. And the head of the CIA lied point-blank to Congress about this practice. Had he not acted, we'd never had known.
A lot of Obama supporter-friends of mine didn't think that such power in the hands of a President was a concern--why would a progressive President with a scholarly grasp of constitutional law abuse his executive power? I pointed out to them how short-sighted it was to depend on having a "good" president, and did they remember Nixon's use of the IRS as a cudgel to his "enemies"? And what if we elected someone as paranoid, easily offended, and vindictive as our President? Someone who vilifies all opposition as un-American, all Muslims as terrorists, and the press as slander-mongering traitors?
From everything Trump has said, I can't conclude that he won't use his executive power and the massive national security apparatus at his command to suppress his own "enemies" list.
Pardoning Snowden is an essential statement that the Constitutional guarantees we enjoy will protect private citizens from government intrusion and suppression.
A lot of Obama supporter-friends of mine didn't think that such power in the hands of a President was a concern--why would a progressive President with a scholarly grasp of constitutional law abuse his executive power? I pointed out to them how short-sighted it was to depend on having a "good" president, and did they remember Nixon's use of the IRS as a cudgel to his "enemies"? And what if we elected someone as paranoid, easily offended, and vindictive as our President? Someone who vilifies all opposition as un-American, all Muslims as terrorists, and the press as slander-mongering traitors?
From everything Trump has said, I can't conclude that he won't use his executive power and the massive national security apparatus at his command to suppress his own "enemies" list.
Pardoning Snowden is an essential statement that the Constitutional guarantees we enjoy will protect private citizens from government intrusion and suppression.
3
Leonard Peltier should have been pardoned and released a LONG time ago. President Obama, please do the right thing; pardon Leonard Peltier today while you still can. Donald Trump never will and an innocent man will die in prison. The onus is on you, Mr. President .......
4
How do you know he "acted in the spirit of a whistleblower"? All we have is his word on that. If Snowden had returned to the US he'd have had the best legal defense money can buy and could have served his cause in a public trial. Had he done so, a pardon would be justified. But he fled to open arms of Vladimir Putin, carrying with him the Crown Jewels of American intelligence. In doing so he became a traitor.
Bravo NYT Editors for your support of freeing Leonard Peltier. Bravo.
3
Please Mr. President pardon Bergdhal also before the 20th.
2
By pardoning Manning, Obama showed he does not believe or support the American judicial system. He ok'd TREASON.
Non sense.
One more day of bad decisions left Obama......make it count!
One more day of bad decisions left Obama......make it count!
Still hoping President Obama will commute the sentence of Rod Blagojevich.
There is no question that 14 years was and is excessive and he has already served 5 years. Republican Illinois State House Representative has also called for a shorter sentence.:
"I am just going to put this out there ... Blagojevich didn't deserve 14 years," state Rep. Barbara Salvi Wheeler wrote on Facebook Wednesday. "If Obama can do one thing right on his way out ... shortening his sentence could be it."
There is no question that 14 years was and is excessive and he has already served 5 years. Republican Illinois State House Representative has also called for a shorter sentence.:
"I am just going to put this out there ... Blagojevich didn't deserve 14 years," state Rep. Barbara Salvi Wheeler wrote on Facebook Wednesday. "If Obama can do one thing right on his way out ... shortening his sentence could be it."
2
I don't recall the NYT advocating for the early release of Jonathan Pollard, who spent 30 years in prison.
Oh wait, he spied for Israel, was not a transgender and never tried to commit suicide.
Oh wait, he spied for Israel, was not a transgender and never tried to commit suicide.
The real culprit was not Chelsea Manning but the officers who did not properly control the amount of access that an individual had to these records. Had proper controls been in place she could not have done as much damage as she did and may have been discouraged from attempting to. Someone should have been monitoring who was downloading information and contacting any people who were doing so excessively. At the very least they should have had software in place to monitor these activities and alert an officer to investigate. Better internal controls should have been in place and someone should have been held accountable for not doing so.
4
Is the person who's home is burglarized to blame for failing to install an alarm system or is the thief who makes off with their belongings? Is the woman who is attacked and violated to blame because she was dressed provocatively or is the attacker? Judging by your take on Manning, it seems as though the victims would be the ones to blame in these scenarios. The fact of the matter is that Manning leaked classified information. He has no one else to blame...and you shouldn't either.
1
When you leak classified information, you go to jail, and you stay there.
I'm glad to see The Times support the Amazing Grace that had been one of President Obama's great traits. Chelsea Manning deserved the commutation (not a pardon) in her sentence. But, as you note, many others do as well. I would hope that he would not only follow your additional recommendations, but also do something to protect the Dreamers now in peril of deportation by the incoming Trump Administration along with many hundreds of prisoners on his clemency list languishing in prison with harsh sentences for minor drug offenses.
1
1,597 and counting..........
Last day. Last chance to do what is right. Set free those who have done the time to meet a non violent crime and have been transformed in our correctional facilities and importantly will have no opportunity to be repeat offenders,
2
One more: John Walker Lindh.
2
Trump should pardon Snowden. After all "he LOOOOOVES WikiLeaks".
1
Obama still cleaning up W's messes. If George W. Bush hadn't gotten us into that useless war in Iraq, we wouldn't even be having this debate. Also the Army is to blame for giving security clearance to a person as obviously troubled as Brandon Manning.
1
It would have been heartening to see the NY Times call for clemency for Leonard Peltier early yesterday, but publishing at then end of the day when President Obama announced he had denied clemency is instead, heartbreaking. The denial of clemency is most likely a death sentence, and Leonard Peltier will continue life in a high security prison thousands of miles away from his family. President Obama has truly left his family, his community and all of us who were looking forward to relief for the Peltier family, bereft. I hope the NY Times will seek comment from the White House because it is hard to understand the thinking behind the denial of his plea, which outlined the many flaws in his trials, his hard time served, the state of his health, and most importantly his remorse and calls from the prosecutor and judge involved in his trials to grant clemency. I hope this story is followed, if only to make up for this opinion that was issued too late to effect a change.
2
Feels good to read this editorial. A newspaper asking a politician to show more mercy. Everything functioning as it should be. :)
3
Jeffrey Sterling, a former CIA employee who was imprisoned for talking to NY Times reporter James Risen should also be pardoned. There is no evidence he shared classified material with Risen and he has serious health problems.
2
We are way too punishment-oriented.
5
No, Snowden should answer for his treachery in an American court of law.
4
It is time to free Leonard Peltier. The law enforcement people have
had their pound of flesh. Enough is enough.
had their pound of flesh. Enough is enough.
3
Never snowden
4
It's not looking good for Leonard Peltier at this point.
I will never forgive President Obama for not pardoning Edward Snowden. There is no valid excuse he can make.
6
Once justice is served, continued incarnation amounts to vengeance. Pope Francis has spoken out forcefully against excessive punishment that destroys hope. The age and changed circumstances of the individual need to be taken into account. No crime should be beyond mercy.
2
And justice has not been served in the case of Edward Snowden.
I don't think any of this is about continued incarnation.
Snowden knows what he has to do for a pardon. Turn himself in. Go through the courts. Then beg for his life.
4
Please do release Peltier. I can't believe he was not in that list. If there's someone who deserves it is him. It's about time
4
We are all better off knowing about the excesses of our government that Edward Snowden revealed because of his patriotic actions. I'm sure history will grant him his place at least the equal of Daniel Ellsberg. He should be unconditionally pardoned. His talents could certainly be put to good work in his own country.
2
Snowden would have had to have acted as honorably as Ellsworth did, stood to face the music instead of taking his documents with him and given them to the enemies of the U.S. and settled in cozily with the biggest enemy of all, Putin.
Agreed, "he should be offered at least a plea agreement"... We need to decide what is the true definition of the word "whistleblower", than we can correctly identify Snowden. Snowden's decision to seek sanctuary in Russia was unwise but individuals do make bad decisions in precarious circumstances.
It is necessary to protect whistleblowers so Nations and Companies can achieve a dialogue for the public good.
It is necessary to protect whistleblowers so Nations and Companies can achieve a dialogue for the public good.
1
Snowden took the job he took for the specific purpose of stealing top secret documents. He knew he would have to leave the country, therefore, he had ample time to plan his escape, which he did. He chose Russia, China, any place but his own country. Let him rot in Russia. I'm sure he's homesick but he's far from a hero.
1
At a time when the Standing Rock struggle has reminded the American people of our horrific and ongoing treatment of indigenous communities, I am deeply saddened that President Obama has decided not to pardon Leonard Peltier. Mr Peltier was charged only because of his role as a leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the Pine Ridge struggle. His pardon would have been an important step in recognizing the injustice that he and the indigenous communities of this nation have faced for hundreds of years.
2
I applaud the Times for recognizing that the sentence of Leonard Peltier is, like his fellow political prisoners, too long and he should receive clemency.
But the editorial astutely avoids using the term 'political prisoner'. Yet it was the political nature of Leonard Peltier's involvement with the American Indian Movement that brought on that sentences that the Times rightfully recognizes as 'excessive.'
It is excessive because while charged with violating a criminal statute, those sentences were meant to silence the freedom movement that he was a part of.
One cannot help but notice that not one of the dozen or so members of the Black Panther Party who also labor under excessive sentences meant to silence dissent are mentioned?
But the editorial astutely avoids using the term 'political prisoner'. Yet it was the political nature of Leonard Peltier's involvement with the American Indian Movement that brought on that sentences that the Times rightfully recognizes as 'excessive.'
It is excessive because while charged with violating a criminal statute, those sentences were meant to silence the freedom movement that he was a part of.
One cannot help but notice that not one of the dozen or so members of the Black Panther Party who also labor under excessive sentences meant to silence dissent are mentioned?
22
Good comment
Showing "mercy" to American traitors makes America less safe and secure. Obama did the Manning clemancy merely because this traitor went from man to woman. If he stayed a man, he'd still be jailed.
7
An all too predicatable reply from you.
I hope to God you're not a lawyer.
I hope to God you're not a lawyer.
1
While we all now suffer the unimaginable presidency of a fascist pig due in large part to Russian interference and Snowden does real damage to our country I say hell no. Are you kidding me? Let Snowden live out his pitiful little life with his cyber-terrorists right where he is.
17
he may have thought he did correctly but what about the people these imprisoned people hurt? No justice for them? He lost his mind.
6
rocketscience--ALL non-violent people. They didn't injure anyone. Certainly not the way trump, and his despicable minions, are about to do.
1
Snowden, perhaps.
Peltier,never.
he executed two young FBI agents
without a shreds of remorse
and deserves to die to jail.
the ny times editorial board
went way overboard on this one.
what a surprise!
Peltier,never.
he executed two young FBI agents
without a shreds of remorse
and deserves to die to jail.
the ny times editorial board
went way overboard on this one.
what a surprise!
4
Excuse me but have you read the entire transcript of the trial proceedings, that would lead you to write "he executed two young FBI agents"?
Not only did the lead prosecutor unprecedentedly ask for his commutation but so did the TRIAL JUDGE! He was tried, independently from two others, under the same evidence. They, in separate trials were exonerated. The FBI, beside themselves, essentially demanded that someone be convicted, evidence be damned.
Not only did the lead prosecutor unprecedentedly ask for his commutation but so did the TRIAL JUDGE! He was tried, independently from two others, under the same evidence. They, in separate trials were exonerated. The FBI, beside themselves, essentially demanded that someone be convicted, evidence be damned.
1
You should read the case and become informed on the facts. Leonard Peltier did not kill the two FBI agents and the Native American in June 1975. Peltier was tried with coerced evidence (later recanted), and the prosecutors refused to turn over thousands of documents. Even the judge who denied Peltier a second trial says that he now thinks he should be released and that the FBI was as much responsible for the shootout and deaths on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as were the members of AIM (American Indian Movement). A good place to start your reading is here: http://www.freeleonard.org/case/ You should also pick up a copy of Peter Matthiessen's excellent book, "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse", an accounting of the Peltier case and the FBI's war on AIM. Even the chief prosecutor on the case has asked President Obama to free Peltier. There is just a day and a half left to free him, and many organizations have petitioned the White House to do the right thing. My hope is that the president will do exactly that.
3
Peltier was convicted without any credible evidence that he committed the crime. Think for a minute about the racist treatment of Native Americans we have seen this year in North Dakota. That's where Peltier was convicted. Lies abundant from law enforcement and government officials even as we could see that reality with our own eyes. There was no social media to broadcast the truth during Peltier's trial. Government lying proceeded without check or contest at that time.
2
I'm praying for Snowden, but also Bowe Berghdal, who has paid enough.
Praying, President Obama.
Please, please pardon both of them.
I beg you.
Praying, President Obama.
Please, please pardon both of them.
I beg you.
9
A President at the end of his term has witnessed a great deal of costly, deadly and sad mistakes with unintended consequences. I respect the right of any President on his/her way out of office to make these difficult decisions post election and prior to inauguration of the incoming President. Pardons and commutations are done with complete and open disclosure.
11
OBAMA Has made the correct decisions on granting pardons and commuting sentences. But the GOP Griper team has nothing but angry 140 character Tweets to bid him farewell on his last full day as President. Obama has, from his first day in office, had an open door policy, inviting anyone from anywhere to contribute plans if they disagreed with him and could demonstrate that alternative plans did the job more effectively. Rather, they were too busy following McConnell's disgraceful, seditious, traitorous goal of attempting to make Obama a "one term President." Well now he's got his claws around the neck of the entire US citizenry. If you lose civil rights and the economy heads south, you'll know whom to call to account. Follow your conscience. But whatever you do, do NOT follow the 140 character tweets because Donald Ducks his Duty; nor follow the orange hair and orange face of the cliff, into the abyss of ignorance and dementia.
20
Problem Obama has in Snowden's case is if he pardons him it will mean he is saying "Snowden you were right". You did the right thing exposing us. In his heart Obama believes that but cannot act on it
4
Snowden did do the right thing, and I applaud him for it.
3
How do you know what is in Obama's heart on this issue? Has he spoken/written about it? I prefer to think that, in his heart, he believes Snowden was wrong. I believe Snowden is a hero and should be allowed to come home as such, but I also believe in Barack Obam's integrity and I think if "in his heart" he knows that Snowden should be free, then he would set him free.
1
He CAN act on it. I haven't agreed with everything my president has done. this is a good example.
1
Is it more important to show mercy or show that we will not tolerate the disclosing of national intelligence?
Choose wisely.
Choose wisely.
9
Our great country can do both. Manning has been adequately punished and will probably never really recover from the last seven brutal years. Tempering justice with mercy is one of the ideals that keeps the United States of America great.
2
Obama should pardon Snowden and Trump should give him (Snowden) a job.
And the merciless American Justice System grinds on it pitiless path. God help anyone who gets caught up in it.
A hard, cruel, national and international disgrace, of which no American can be proud.
A hard, cruel, national and international disgrace, of which no American can be proud.
6
Would Obama have pardoned Snowden if he had proclaimed himself as a transitioning transgender? Probably so. He would have had another gesture to appease the LGBTQS, and forever be their hero.
6
President Obama should have granted clemency to Leonard Peltier. Anyone who has looked into this case will be shocked and horrified at the extraordinary level of deception and lies perpetuated by the FBI and court system. It is way past time to right this wrong by pardoning Leonard and letting him be with his people. Hugely disappointed in Obama's over this.
61
I didn’t think anything could make the prospect of the next administration more bitter than it already is. Failure to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, when even the porsecutors in the case recommend it, took it over the line. Change your mind, sir, or end as you began--a disappointment to all those who gave you power you didn’t know how to use.
Agree
The absolute best Snowden deserves is to spend the rest of his loutish life in a drab Russian bedsitter.
The same fate as the English spy/traitor, Guy Burgess.
There is a fantastic TV movie about Burgess.
" An Englishman Abroad ." Alan Bates is marvelous, too empathetic and charismatic for such a scoundrel, but the movie is comedic, too. One of my favorites.
The same fate as the English spy/traitor, Guy Burgess.
There is a fantastic TV movie about Burgess.
" An Englishman Abroad ." Alan Bates is marvelous, too empathetic and charismatic for such a scoundrel, but the movie is comedic, too. One of my favorites.
4
He can pardon Pol Pot for all we care - so long as that woman and her family foundation remain a target rich environment for prosecutors, that is, unless the foreign graft machine breaks down and the money dries up in a fantastic, public bankruptcy scandal, complete with wiretap and email leaks, ugly internal bickering and a complete airing of what a corrupt farce it is. Hope that unlike mom, first daughter can bake cookies lest she be completely unemployable.
"Of course, it was Mr. Obama’s overly aggressive Justice Department that sought, and in 2013 won, that absurdly long sentence in the first place. The average sentence for those convicted of leaking classified material is one to three years."
"Overly aggressive Justice Dept." prosecution for the theft of 750,000 classified documents involving US national security? And the average sentence only "four years?"
Well, maybe the NYT editorial board is on to something here.
But since the 'average" sentence for espionage on behalf of a US ally has also been only "four years," would you please refer me to the NYT editorial which supported the commutation of the life sentence meted out to Jonathan Pollard, who served 30 years of that sentence despite pleas for commutation from former secretaries of state and intelligence agency chiefs?
Did the NYT editorial board excoriate the Obama Administration, along with past administrations, for refusing to consider commutation because "the intelligence community" disapproved? The same intelligence community, btw, which now decries the Manning commutation?
The Times is continuing its exclusive grip on a liberal blindness so vast that it only underscores its biased election coverage for which it recently apologized to its readership.
But it was also Pollard's fault. He should have long ago requested sex reassignment surgery.
"Overly aggressive Justice Dept." prosecution for the theft of 750,000 classified documents involving US national security? And the average sentence only "four years?"
Well, maybe the NYT editorial board is on to something here.
But since the 'average" sentence for espionage on behalf of a US ally has also been only "four years," would you please refer me to the NYT editorial which supported the commutation of the life sentence meted out to Jonathan Pollard, who served 30 years of that sentence despite pleas for commutation from former secretaries of state and intelligence agency chiefs?
Did the NYT editorial board excoriate the Obama Administration, along with past administrations, for refusing to consider commutation because "the intelligence community" disapproved? The same intelligence community, btw, which now decries the Manning commutation?
The Times is continuing its exclusive grip on a liberal blindness so vast that it only underscores its biased election coverage for which it recently apologized to its readership.
But it was also Pollard's fault. He should have long ago requested sex reassignment surgery.
7
Clemency for Manning, yes. She served 6 years, regrets her actions, and frankly has been abused in prison. No such offer should be made to Snowden, who fled the country. The fact that his disclosures led to "significant debate and reforms" is not an argument. I saw the uproar as only a smoke screen to the real abuses of law enforcement on the ground. That the government could screen my meta-data, which is already bought and sold as a commodity, is not a significant threat to my mind; and I support it until such time as I see actual abuse. Our police force however has real issues which effect us all. As much as I support them, they are the ones in need of reform.
4
There is one pardon that is urgently needed NOW. The is just one "political" prisoner that needs it. It is the former very popular governor of the state of Alabama, Don Siegalman, who was prosecuted on charges with the flimsy evidence, through the conniving orchestrated by Karl Rove. The evidence of this was portrayed in a CBS 60-minutes segment some years ago. Another good source to back up my assertion would be to interview one of Don Siegalman's defense attorneys. Don Siegalman was Alalabama's best hope for moving out of the late 19th or early 20th centuries into the the 21st century. Once Jeff Sessions, any hope of a pardon from the outrageous injustice in his remaining lifetime will be gone!
9
Manning's pardon is morally wrong. Leaking massive amounts of diplomatic and military communications quite likely jeopardised the nation's security and endangered lives. It's a crime and if commuting was necessary let it be reduced to 20 years but not freedom. Snowden's been just rewarded by Russia with a visa extension, no doubt a slap on our cyber security. Both Manning and Snowden have flouted the trust placed in them. We are living in an era of leaks, unsecured e mails, foreign hacking and the like. The country needs to rein in cyber security and showing clemency to such individuals only sends the wrong signal to others. Sorry NYT, you're wrong!!
7
Did Snowden's secrets facilitate the Russian hacking job? Did he hurt the US?
Don't talk of privacy for the common person. We gave that up long ago when we all signed up for social media. Every advertiser knows our every move. If the government snooping helps us stay safe, I am all for it.
Don't talk of privacy for the common person. We gave that up long ago when we all signed up for social media. Every advertiser knows our every move. If the government snooping helps us stay safe, I am all for it.
We simply cannot have rogue citizens making decisions as to which top secret information they think should be leaked to foreign powers. What if the top secret info that Snowden leaked had gotten scores of Americans killed? Would those who support a pardon for him believe him to be a patriot then?
13
Exactly. The harm done by both Snowden and Manning is beyond comprehension. Once in the secret world, keep you mouth shut. The harm you do by even a seemingly 'innocuous' disclosure like the Merkel cellphone tap is immeasurable.
Kathy--Right, under the premises offered by many of these commenters, the entire trump organization, and many Republicans, should be indicted for treason, and imprisoned for life.
1
Thank you Mr President for a great 8 years. For the first time in modern history, we didn't have one major scandal and we had a president we could look it up to. A few of your accomplishments include:
He pulled the nation out of a great recession
His signature domestic achievement -- Obamacare -- may be in grave danger, but what it's replaced with will still contain many elements of his vision for health care
He stood up for the rights of the LGBT community
He sounded the alarm on climate change
He offered a different perspective in the nation's long-running conversation on race.
He pulled the nation out of a great recession
His signature domestic achievement -- Obamacare -- may be in grave danger, but what it's replaced with will still contain many elements of his vision for health care
He stood up for the rights of the LGBT community
He sounded the alarm on climate change
He offered a different perspective in the nation's long-running conversation on race.
10
No major scandal? Are you redefining "scandal"? How about Lois Lerner and the IRS? Operation "Fast and Furious"? The alleged video that caused the Benghazi slaughter of four of our men and then lying to the families about that attack? What about the VA where veterans were treated abysmally? What about "If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor" and "if you like your health plan you can keep your health plan?" No scandals? Have you been asleep for eight years?
Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, penalty should be reduced or eliminated.
Blagojevich didn't make a dime, didn't take any money, and didn't spend any money he wasn't entitled to. He made no profit on his crime, yet he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Government simply refuses to acknowledge that, unlike every other elected official prosecuted for political corruption, Blagojevich never took a cash bribe; he never accepted a gift from a political patron, such as an expensive watch or a car or a free vacation; and he never took money from his campaign fund to spend on himself or his family. He was ordered to pay zero restitution because there was no reason to pay. There was not a single victim. He can't practice law, he can't get a state job, and has more restrictions as a convicted criminal. What more punishment does he need?
Blagojevich didn't make a dime, didn't take any money, and didn't spend any money he wasn't entitled to. He made no profit on his crime, yet he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Government simply refuses to acknowledge that, unlike every other elected official prosecuted for political corruption, Blagojevich never took a cash bribe; he never accepted a gift from a political patron, such as an expensive watch or a car or a free vacation; and he never took money from his campaign fund to spend on himself or his family. He was ordered to pay zero restitution because there was no reason to pay. There was not a single victim. He can't practice law, he can't get a state job, and has more restrictions as a convicted criminal. What more punishment does he need?
7
Obama has commuted more sentences then the last three Presidents combined. This was his right to do so. I think we should change the law for all presidents that prevents them from using the power of the pardon during the last year of their term.
If they truly had to answer for their pardons, I would feel a lot better about the process.
If they truly had to answer for their pardons, I would feel a lot better about the process.
4
Chelsea Manning stood trial for her actions; was found guilty and served a portion of her sentence, under very difficult conditions. Edward Snowden, in my opinion, is a traitor who should also stand trial. If found guilty and sentenced to prison, he would then become eligible for a commutation. Neither Ms. Manning, nor Mr. Snowden nor are heroes. They are both, however, human beings worthy as all human beings of compassion, according to the circumstances of their respective cases. But first, Mr. Snowden needs to stand trial.
14
This is the travesty Obama, in the name of Justice, must immediately acknowledge & commute Peltier’s sentence.
“Mr. Peltier’s trial was deeply flawed; an appeals court found that the government had deliberately withheld key evidence, and prosecutors admitted that they could not prove Mr. Peltier had shot the agents.”
I truly wish the Obama family a Peaceful return to Citizen life, but as President Obama closes his eyes at night for the abundant rest & respite he deserves, my simultaneous thought is that he will never forgive himself if he fails to commute Leonard Peltier’s sentence…now essentially a death sentence.
And how will he explain this to his daughters?
“Mr. Peltier’s trial was deeply flawed; an appeals court found that the government had deliberately withheld key evidence, and prosecutors admitted that they could not prove Mr. Peltier had shot the agents.”
I truly wish the Obama family a Peaceful return to Citizen life, but as President Obama closes his eyes at night for the abundant rest & respite he deserves, my simultaneous thought is that he will never forgive himself if he fails to commute Leonard Peltier’s sentence…now essentially a death sentence.
And how will he explain this to his daughters?
10
Free Leonard
1
Manning's intentional theft and disclosure of classified documents for personal gain cost lives. 35 years is too lenient for this flagrant crime of treason. The fact that she is transgender or tried to commit suicide as this editorial points out has nothing to do it.
19
Thank You!!
The excuse that the 7-years already served in an all male federal prison to placate/assuage his political base was based on sy/empathy NOT justice.
The excuse that the 7-years already served in an all male federal prison to placate/assuage his political base was based on sy/empathy NOT justice.
Edward Snowden broke federal law and fled custody to one of our enemies and remains a fugitive. Chelsea Manning stood trial, had due process, and was sentenced.
Chelsea Manning showed true courage and a willingness to face the consequences of her actions. She comported herself with dignity and aplomb throughout her trial and subsequent incarceration.
Edward Snowden is a self aggrandizing glory hound who essentially sold out the country for fifteen minutes of fame. He showed no moral courage and a distinct lack of care or respect for the lives he put in danger.
Chelsea Manning has an excellent case for a pardon. Edward Snowden has an excellent case for freezing his hypocrisy off in Russia for as long as they'll keep the ornery little guy.
Chelsea Manning showed true courage and a willingness to face the consequences of her actions. She comported herself with dignity and aplomb throughout her trial and subsequent incarceration.
Edward Snowden is a self aggrandizing glory hound who essentially sold out the country for fifteen minutes of fame. He showed no moral courage and a distinct lack of care or respect for the lives he put in danger.
Chelsea Manning has an excellent case for a pardon. Edward Snowden has an excellent case for freezing his hypocrisy off in Russia for as long as they'll keep the ornery little guy.
76
Jesse - Denver
Re: Mr. Snowden; "ornery little guy" - I wouldn't call a height of 6 feet "little".
Chelsea Manning's psyche has been destroyed by U.S. military "treatment".
I think Edward Snowden made the smarter decision considering his available choices of "residence".
Re: Mr. Snowden; "ornery little guy" - I wouldn't call a height of 6 feet "little".
Chelsea Manning's psyche has been destroyed by U.S. military "treatment".
I think Edward Snowden made the smarter decision considering his available choices of "residence".
Edward Snowden went over the line when he leaked more documents than he needed to in order to make his point. Countless stories based on Snowden documents have revealed that the NSA has spied on numerous world leaders and foreign governments. What does this have to do with the privacy of American citizens? He has set himself up as some kind of self-appointed Wizard of Oz who thinks he is all seeing and knowing. And this from someone who never completed his coursework at a community college in Maryland, only later obtaining his GED — an unusually light education for someone who would advance in the intelligence ranks. Spying has been going on since the first humans started living apart and Snowden's revelations will not change that.
53
Leonard Peltier, sure.
Chelsea (ne Bradley) Manning, well there seems to have been some psychological issues/crises there before the leaking and she's done seven years under tough conditions for her so, OK. (Most people do 1-3 for what she was convicted of).
Edward Snowden?
Edward Snowden is a traitor and pretty clearly an agent of a foreign power so he should be executed if we can get our hands on him.
Old Sparky would be good and if we could get Julian Assange to sit on his lap during the procedure that would be even better.
Chelsea (ne Bradley) Manning, well there seems to have been some psychological issues/crises there before the leaking and she's done seven years under tough conditions for her so, OK. (Most people do 1-3 for what she was convicted of).
Edward Snowden?
Edward Snowden is a traitor and pretty clearly an agent of a foreign power so he should be executed if we can get our hands on him.
Old Sparky would be good and if we could get Julian Assange to sit on his lap during the procedure that would be even better.
26
Snowden disclosures irreparably caused harm to innocent Americans here and abroad. And the fact that he continued to release top -secret information ans deliberately so, this man should spend the rest of his life in Russia. If he has the courage to come back then the American judicial system should be applied just as it is in every single other case when a person is charged with a crime. I think the world if our President but if he would be so irresponsible to grant Snowden clemency I will lose a huge amount of respect for him.
46
We know that governments, all over the world, do illegal things while pretending to uphold human values. Some of these actions are to protect us from real or perceived enemies, some of them are self-serving. We have to decide whether we let our government do whatever it wants to do, or do we want to make sure that they are actually doing things for the right reason. Remember, for example, the behavior of J Edgar Hoover and the personal and vindictive nature of that agency.
We cannot put blind faith in our leaders because they are human beings with the same faults that we have. They will protest that all secrets are necessary for our protection, but we need to know, from time to time, if that is so. Whistle blowers provide us with a useful check on them.
We cannot put blind faith in our leaders because they are human beings with the same faults that we have. They will protest that all secrets are necessary for our protection, but we need to know, from time to time, if that is so. Whistle blowers provide us with a useful check on them.
9
Release Leonard Peltier. It's his last chance to live out the remnants of his life among his people. It's so past time to do it. Release him today.
13
Although it puts me at odds with many of my liberal friends, I consider both Manning and Snowden to be traitors. Calling them "whistle blowers" makes it all sound so upright, but there is a serious question of who gets to decide what secret or confidential information should be made public. Neither of them, IMO, had that authority. I find it especially despicable that they worked with Julian Assage, who certainly does not have the best interests of the USA at heart.
That said, I think that Manning paid a price. I would be ok with Snowden agreeing to return home and likewise serve some time. He fled rather than face the music. He is no hero to me.
That said, I think that Manning paid a price. I would be ok with Snowden agreeing to return home and likewise serve some time. He fled rather than face the music. He is no hero to me.
6
He should have released Leonard Peltier.
14
He has another day to release Peltier! Time to POTUS!
Bowe Bergdahl should be pardoned.
He can not receive a fair court martial.
john McCain is head of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
McCain has threatened to attack or limit promotion opportunities if Army personnel involved in Bergdahl's court martial do not decide as McCain wants.
This is totally improper.
Trump will be president tomorrow.
He has also expressed strong views on the severe punishment he believes that Bergdahl merits.
As commander in chief the president can also adversely affect military personnel who do not decide as the president wants.
Bergdahl served 5 years of harsh captivity.
Pardon him and let him go.
He can not receive a fair court martial.
john McCain is head of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
McCain has threatened to attack or limit promotion opportunities if Army personnel involved in Bergdahl's court martial do not decide as McCain wants.
This is totally improper.
Trump will be president tomorrow.
He has also expressed strong views on the severe punishment he believes that Bergdahl merits.
As commander in chief the president can also adversely affect military personnel who do not decide as the president wants.
Bergdahl served 5 years of harsh captivity.
Pardon him and let him go.
11
I wish the President could pardon us Americans who did not do enough to support him over his 8 years and appoint Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.
49
You apparently missed the part in the Constitution re: advise and consent of the USSC. He HAS been appointed already. The Senate advised and refused to consent. Done. Your suggestion that he appoint him again – today – does exactly... what?
I just hope that Snowden didn't impair our ability to prevent, or, to listen in on any attempt at a private communication between Trump and Putin, or his seconds.
13
@ RjW Southern Upper Midwest - My comment deals directly with your comment. The US NSA relies very much on the highly advanced system used by the Swedish FRA to monitor internet transmissisions from Russia that pass through the fiber optic cable via Sweden and apparently according to the New York Review of Books article @ see:http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2017/01/19/the-swedish-kings-of-cyberwar/ this monitoring has not changed and might be expanded if Finland has the same capacity to monitor the new cable being layed via Finland. I submitted a comment on this yesterday but reviewers rejected that. But my comment here today is based on that. Today's comment @ http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/opinion/president-obamas-last-chance-t... just a few minutes before yours.
More there.
More there.
Obama’s pardon of Chelsea Manning was brave and proper. Manning exposed criminal acts in a heinous criminal war. Likewise Ed Snowden exposed a massive, unConstitutional US government scheme that, in the words of ex-Counterterrorism Czar Richard Clarke, left him “gobsmacked.” (Democracy Now! 6.2.14)
Neither’s actions have ever been shown to have hurt anyone. However, they have both, at the greatest personal risk, performed the highest acts of patriotism, though it was not the patriotism preferred by the US military-industrial complex.
The world is wise to America. We are no longer the “beacon on the hill” we like to pretend. Through a fluke, we have elected an ignorant, belligerent blowhard at the most critical moment in history. The world is appalled. The cumulative effects of our evil wars on Vietnam and Iraq, where we killed millions and displaced millions more, and now Trump’s threats to reverse all climate change progress, have suddenly made us a hostile, rogue nation.
We must make a clear distinction between Right and Wrong. In the face of evil, say the Nuremberg Principles, people must resist. "The fact that a person acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible to him." Manning and Snowden made that moral choice. They should not just be pardoned or freed, they should be medaled.
They, not the criminal warmongers, are my heroes.
Neither’s actions have ever been shown to have hurt anyone. However, they have both, at the greatest personal risk, performed the highest acts of patriotism, though it was not the patriotism preferred by the US military-industrial complex.
The world is wise to America. We are no longer the “beacon on the hill” we like to pretend. Through a fluke, we have elected an ignorant, belligerent blowhard at the most critical moment in history. The world is appalled. The cumulative effects of our evil wars on Vietnam and Iraq, where we killed millions and displaced millions more, and now Trump’s threats to reverse all climate change progress, have suddenly made us a hostile, rogue nation.
We must make a clear distinction between Right and Wrong. In the face of evil, say the Nuremberg Principles, people must resist. "The fact that a person acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible to him." Manning and Snowden made that moral choice. They should not just be pardoned or freed, they should be medaled.
They, not the criminal warmongers, are my heroes.
11
Thank you. I agree with you.
Heartsick and ashamed that Obama refused to pardon Leonard Peltier. Oh wait. He's a native American. Meaning, no one we care much about. 40 years in prison on trumped up charges that have been debunked, by testimony from witnesses who have recanted their statements, made under threats and coercion. Obama is all too human, does some things well, some very well, some not well, and some badly. Shame on him for this one.
26
Lots of talk in USA about losing our christian values. Putting in act one of the two most important values, forgiveness, is definitely the way to go. Not much forgiveness in the world today. Thank you President Obama.
10
No, lots of talk that we are NOT a Christian nation and the horrible deplorables made that up. So... sorry, no Christian mercy to dole out by the secular government. What would the Muslims do?
Here's the deal:
If we pardon Snowden ( WHAT!), we are obliged to accept that NSA was incompetent in keeping secrets and the top tier of leadership should be executed, for incompetence.
First.
Then...give him a medal, since Snowden provided a service, showing our incompetence at keeping secrets, call it the Hillary Clinton Heroic People's Order, of National Security Electronic Excellence (but we have to pardon HRC in a mass jailbreak also, same time);
one side showing servers with secrets leaking out, and the other side a grinning Putin shaking hands with a dazed and smug Obama;
YEAH!
I think we should also do a post-humous pardon of John Wilkes Booth, and also the nuclear spies-the Rosenbergs.
(I'm trying to make the Rosenberg's Iranian agents, but I need some help - readers?)
If we pardon Snowden ( WHAT!), we are obliged to accept that NSA was incompetent in keeping secrets and the top tier of leadership should be executed, for incompetence.
First.
Then...give him a medal, since Snowden provided a service, showing our incompetence at keeping secrets, call it the Hillary Clinton Heroic People's Order, of National Security Electronic Excellence (but we have to pardon HRC in a mass jailbreak also, same time);
one side showing servers with secrets leaking out, and the other side a grinning Putin shaking hands with a dazed and smug Obama;
YEAH!
I think we should also do a post-humous pardon of John Wilkes Booth, and also the nuclear spies-the Rosenbergs.
(I'm trying to make the Rosenberg's Iranian agents, but I need some help - readers?)
2
Go for it Prez, out in a blaze of glory and righteousness. But not with the likes of crooks like Manning, Snowden (these people surreptitiously stole the election from Hillary! What are you thinking?), and . . . Willie McCovey? The tax cheater of 20 30 40 years ago whatever?? No c'mon, howz about the guys who got 5 years for selling a joint, or life for possessing a little too much cocaine or heroin? We're not looking for aesthetics here, or a popularity contest, or transgender rights (or are we?). Would we have pardoned Manning if had stayed male? Doubt it.
6
According to your comment our new president-elect should also be in jail for tax cheating. Great analysis.
1
Patrick, I think the point was the mitigating factor of mental illness and severe emotional disturbance in Manning. Obama was compassionate and right on this one. Manning has had one horrible life. She's tried to kill herself twice. She has been in there for 7 years. Shakespeare said it best, "The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth like the gentle rain from heaven. It is twice blest by those who give it and those who receive it".
So you're now for the total abandonment of law, i.e. you know... those pesky things like charges? Prosecution? Defense? Evidence? Sentencing? Appeal? Oh wait... Trump bad, everything Left good. Got it.
Proceed and by all means, go straight to jail and forget about the details.
Proceed and by all means, go straight to jail and forget about the details.
The range of comments to this article make it evident that one man’s whistle blower is another’s traitor. There’s no easy way not to label anyone who divulges top secret government a traitor. However, when that information demonstrates the government is illegally and indiscriminatingly spying on its own citizens, it would surely appear those citizens have every right to know. My moral math makes Snowden a whistle blower who deserves better than a life in exile for letting Americans understand they are far less free than they’d like to think.
66
Amen!
8
Pardons? No, President Obama should suspend the constitution, annul the last election and arrest the Manchurian candidate, President-elect Trump.
Conservatives have been calling Obama a dictator for years... fine, let's have it your way.
Conservatives have been calling Obama a dictator for years... fine, let's have it your way.
19
I voted for Obama twice however I disagree with some of his most notable pardons. How about the Gov of Alabama who a corrupt Republican group has him incarcerated for years. No mention of him.
Also I am sick of his pandering about the monster who will be replacing him in the White House, he just got a bit too mushy. I also blame him for not having a backbone with McConnell I think had he taken to the airways and told the country about what was going on maybe he could have got more accomplished. I am not sorry to see him go.
The only place in this country that the Trumps belong is in Vegas. Sickening!
Also I am sick of his pandering about the monster who will be replacing him in the White House, he just got a bit too mushy. I also blame him for not having a backbone with McConnell I think had he taken to the airways and told the country about what was going on maybe he could have got more accomplished. I am not sorry to see him go.
The only place in this country that the Trumps belong is in Vegas. Sickening!
Of course, much of US security is designed to keep the American public in the dark. And one has to consider how much that may be a threat to US security.
9
I'm for pardoning him and bringing him back just to deprive Russia of a potentially valuable asset. As far as him serving time, I think forced exile to a foreign state (particularly when confined to a single location) counts as punishment, though it's one of Snowden's own choosing.
7
First, I want to be clear that I am a Liberal who voted for Obama twice and hasn't voted GOP for the Presidency since Reagan in 1984. That said, "Ms." Manning got off easy.
Second, Snowden is a traitor. Even if what he did was "good" for society, he is not the one to unilaterally decide what to release and what not to; this is why we have governments and processes. He should have been old enough to know that being a cowboy about it is one way to do accidentally evil in the name of good. As a traitor, Snowden _should_ be executed, but I am content living with him (and Julian Assange) living out Edward Everett Hale's "The Man Without A Country".
Second, Snowden is a traitor. Even if what he did was "good" for society, he is not the one to unilaterally decide what to release and what not to; this is why we have governments and processes. He should have been old enough to know that being a cowboy about it is one way to do accidentally evil in the name of good. As a traitor, Snowden _should_ be executed, but I am content living with him (and Julian Assange) living out Edward Everett Hale's "The Man Without A Country".
56
As I am now 76, I am re-reading Orwell's 1984 for the umpteenth time. My re-reading prompts me to ask you a question: When a good citizen of a country - a creed of which is government of the people, for the people, and by the people - has knowledge of unconstitutional conduct by one of the country's most powerful agencies but no effective process exists for revelation of that unconstitutional conduct, what should the good citizen do? Is revelation to his superiors, who probably are already well aware of it, sufficient? Is it morally acceptable not to reveal the ageny's covert conduct even if the good citizen believes that the unconstitutional conduct is harmful to the citizenry at large? Is the only proper course available to him acceptance of immediate incarceration and the likelihood of subsequent execution?
4
Interesting that you have to first prove your integrity as a "liberal" before you would expose your opinion to other liberals.
And that, dear NYT reader, is exactly what is wrong with liberalism today. There is a narrow, single filter through which everything must first travel before it can be considered legitimate. Anything that doesn't make it through is automatically condemned.
And that, dear NYT reader, is exactly what is wrong with liberalism today. There is a narrow, single filter through which everything must first travel before it can be considered legitimate. Anything that doesn't make it through is automatically condemned.
Well, wrong on Snowden and wrong on Peltier. Snowden's revelations came after he went to Hong Kong instead of to Cuba. His explanation was that his employer wouldn't have approved of him going to Cuba. Well, many have gone to Cuba, via Mexico. He hasn't explained why he didn't do that, as well. Further, he has never apologized to the co-workers he stole passwords from which led to them all being fired. He has not explained why he didn't go to Croatia instead of Russia even though the former does not have an extradition treaty with the US. He claims that he told his supervisors of his concerns about the NSA but he hasn't shared any documentation of it. Curious that he stole millions of files but didn't think to make copies of the emails he said he said he sent to them. As for Peltier, go back and look at the facts. I have. I started out wanting to find flaws in the accusations against him. I didn't find any. Plenty of shenanigans at trial but, all in all, I think it's pretty clear that he shot two FBI agents in the back of the head while they were sitting in their car. He then ran to Canada to avoid capture and prosecution. Canada extradited him because they saw the preponderance of evidence supporting his guilt. Now he sits in prison refusing to apologize for what he did. If he were to do that I would support his parole, but not until then.
6
The illegality of Snowden's actions has to be compared to the illegality of NSA's actions, AND its lies. If 'being classified' is a legal ground for prosecution of whistlenlowers,how easy is it for executive branches to widen the criterion of 'classification'?
Reasoning about Snowden is difficult because many people see him as damaging .It is also possible to see him as an important initiator of a brand new discussion that tries to deal with the phenomenal and asymmetric power of the modern executive branch.
Reasoning about Snowden is difficult because many people see him as damaging .It is also possible to see him as an important initiator of a brand new discussion that tries to deal with the phenomenal and asymmetric power of the modern executive branch.
8
I agree. Snowden has not personally benefited by what he did. We, the People are the sole beneficiaries of his actions.
And while he is at it, President Obama should issue a full coverage pardon to Hilary Clinton too. With these Republican rascals setting their teeth on her with their institutional brand of blood sport, she would be unable to ever get a fair shake. Besides, she does have solid life long of public service for us to stand on. I could have ended with Free Willy! but this is too serious.
And while he is at it, President Obama should issue a full coverage pardon to Hilary Clinton too. With these Republican rascals setting their teeth on her with their institutional brand of blood sport, she would be unable to ever get a fair shake. Besides, she does have solid life long of public service for us to stand on. I could have ended with Free Willy! but this is too serious.
2
The fallout from Snowden's leaks were far more serious to military personnel, putting them in harm's way. By comparison, Ms. Manning's leaks caused for less serious harm, according to intelligence experts. In addition, Mr. Snowden chose to take refuge in Russia so I don't believe he merits a pardon or should be welcomed back in the US.
13
Pfc. Bradley Manning released more than 700,000 government files to WikiLeaks, a gigantic leak, much broader than The Pentagon Papers. It gave access to specific information on American military and diplomatic activities around the world, conceivably including locations of Minuteman silos and missile-defense bases. This crime, exposing the U.S. and the world to enormous risks, is punishable by death but Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
The Times agrees with President Obama, with no reservation, on his granting clemency to Chelsea Manning after serving only seven years. It blames Mr. Obama’s “overly aggressive Justice Department” for “that absurdly long sentence”. Times' arguments include Manning’s accepting responsibility for his crimes, pleading guilty to some of the charges; lack of specific evidence that she had endangered national security and American lives; and its conclusion that Manning’s disclosures led to significant reforms. The firmness of Times’ position suggests that, before reaching its conclusion for mercy to Pfc. Manning, its Editors consulted with experts on national security and concluded that the potential harms to the U.S. and the world from every one of 700,000+ leaked classified documents were more than offset by these supposed benefits. This is an indefensible position violating The New York Times commitment to enhance society by producing content of the highest quality, fairness and integrity.
The Times agrees with President Obama, with no reservation, on his granting clemency to Chelsea Manning after serving only seven years. It blames Mr. Obama’s “overly aggressive Justice Department” for “that absurdly long sentence”. Times' arguments include Manning’s accepting responsibility for his crimes, pleading guilty to some of the charges; lack of specific evidence that she had endangered national security and American lives; and its conclusion that Manning’s disclosures led to significant reforms. The firmness of Times’ position suggests that, before reaching its conclusion for mercy to Pfc. Manning, its Editors consulted with experts on national security and concluded that the potential harms to the U.S. and the world from every one of 700,000+ leaked classified documents were more than offset by these supposed benefits. This is an indefensible position violating The New York Times commitment to enhance society by producing content of the highest quality, fairness and integrity.
5
George Mandanis:
"...lack of specific evidence that she had endangered national security and American lives.."
To me, the most egregious offense of The Editorial Board is this kind of willful blindness when it comes to Obama's actions. I'm embarrassed for it. Painful to read, actually.
"...lack of specific evidence that she had endangered national security and American lives.."
To me, the most egregious offense of The Editorial Board is this kind of willful blindness when it comes to Obama's actions. I'm embarrassed for it. Painful to read, actually.
The House Intelligence Committee did an extensive review of Snowden's activities. They issued a report was approved by all committee Republicans and Democrats. The report was sent to Obama with a bipartisan recommendation against pardoning Snowden. According to the report::
Contrary to Snowden’s self-portrayal as a principled whistleblower, the report reveals that he was a disgruntled employee who had frequent conflicts with his managers and was reprimanded just two weeks before he began illegally downloading classified documents. Although he claims to have been motivated by privacy concerns, the report finds that Snowden did not voice such concerns to any oversight officials, and his actions infringed on the privacy of thousands of government employees and contractors. Additionally, the vast majority of the documents he stole had no connection to privacy or civil liberties. Snowden’s actions did severe damage to U.S. national security, compromising the Intelligence Community’s anti-terror efforts and endangering the security of the American people as well as active-duty U.S. troops.
In other words, Snowden is vindictive and leaked vital information for personal revenge against his employers. He had no good motive that mitigated the harm he caused, which was more extensive than anyone else who has leaked information. That''s the conclusion of Republicans and Democrats and it suggests that champions of Snowden are on the lunatic fringe.
Contrary to Snowden’s self-portrayal as a principled whistleblower, the report reveals that he was a disgruntled employee who had frequent conflicts with his managers and was reprimanded just two weeks before he began illegally downloading classified documents. Although he claims to have been motivated by privacy concerns, the report finds that Snowden did not voice such concerns to any oversight officials, and his actions infringed on the privacy of thousands of government employees and contractors. Additionally, the vast majority of the documents he stole had no connection to privacy or civil liberties. Snowden’s actions did severe damage to U.S. national security, compromising the Intelligence Community’s anti-terror efforts and endangering the security of the American people as well as active-duty U.S. troops.
In other words, Snowden is vindictive and leaked vital information for personal revenge against his employers. He had no good motive that mitigated the harm he caused, which was more extensive than anyone else who has leaked information. That''s the conclusion of Republicans and Democrats and it suggests that champions of Snowden are on the lunatic fringe.
31
Snowden has done as much to secure our liberties as any other American of this generation. He deserves a pardon and the medal of honor.
24
The Board apparently has no idea what to say about Mr. Snowden. A recommendation that he be offered a plea agreement is a way of sidestepping the controversy. A plea agreement is just a piece of paper with standard language until you fill in the blanks. And based on what goes in those blanks, you could be sentenced to anywhere between probation and the death penalty. That's the recommendation of the Board-- that Snowden get somewhere between probation and death. If they didn't want to take a stand on Snowden, they shouldn't have bothered pretending that they were.
1
This editorial and its companion opinion piece Mr. Rusbridger, Chair of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism are on target.
They make the case for pardoning Mr. Snowden, before any prosecution or conviction.
Unlike Manning, Mr. Snowden used journalists as independent judges, to assist in selection of what was released. And, in so doing, he told the public things that we very much needed to know that we would not know, but for him.
It should be cause for a medal, rather than cause for criticism, that he imitated Daniel Ellsberg's actions with the Pentagon Papers. No less a legal expert and person with access to the facts than Eric Holder has publicly stated the Mr. Snowden performed a "public service."
Commenter Luettgen is wrong as usual. The path of Snowden's travel, after leaving the US, has not been determined by an effort to give data to communist countries, but was rather determined by what travel routes were blocked to him.
The person who deserves prosecution is about-to-be ex-NSA Director Clapper. Despite prior military service, his posts immediately prior to government intelligence work were as a shill for companies which sell the government expensive monitoring equipment. His job is not suitable for an ex-salesman-lobbyist.
The prosecution should be for Clapper's repeated lying to Congress about excessive mass monitoring of innocent citizens.
Yet Clapper roams free, and Snowden is in danger of his life. A gross injustice.
They make the case for pardoning Mr. Snowden, before any prosecution or conviction.
Unlike Manning, Mr. Snowden used journalists as independent judges, to assist in selection of what was released. And, in so doing, he told the public things that we very much needed to know that we would not know, but for him.
It should be cause for a medal, rather than cause for criticism, that he imitated Daniel Ellsberg's actions with the Pentagon Papers. No less a legal expert and person with access to the facts than Eric Holder has publicly stated the Mr. Snowden performed a "public service."
Commenter Luettgen is wrong as usual. The path of Snowden's travel, after leaving the US, has not been determined by an effort to give data to communist countries, but was rather determined by what travel routes were blocked to him.
The person who deserves prosecution is about-to-be ex-NSA Director Clapper. Despite prior military service, his posts immediately prior to government intelligence work were as a shill for companies which sell the government expensive monitoring equipment. His job is not suitable for an ex-salesman-lobbyist.
The prosecution should be for Clapper's repeated lying to Congress about excessive mass monitoring of innocent citizens.
Yet Clapper roams free, and Snowden is in danger of his life. A gross injustice.
8
What is the evidence for your assertion that the DOJ played an influential role in what you label Manning's "absurdly long sentence?"
He was convicted by court-martial and sentenced by a military judge. How could an "overly aggressive Justice Department" enter into the mix without the knowledge and approval of the commander-in-chief? And wouldn't that constitute impermissible command influence?
He was convicted by court-martial and sentenced by a military judge. How could an "overly aggressive Justice Department" enter into the mix without the knowledge and approval of the commander-in-chief? And wouldn't that constitute impermissible command influence?
3
Mr. Snowden can return home now...nothing is preventing that other than his own actions. He deserves a fair trial, from a jury of his peers. Instead, he has fled to Russia. I know many on the left think that Snowden is a hero. I am not one of them. He is a traitor, who has done great damage to the U.S., and who is being used by an adversary. He is not a whistle blower...he is a criminal.
36
Yes. A fair trial, in this country. Let the facts decide the fate of this personality disorder.
Consider this from the current New York Review of Books "The Swedish Kings of Cyberwar" by Hugh Eakin (URL at end):
"Over the following weeks and months, Snowden’s revelations about the NSA’s global surveillance efforts, and in particular its bulk data collection program, called PRISM, set off a protracted debate in the United States and ULTIMATELY PROMPTED Congress TO IMPLEMENT new restrictions on the NSA in 2015."
As the Editorial Board notes here today, "His disclosures led to significant debate and reforms."
That Edward Snowden prompted the US Congress to act and "...implement new restrictions on the NSA..." demonstrates the public service he performed for all of us citizens.
President Obama, act today, your last chance to do so that Edward Snowden can take his place as a reminder of what we now may face in the coming years.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
NYRB article @ http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2017/01/19/the-swedish-kings-of-cyberwar/ also describes in detail the paradox of the importance of Swedish FRA’s cyberwar capabilities for the US FRA.
"Over the following weeks and months, Snowden’s revelations about the NSA’s global surveillance efforts, and in particular its bulk data collection program, called PRISM, set off a protracted debate in the United States and ULTIMATELY PROMPTED Congress TO IMPLEMENT new restrictions on the NSA in 2015."
As the Editorial Board notes here today, "His disclosures led to significant debate and reforms."
That Edward Snowden prompted the US Congress to act and "...implement new restrictions on the NSA..." demonstrates the public service he performed for all of us citizens.
President Obama, act today, your last chance to do so that Edward Snowden can take his place as a reminder of what we now may face in the coming years.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
NYRB article @ http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2017/01/19/the-swedish-kings-of-cyberwar/ also describes in detail the paradox of the importance of Swedish FRA’s cyberwar capabilities for the US FRA.
6
I have viewed two films on Snowden and attended a public video-link with him, I find him a man of high principles and personal courage. Snowden has performed a major service to the American public and the cause of democratic transparent governance by his revelations. His actions are those of a true whistle-blower who was motivated by his love of country and opposition to the evolving Big Brother government. Without a presidential pardon now, he will either linger in Russian hands forever or become a pawn between Trump and Putin, such good friends!
5
Please. Faithful Russian servant Edward Snowden will have no trouble returning to America when Trump takes over and starts taking orders from their fearless leader, V. Putin. The last thing Obama needs to do is cut this traitor some slack.
Snowden did a great service in informing us about the spying done on the citizenry this is true.
Sadly he did not stop at that and deliberately ran for shelter in the arms of America's enemies, which have no respect for the concept of civil liberties. There are growing indications that he shared information not just with journalists but with enemy governments and he has repeatedly lied about the circumstances of his theft and the logistics of his journey to Moscow -- which for some reason the Times has willfully ignored.
Snowden did a great service in informing us about the spying done on the citizenry this is true.
Sadly he did not stop at that and deliberately ran for shelter in the arms of America's enemies, which have no respect for the concept of civil liberties. There are growing indications that he shared information not just with journalists but with enemy governments and he has repeatedly lied about the circumstances of his theft and the logistics of his journey to Moscow -- which for some reason the Times has willfully ignored.
3
There is so much irony in this entire debate about whistle-blowers. For example, in reference to Manning:
"After her conviction at trial on more serious charges, prosecutors pushed for 60 years, arguing that she had endangered national security and American lives around the world, even though they presented no evidence that anyone had been killed as a result."
There's infinitely greater evidence that U.S. foreign policy, in the Middle East alone, caused millions of deaths, vastly increased refugee crises, cultural implosion and the spread of a pernicious form of Islam that has caused every Islamic terrorist act since and including 9/11.
It was not the Saudis who need protection, but Manning and Snowden. If any people truly deserve life imprisonment one could justifiably include Bush Jr., Cheney and others who knowingly pursued Armageddon. Even to those who believe Middle Eastern lives don't matter, I ask you: Weren't the deaths of over 4000 U.S. soldiers for "Wars of Choice", and the scars of many more brave U.S. soldiers, "treasonous"? So why weren't the ringleaders tried?
Compared with many Western leaders Snowden is a saint and a global hero. He needs to be pardoned immediately.
"After her conviction at trial on more serious charges, prosecutors pushed for 60 years, arguing that she had endangered national security and American lives around the world, even though they presented no evidence that anyone had been killed as a result."
There's infinitely greater evidence that U.S. foreign policy, in the Middle East alone, caused millions of deaths, vastly increased refugee crises, cultural implosion and the spread of a pernicious form of Islam that has caused every Islamic terrorist act since and including 9/11.
It was not the Saudis who need protection, but Manning and Snowden. If any people truly deserve life imprisonment one could justifiably include Bush Jr., Cheney and others who knowingly pursued Armageddon. Even to those who believe Middle Eastern lives don't matter, I ask you: Weren't the deaths of over 4000 U.S. soldiers for "Wars of Choice", and the scars of many more brave U.S. soldiers, "treasonous"? So why weren't the ringleaders tried?
Compared with many Western leaders Snowden is a saint and a global hero. He needs to be pardoned immediately.
8
Obama dropped 26,000 bombs in 2016. Please include him in your calculus.
2
You are overlooking the very real possibility that Edward Snowden passed information to the Chinese and/or Russians. In which case he is guilt of treason. That is an issue that needs to be resolved before there is any talk of pardon, and for Obama to do so now would be a rush to judgment.
12
Trump will pardon Snowden and put him in the cabinet!!!
Manning has spent years in prison enduring much hardship. Snowden fled. Do we know what happened to all the information he took? Think Putin might know something about that?
1
Obama did the right thing for poor Chelsea.
It wasnt just an excessive sentence for leaking. It was that there was a sentence at all when you see what it was she leaked. Two journalists shot in cold blood by gunho video gamers yahooing in a chopper! I think this is relevant to the case.
And with Snowden. Snowden is a hero and a patriot. Obama would do well to recognise that if he wants history to remember him fondly and with something more than luke warm appreciation that he is better than what went before and went after.
It wasnt just an excessive sentence for leaking. It was that there was a sentence at all when you see what it was she leaked. Two journalists shot in cold blood by gunho video gamers yahooing in a chopper! I think this is relevant to the case.
And with Snowden. Snowden is a hero and a patriot. Obama would do well to recognise that if he wants history to remember him fondly and with something more than luke warm appreciation that he is better than what went before and went after.
6
Snowden is a true American hero. He pulled the mask off an Orwellian system and allowed for a debate amongst our countrymen as to what necessary limits and reach should be imposed upon us by a government who saw 9/11 in opportunistic terms. Snowden should be pardoned as well as Assange.
3
I see a bright line between non-violent drug users, who arguably should not be charged at all, and persons who do active harm to the United States (Manning, et al). What principles are at work with this president?
3
In answer to your question: After 8 years, you are asking? No principles other than his own self-serving ones. Ever.
1
Snowman allowed us to have the very important conversation about how much surveillance is too much surveillance. We owe him a debt of gratitude.
However, he chose to stay in exile in Russia rather than facing charges here in the US. Regardless of whether the choice he made was in the best interests of the rest of us, he still broke the law. He needs to accept the consequences in a court of law before he's eligible for a pardon.
Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons while commendable is still a crime in this matter.
However, he chose to stay in exile in Russia rather than facing charges here in the US. Regardless of whether the choice he made was in the best interests of the rest of us, he still broke the law. He needs to accept the consequences in a court of law before he's eligible for a pardon.
Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons while commendable is still a crime in this matter.
1
Snowden's revelations helped all of us to understand the degree of surveillance out there by the US and by foreign powers. He did not act to benefit himself monetarily.
If Ian Schrager a former tax cheat (who has since led a good law abiding life) can be pardoned, so can Snowdon.
If Ian Schrager a former tax cheat (who has since led a good law abiding life) can be pardoned, so can Snowdon.
6
How does he editorial board not mention that Oscar Lopez Rivera was the bomb maker for the terrorist FALN - 4 people died in NYC when they bombed Fraunce's Tavern in 1975. Obama pardoned a terrorist who murdered innocent people in our city. He is no better than the Tsarnaev brothers. Thank God we have Donald Trump being sworn in on Friday. It's time the the rubber band of anarchy and idiotic liberalism snaps back. Obama - the worst president ever.
8
Snowden over Sgt. Beau Bergdahl? I don't think so. It's time to give Sgt. Beau Bergdahl a fair and well deserved deal. He was allowed into the Army when they were looking for fodder for the Bush wars. He had already been turned down by the military as unfit for duty. But fodder is fodder, and anyone can be that. The Army took him knowing that he was not equipped to deal with what they were asking him to do. When he couldn't do it, they punished him. Yes, he walked off his base, but he spent five years in prison already for that. Does it really matter whether it was their prison or ours? Now, the next commander-in-chief has already determined that he should be shot. There's no chance of a fair trial. Let him go back to his quiet life in Idaho. He has served his time. Besides, he never asked for a deferment like those who started the wars to begin with and like the next commander-in-chief. He was willing, just not able. It's not Sgt. Bergdahl's fault.
2
I was heartened to hear that Pope Francis asked Obama to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier. He should be free to spend his last days with his family.
Obama should show compassion and justice by freeing him.
Obama should show compassion and justice by freeing him.
5
I can really think of no better way for Obama to answer Putin and alleged Russian interference in our elections than to pardon Snowden. Whatever you think of what he did, for Putin Snowden is living proof that America does not live up to its own rhetoric, that for all the talk about the constitutional rights of its citizens it is really the interests of the state that take precedence, just as they do in Russia. "We have dissidents? Yes, but you have them too--look, I'm protecting one!" This cynicism is one of the pillars of Putinism, it justifies its existence, and since the election of Donald Trump it seems to be in the ascendency here as well: Trump sees things the same way, and of all the supposed connections he has with Russia this ideological kinship is one that is definitely real and the one we should genuinely be worried about. When America confirms Putin's cynicism, as we have all too often in our recent history (cf. Iraq), we might feel a little safer for a while, but that safety is illusory. Ultimately America loses, democracy loses. But when we affirm, despite our failures, that we actually believe in all these things that Putin dismisses as empty rhetoric and we try to make them a reality, we win. Go back and look at the faces in the crowds of 1989 and 1991. They believed in all of it too. Obama has just a few days to act before the lights go out on that belief in the White House for the next four years.
1
A plea agreement would be torn up the day Trump takes over, and there can be no doubt that Trump and Putin would play cat and mouse with Snowden’s life. If I were Snowden and about to leak info - I would have done the very same thing as he - do it from a distance. Why? Because staying would have been stupid, not brave. Staying would mean two things: I would be 1) “rendered” inactive or 2) scooped up and like Peltier, confined to the bowels of a federal prison. And our fickle public would forget to care about yet another prisoner. I completely support a full pardon for Edward Snowden, whose life will be in danger without it. Obama might want to think about that. Should he leave him as a toy for two immoral, ambitious men?
As for Peltier, free him. Why on earth not? I read Mathieson’s full account, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse. (He was sympathetic to the Indians and sued by the FBI for that, but the case was dismissed). How can a man be kept in any prison if there is no proof? And it was the 1970s!! Let him go back to his land and his people.
And pardon Bergdahl. Five years with the Taliban must have been a lifetime.
I hope Obama floods us with last minute compassion acts. We can suck the marrow out of them during the four years of famine ahead.
As for Peltier, free him. Why on earth not? I read Mathieson’s full account, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse. (He was sympathetic to the Indians and sued by the FBI for that, but the case was dismissed). How can a man be kept in any prison if there is no proof? And it was the 1970s!! Let him go back to his land and his people.
And pardon Bergdahl. Five years with the Taliban must have been a lifetime.
I hope Obama floods us with last minute compassion acts. We can suck the marrow out of them during the four years of famine ahead.
5
Apparently Snowden is a sacred cow of the left. I didn't realize that collaborating with Russia against our government is acceptable as long as it isn't Trump doing it.
6
The only bad leak is one that damages the Democratic Party.
Assuming that Mr Snowden has not shared the files he copied with anyone othet than legitimate journalists,
1
#FreeLeonardPeltier
President Obama, you are his only hope, just as you were ours for the last 8 years.
President Obama, you are his only hope, just as you were ours for the last 8 years.
2
Part of the hostility to Snowden has to do with the fact that he is smart. He's articulate and persuasive too, and I suspect that really angers the folks in charge.
If Trump was savvy, he would realize large numbers of people support Snowden or at least acknowlege he exposed a problem, making it a very bad political move to punish him severely. Besides, Assange will soon turn on Trump, and that's where the president elect should be focusing his attention.
If Trump was savvy, he would realize large numbers of people support Snowden or at least acknowlege he exposed a problem, making it a very bad political move to punish him severely. Besides, Assange will soon turn on Trump, and that's where the president elect should be focusing his attention.
2
I'm a big time liberal and I don't feel sorry for Snowden one bit . He shouldn't have taken a job with the NSA if he didn't think he could uphold the principle of the job which was that of national security .
There would have been better ways to deal with his angst than handing over secret files to Wikileaks .
I don't think he's a hero at all . I think he's a traitor .
There would have been better ways to deal with his angst than handing over secret files to Wikileaks .
I don't think he's a hero at all . I think he's a traitor .
45
Not that it surprises anyone, but the blunt hypocrisy of the New York Times is on full display. Bradley/Chelsea Manning was the source for Wikileaks, a Russian asset. Snowden was a Russian asset. But the NYT only objects to Russian spying when it hurt its favorite candidate, the corrupt and dishonest Hillary Clinton.
Pravda has relocated itself to Manhattan. And then you people wonder why fewer and fewer people in America -- a place to pretty much ignore -- have any use for you.
Pravda has relocated itself to Manhattan. And then you people wonder why fewer and fewer people in America -- a place to pretty much ignore -- have any use for you.
6
I agree with your first paragraph but not the second. There's no button for that.
To those who have been paying attention, this year's events have provided strong conformation to the proposition that governmental and political organizations can only remain effective if they are allowed to operate with a modicum of security. The notion that such organizations should operate in a fishbowl is dangerous nonsense, which can lead to chaos and craven manipulation, as we have seen from the misdeeds of Wikileaks this year.
The commutation of Ms. Manning's sentence reflects President Obama's admirable compassion for a person who has faced up for her actions under the criminal justice system, and who faces extraordinary dangers from continued imprisonment due to her personal situation. Mr. Snowden can claim neither of these considerations. He chose exile rather than face the consequences of his arrogant and indiscriminate actions. He is wholly undeserving of the grace of executive clemency.
The commutation of Ms. Manning's sentence reflects President Obama's admirable compassion for a person who has faced up for her actions under the criminal justice system, and who faces extraordinary dangers from continued imprisonment due to her personal situation. Mr. Snowden can claim neither of these considerations. He chose exile rather than face the consequences of his arrogant and indiscriminate actions. He is wholly undeserving of the grace of executive clemency.
5
I disagree. Manning will have served 7 years when released and has apologized. In contrast, Snowden, is portrayed as a rock star and seems to revel in his treachery and the only thing he seems to be sorry about is not making it to a balmy South American beach in a country with no extradition treaty with the U.S.
6
President Obama's discernment between the cases of Manning and Snowden is correct. Manning acted in the spirit of a whistleblower and nothing more and he served seven years in prison for his crime. It is dangerously naive to believe that Edward Snowden, while initially perhaps having good intentions, has compromised the safety and security of this country and our intelligence community perhaps more than many previous traitors in this country's history. The recent intelligence community report on the damage he caused and the assessment that he most certainly has assisted the Russians, in exchange for their allowing him to live in their country, seems accurate.
Snowden should be tried and convicted for his crimes and sentenced to time in prison. That is, unless he can make a trade with his Russian connections for the Trump sex tapes and expose them. In that case, he could perhaps right a wrong and end up an American hero!
Snowden should be tried and convicted for his crimes and sentenced to time in prison. That is, unless he can make a trade with his Russian connections for the Trump sex tapes and expose them. In that case, he could perhaps right a wrong and end up an American hero!
1
" an appeals court found that the government had deliberately withheld key evidence, and prosecutors admitted that they could not prove Mr. Peltier had shot the agents."
Then the Appeals court should have had him released. Attorney General Ramsey Clark served as one of Peltier's attorneys during the appeals process.
Then the Appeals court should have had him released. Attorney General Ramsey Clark served as one of Peltier's attorneys during the appeals process.
3
Thank you for remembering Leonard Peltier. Let's hope that President Obama does as well. REH
6
Edward Snowden is an honorable man who unselfishly sacrificed his opportunity for a comfortable career to alert all of his fellow Americans to the excesses of our intelligence services.
Despite the high personal cost he has paid, and will continue to pay, he has maintained his dignity, integrity, and humility, setting a good example for how to truly serve your country.
He deserves a full pardon, and I hope President Obama will grant it before his term ends.
Despite the high personal cost he has paid, and will continue to pay, he has maintained his dignity, integrity, and humility, setting a good example for how to truly serve your country.
He deserves a full pardon, and I hope President Obama will grant it before his term ends.
6
This editorial is completely misguided because, like many discussions of Snowden, it fails to distinguish between two very different aspects of what he did.
He exposed ways in which the NSA's powers had been directed against American citizens. On balance, he probably did more good than harm in doing so.
But his exposure of NSA actions, sources, and methods directed at foreign governments did great harm to legal and fully legitimate spying activities. In this regard, his actions were treasonous, and did far, far more harm than good. He deserves no clemency on this score.
He exposed ways in which the NSA's powers had been directed against American citizens. On balance, he probably did more good than harm in doing so.
But his exposure of NSA actions, sources, and methods directed at foreign governments did great harm to legal and fully legitimate spying activities. In this regard, his actions were treasonous, and did far, far more harm than good. He deserves no clemency on this score.
11
I would say pardon him, then move on to more important current events.
1
Mr. Snowden cannot be pardoned, as he's not faced his accusers, preferring to live under the protection of a murderous dictatorship that has threatened our very system of democracy.
Moreover, many unanswered questions as to the scope of his crime have created great uncertainty regarding his intentions. If he intended to expose vast surveillance by the US in order to promote a more open society, why was it necessary to also expose the identities of US personnel around the world and to put their lives in serious danger.
A plea agreement as suggested by the Times is a good idea. Unfortunately, it will not occur, not for a lack of trying, but because Snowden would rather live out his live in "freedom" in Russia, rather than take any responsibility for his actions.
Moreover, many unanswered questions as to the scope of his crime have created great uncertainty regarding his intentions. If he intended to expose vast surveillance by the US in order to promote a more open society, why was it necessary to also expose the identities of US personnel around the world and to put their lives in serious danger.
A plea agreement as suggested by the Times is a good idea. Unfortunately, it will not occur, not for a lack of trying, but because Snowden would rather live out his live in "freedom" in Russia, rather than take any responsibility for his actions.
3
I am so grateful to see any commentary about Leonard Peltier! Some of us have been waiting so long on seemingly forgotten injustice, even as new cases stack up and take precedence. That Peltier has served enough time is undebatable. I have loved our president with my whole heart - if he would only take the time to give Leonard Peltier the dignity of living out his last days with his grandchildren, it would constitute a miracle that is much needed in this depressing transition.
5
Not necessary to mention Chelseas previous name. Chelsea is a transgender woman. Thats all you need to say.
1
She was Bradley Manning when she committed the crime, so the use of that name continues to be relevant. I don't know if she will ever be able to separate herself from him. I am truly sorry for Chelsea Manning's mental anguish, but that doesn't erase what Bradley Manning did.
Chelsea should have been screened out for psychological reasons from the standard battery of tests all potential enlistees are required to take. Failing that usual screening process, she never should have been assigned to sensitive security areas of work as a high risk recruit.
There is something remarkable about the army doubling down on its mistakes with an obvious security risk like Chelsea. Is there more to Chelsea's story than meets the eye?
There is something remarkable about the army doubling down on its mistakes with an obvious security risk like Chelsea. Is there more to Chelsea's story than meets the eye?
3
Socialization experiment in the Obama Military.
One only needs to listen to Snowden once to perceive and admire his innate goodness, intelligence and incredibly high moral compass.
A true American patriot, he has sacrificed himself (not unlike Jesus on the Cross) for our common good.
If there was an effective, private and protected place for whistle blowers to make their claims he would be safe within the American fold today.
Protect Snowden from the coming lawless administration. He gained nothing from his actions except being able to sleep at night.
President Obama, you have done so much for so many..... please help him and Leonard Peltier. Peltier is an innocent man...framed like how many other Native Americans.
Please......
WITH THE LAST FLAMES OF YOUR BLESSED POWER
show mercy and correct injustice one more time before you go.
A true American patriot, he has sacrificed himself (not unlike Jesus on the Cross) for our common good.
If there was an effective, private and protected place for whistle blowers to make their claims he would be safe within the American fold today.
Protect Snowden from the coming lawless administration. He gained nothing from his actions except being able to sleep at night.
President Obama, you have done so much for so many..... please help him and Leonard Peltier. Peltier is an innocent man...framed like how many other Native Americans.
Please......
WITH THE LAST FLAMES OF YOUR BLESSED POWER
show mercy and correct injustice one more time before you go.
2
I can forgive Edward Snowden for his leaking of information about how the U.S. intelligence community was illegally spying on Americans. The debate his revelations triggered has strengthened American democracy. He should be given the Medal of Freedom for his bravery. But I have a hard time with Obama giving Snowden a pardon because Snowden revealed information on how U.S. intelligence services spy on foreign countries, including potential enemies. An indictment under the Espionage Act seems to be excessive, but he did break the law and made it more difficult for the intelligence community to do their jobs.
2
Mr. Peltier's case seems particularly compelling: why be required to serve a life sentence for a murder committed by another? It's time for mercy, compassion, and-- admitting a mistake. We need not view a pardon as condoning the terrible killing of two FBI agents-- if someone else did the killing. Quite the opposite. It's supposed to be about evidence presented at trial, and proof; not about belief or scapegoating or _withholding_ evidence. Holding the _wrong_ man in prison for 40 years dishonors Agents Coler and Williams. President Obama could honor the slain FBI agents, and law enforcement in general, by pardoning an innocent Peltier.
57
Snowdon should not be pardoned. He committed treason.
9
The American people are shut out of their own democracy by Putin and his American surrogates. We need to be protected from the truth says Trump's mistress, Kellyann Conway. Meanwhile, the man who brought the American people truth, transparency, and knowledge of how their taxes are being used and abused and stolen is branded a traitor. "We have met the enemy and he is us."
Thanks to the Editorial Board for your position on Snowden.
Thanks to the Editorial Board for your position on Snowden.
1
Snowden lives as a pampered guest of an evil regime in Russia, which he served to the level of endangering the lives of his countrymen. His behavior was reprehensible and cowardly, particularly in comparison to principled leakers such as Ms. Manning or Daniel Ellsberg, who accepted the responsibility of their actions including legal consequences.
He's more deserving of a treason trial than a pardon.
He's more deserving of a treason trial than a pardon.
3
I liken Edward Snowden to Daniel Ellsberg. They both exposed breaches of the law that the American government were doing, to the detriment of all American citizens. What is the argument about exposing breaches of the law.? Some contract they signed? Excuse me, private contract language cannot upstage the law of the land, passed by legislatures.
Where would the American political system be if it were not for the release of the Pentagon Papers? Where would you be now without the release of information about pervasive spying on American citizens, without warrant, that Edward Snowden exposed?
Leonard Peltier made one of the last stands by Aborginal people against a colonial occupier,more than 40 years ago. I am embarrassed that Canada extradited him.
Pardon them both President Obama. Both were good American citizens, standing up for the rights of their fellow American citizens, in a far more righteous way than those who 'stand their ground' with guns against children.
Where would the American political system be if it were not for the release of the Pentagon Papers? Where would you be now without the release of information about pervasive spying on American citizens, without warrant, that Edward Snowden exposed?
Leonard Peltier made one of the last stands by Aborginal people against a colonial occupier,more than 40 years ago. I am embarrassed that Canada extradited him.
Pardon them both President Obama. Both were good American citizens, standing up for the rights of their fellow American citizens, in a far more righteous way than those who 'stand their ground' with guns against children.
4
In a year during which I've had some difficulty finding agreement with the Times' Editorial Board, I'm grateful and relieved to read "Last Chance'.
To have held Ms. Manning in solitary confinement, demanding she remain naked in a military prison cell, was something that by rights should instill a national sense of shame. Frankly, it is difficult for me to offer thanks to Obama for an action that likely should have been taken long before this week, particularly when punishment of this length was for no better reason than to make an example of her. Surely the compassionate among us concluded some time ago military imprisonment dealt in a cruel and unusual form was surely not where a sad, confused character like Manning belonged, or would get help. I see commenters here wanting blood for Manning and I wince. I question what's become of us as a nation; is there truly no sense of shame, no viability of compassion for those among us who walk so much less steady than the rest?
Snowden deserves a pardon, though I gave up hope Obama would do so long ago. Snowden did not act as he did to benefit an enemy. Nor did he pilfer documents for personal reward. He saw a wrong, a government's intense overreaching authority that the people of this country surely never intended, and tried to right it through exposition. He did not act to hurt America, his conscience dictated he act to try and save it. Let the haters erupt, but I consider the man a hero. An extraordinarily brave one at that.
To have held Ms. Manning in solitary confinement, demanding she remain naked in a military prison cell, was something that by rights should instill a national sense of shame. Frankly, it is difficult for me to offer thanks to Obama for an action that likely should have been taken long before this week, particularly when punishment of this length was for no better reason than to make an example of her. Surely the compassionate among us concluded some time ago military imprisonment dealt in a cruel and unusual form was surely not where a sad, confused character like Manning belonged, or would get help. I see commenters here wanting blood for Manning and I wince. I question what's become of us as a nation; is there truly no sense of shame, no viability of compassion for those among us who walk so much less steady than the rest?
Snowden deserves a pardon, though I gave up hope Obama would do so long ago. Snowden did not act as he did to benefit an enemy. Nor did he pilfer documents for personal reward. He saw a wrong, a government's intense overreaching authority that the people of this country surely never intended, and tried to right it through exposition. He did not act to hurt America, his conscience dictated he act to try and save it. Let the haters erupt, but I consider the man a hero. An extraordinarily brave one at that.
5
Sure, give Snowden a deal. His actions were perhaps 1000 time more damaging than Manning's so let's give him a return trip and 7000 years.
2
The idea of pardoning an American citizen who decided to gather, steal and disseminate vast quantities of highly classified information who has never faced the harsh light and justice of a public trial is absurd. If Snowden is as high minded as he claims he should surrender to U.S. custody and stand trail.
6
(Snowdon) should be offered at least a plea agreement that would allow him to return home.
Snowdon has no claim. If he'd long ago surrendered to the American authorities and made his case for leniency before a jury of his peers and then been convicted and sentenced, a pardon might well have been in the offing. Probably Snowdon's last remaining chance not to end up forgotten in Moscow like Kim Philby is for Putin to put a bug in Trump's ear on Snowdon's behalf in order to irritate Obama but even then (considering his sponsors) Snowdon will return home to the near universal disgust he deserves.
Snowdon has no claim. If he'd long ago surrendered to the American authorities and made his case for leniency before a jury of his peers and then been convicted and sentenced, a pardon might well have been in the offing. Probably Snowdon's last remaining chance not to end up forgotten in Moscow like Kim Philby is for Putin to put a bug in Trump's ear on Snowdon's behalf in order to irritate Obama but even then (considering his sponsors) Snowdon will return home to the near universal disgust he deserves.
2
This is a bit tongue in cheek, but I say let Snowden live in Russia about 10 years then give him a plea deal. That way he will have served 'time' effectively incarcerated.
1
Edward Snowden exposed a massive, deliberate criminal conspiracy being perpetrated against the American people by the government. Virtually all the groundbreaking articles written by the responsible journalists who received his documents revealed clear lawbreaking. The AT&T metadata dragnet was clearly illegal, as multiple commissions and a federal judge later confirmed. Boundless Informant proved that NSA head General Alexander had lied under oath to congress. Prism and Upstream were pretty obviously unconstitutional (legal cases still slowly working their way through the justice system, stymied by secrecy).
Clearly, the NSA had become an out of control criminal enterprise, almost certainly the largest in US history, literally millions of felonies per day being committed.
And yet not one person responsible has been charged, Not Clapper, not Alexander, not Hayden. Shocking.
And yet, they want to charge Snowden?!
Not a single document has been publicized without first being shown to the government so they can alert the journalists when lives or US interests might be jeopardized. These journalists won the Pulitzer for their work.
The whole "traitor" argument against Snowden is entirely without merit. And the idea that he is some kind of foreign agent is patently ridiculous.
Clearly, the NSA had become an out of control criminal enterprise, almost certainly the largest in US history, literally millions of felonies per day being committed.
And yet not one person responsible has been charged, Not Clapper, not Alexander, not Hayden. Shocking.
And yet, they want to charge Snowden?!
Not a single document has been publicized without first being shown to the government so they can alert the journalists when lives or US interests might be jeopardized. These journalists won the Pulitzer for their work.
The whole "traitor" argument against Snowden is entirely without merit. And the idea that he is some kind of foreign agent is patently ridiculous.
1
I approve of the Manning pardon and of the reasons for the pardon expressed by President Obama in his last news conference. As for Snowden, the facts he brought to light were facts the American people needed to know. His courage and intelligence has made our country's citizens stronger because they have learned some of the truth about the NDA. I hope Snowden will also be pardoned.
2
A pardon for Mr. Snowdon, or whatever sort of clemency would be appropriate, would do something far more than the normal pardon, and this is why it is so important today. It would save him from the near certain wrath of a show off bigot who might make a target of Snowdon just to show how tough he is.
We know about Trump's taste for revenge: He doesn't serve it cold.
We know about Trump's taste for revenge: He doesn't serve it cold.
1
The myth of Ed Snowden lives. It needs to be stated as fact: Ed Snowden did not expose wrongdoing as in illegal or unconstitutional (the latter implies the former) acts, by our government. The NSA surveillance, however unpopular, was legal and constitutional and is for that matter ongoing as we discuss this. It was suspended for a short time by a judge, yes, but only so that semantic adjustments could be made to parts of the statute under which it operated, a technicality that changes nothing about the work itself. I repeat: It was not ended, it is ongoing. Ed Snowden is not a whistleblower, the only horn he has blown is his own.
What Ed Snowden did do was cost the US taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars spent to try to discover what he stole, investigate him and make changes so that another disloyal egotistical sorts cannot not do this again. And where is he hiding? Ironically, Russia. If this were the height of the Cold War we'd probably have a team of agents at the ready to grab him off a Russian street and ship him home in a 55 gallon drum. He should consider himself lucky as the situation stands now, it's impossible to imagine why the NYT would want him back in the United States at all.
What Ed Snowden did do was cost the US taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars spent to try to discover what he stole, investigate him and make changes so that another disloyal egotistical sorts cannot not do this again. And where is he hiding? Ironically, Russia. If this were the height of the Cold War we'd probably have a team of agents at the ready to grab him off a Russian street and ship him home in a 55 gallon drum. He should consider himself lucky as the situation stands now, it's impossible to imagine why the NYT would want him back in the United States at all.
4
Snowden should go to prison. He really didn't care what he released or whom he injured. Offer him a promise that the government will not charge him with a capital crime then give him a fair trial and a fair sentence. THEN talk about relief.
1
Both Peltier and Snowden deserve justice. Exile for exposing abuses committed against Americans and a lingering death in prison are both inherently unjust.
1
This is not Mr. Obama at his best.
First the "absurdly long" sentence for Manning from an "overly aggressive" Justice Department, and now Mr. Obama's apparent "line in the sand" of "cruel and unusual punishment" (in the president's mind) for incarcerating "Chelsea" Manning in a male prison.
A "pardon" for the remarkable (and many would say heroic) Edward Snowden should be a no-brainer.
First the "absurdly long" sentence for Manning from an "overly aggressive" Justice Department, and now Mr. Obama's apparent "line in the sand" of "cruel and unusual punishment" (in the president's mind) for incarcerating "Chelsea" Manning in a male prison.
A "pardon" for the remarkable (and many would say heroic) Edward Snowden should be a no-brainer.
1
President Obama,
Ed Snowden did the hardest thing a citizen can do- he traded an easy life inside our intelligence community for an unsure future that could include lifetime imprisonment or execution. He was rebuffed internally by his chain of command and committed an act of conscience to inform his fellow Americans of illegal and disturbing activities by our government and the contractors that do much of our signals intelligence. We as a people and nation are better for the actions Ed Snowden took despite the official reaction by people who profit from this activity.
Your former Attorney General has changed his tone on Ed Snowden, begrudgingly acknowledging that what he did was of benefit. Do not be a former President we see years later on TV saying that you wish you had pardoned him. Let Ed Snowden come home. Your commutation of Private Manning's sentence showed compassion. Mr Snowden and Mr Peltier both deserve a little grace.
Ed Snowden did the hardest thing a citizen can do- he traded an easy life inside our intelligence community for an unsure future that could include lifetime imprisonment or execution. He was rebuffed internally by his chain of command and committed an act of conscience to inform his fellow Americans of illegal and disturbing activities by our government and the contractors that do much of our signals intelligence. We as a people and nation are better for the actions Ed Snowden took despite the official reaction by people who profit from this activity.
Your former Attorney General has changed his tone on Ed Snowden, begrudgingly acknowledging that what he did was of benefit. Do not be a former President we see years later on TV saying that you wish you had pardoned him. Let Ed Snowden come home. Your commutation of Private Manning's sentence showed compassion. Mr Snowden and Mr Peltier both deserve a little grace.
4
President Obama has a duty to pardon Snowden, and fire that slanderous press secretary Earnest while at it.
1
Perhaps if Mr. Snowden had manned up and not fled to Russia (who knows what he's given them) and instead served a bit of time, as Manning did, for stealing state secrets and sharing them, then he would have gotten his pardon. As it stands, he doesn't deserve one, no matter how well intentioned his crime was.
1
I agree with the reasons for offering a plea agreement to Mr. Snowden, which would permit him to come home. On the other hand, as noted in the editorial, the White House believes his actions were more serious and more dangerous than Ms. Manning's. For instance, all other things aside, America is significantly less safe than it would have been had he not leaked the top-secret information. Mr. Snowden should do as Ms. Manning did, and admit guilt. The situation is not yet resolved. A large number of documents that Mr. Snowden stole have not yet been leaked. Though some have argued that the Russians would forcibly return Mr. Snowden in order to please President-elect Trump, would they really let him go?
Edward Snowden should not receive any special consideration. If he had the courage of his so-called convictions, he would have stayed in the U.S. to face arrest and prosecution. Instead, he fled to exile in Russia, where he appears to enjoy a comfortable life.
2
It's interesting, and also rather alarming and repulsive, how carefree some people are in tossing around the word "treason."
We live in a complex world in which almost any act of resistance against U.S. government policy, or exposure of government wrongdoing, is bound to give "comfort" to some "enemy" somewhere.
And we also live in a world in which nations now considered our enemies have in the past been considered our friends, or vice versa, depending largely on the degree of their own regimes' acquiescence to U.S. objectives.
Snowden showed us that our government was spying on us in ways which exceeded what the law (and decency, and respect for privacy) seemed to allow. That's not treason. His actions embarrassed and angered a lot of people. That's not treason, either. And officials in the federal government have already acknowledged that there were salutary effects from his actions.
"Treason" is strong language, with specific constitutional meaning, and should be construed narrowly, not broadly. When I read those who denounce him most vigorously and choose to invoke this word, I'm reminded of the words of one of the founders (Franklin?), that those who would trade their liberty for security deserve neither.
We live in a complex world in which almost any act of resistance against U.S. government policy, or exposure of government wrongdoing, is bound to give "comfort" to some "enemy" somewhere.
And we also live in a world in which nations now considered our enemies have in the past been considered our friends, or vice versa, depending largely on the degree of their own regimes' acquiescence to U.S. objectives.
Snowden showed us that our government was spying on us in ways which exceeded what the law (and decency, and respect for privacy) seemed to allow. That's not treason. His actions embarrassed and angered a lot of people. That's not treason, either. And officials in the federal government have already acknowledged that there were salutary effects from his actions.
"Treason" is strong language, with specific constitutional meaning, and should be construed narrowly, not broadly. When I read those who denounce him most vigorously and choose to invoke this word, I'm reminded of the words of one of the founders (Franklin?), that those who would trade their liberty for security deserve neither.
1
I understand the points that you make in this editorial. But I can't agree with them. We don't know how many American citizens, soldiers, and sailors have been put in harm's way or even lost their lives by individuals (traitors) who violated the confidence that this country has entrusted to them. Is 7 years "enough" for betraying one's oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution? President Obama thinks so and he is within his rights to grant clemency. But, I'm not convinced that he "did the right thing." On the other hand, it is not clear what society has to gain by imprisoning an individual who clearly was mentally disturbed at the time the crime was committed. As for Snowden, the material he compromised was far more damaging to the United States and there is no way that I would elevate his status to "whistle blower."
28
Probably Snowden deserves at least another 4 years in Putin's Russia looking over his shoulder while the rest of us live in Trump's Amerika looking over ours.
1
In supporting clemency for those who leak our military secrets and plot to overthrow our government. the Editorial Board joins with President Obama in concluding that acts directed against our country should not be crimes. Not surprisingly, the Times is all in favor of so-called whistle-blowers. After all the "news" that journalists live to report, usually consists of information obtained surreptitiously. The sentences for leakers and the Puerto Rican bomber were not too lenient. In reality, they should have been charged with treason and been sentenced more severely. Conveniently both the Times and President Obama ignore the victims of these deplorable acts.
2
Snowden can be pardoned after he does at least 7 years in a federal prison. Chelsea paid her dues. Snowden is a cowardly fugitive on the run living in Russia. I'm sure there was a trade off by Putin.
I agree that Leonard Peletier should be pardoned. The American indians have suffered enough in the past.
I agree that Leonard Peletier should be pardoned. The American indians have suffered enough in the past.
3
I'd rather Snowden live out the rest of his life in exile. Let his pal Putin keep him.
1
Why not commute Charles Manson's sentence.....It would be on par with the NY Times Editorial Boards philosophy.....
4
Snowden......is not a whistleblower. Yes, he did expose details on some collection programs that have privacy concerns. If that is all he did, there is a (small) case to be made.
However, he exposed extensive details regarding operations against foreign governments (that spy on the U.S. as well). He exposed details on advanced methods utilized by intelligence agencies against foreign adversaries. Highly classified information that damaged the national security of the U.S.
This is not a whistleblower - this is treason.
However, he exposed extensive details regarding operations against foreign governments (that spy on the U.S. as well). He exposed details on advanced methods utilized by intelligence agencies against foreign adversaries. Highly classified information that damaged the national security of the U.S.
This is not a whistleblower - this is treason.
14
He has not been brought to trial, and you have not been called to the jury. Lots of jury-judge-and-executioner comments on this list tonight. Americans don't seem to hold their own justice system or democracy in much regard.
Your privacy concerns may be small but mine aren't. Nor are they to freedom-loving people, for whom they are a fundamental part of life. For life without privacy, cf. 1984 by Orwell.
1
He hasn't been brought to trial because he is a coward and a fugitive from justice. And the people who are arguing for a pardon are the ones who don't want a trial. That's what a pardon is.
I wouldn't mind a trial. I also wouldn't mind if he spent the rest of his life in Russia.
I wouldn't mind a trial. I also wouldn't mind if he spent the rest of his life in Russia.
2
I find the selective endorsement of treason unsettling. Snowden and Manning are not heroes, they are traitors. Snowden may well have acted as a Russian agent. In any case, he aided Putin's anti-American propaganda and was rewarded for it with safe haven.
If we are to trust our intelligence agencies and claim that Putin's Russia interfered with our election, then to argue for a pardon for Snowden seems the height of hypocrisy. He betrayed his oath and the integrity of our national security.
If we are to trust our intelligence agencies and claim that Putin's Russia interfered with our election, then to argue for a pardon for Snowden seems the height of hypocrisy. He betrayed his oath and the integrity of our national security.
69
What I find disturbing is the U.S. Government's blatant violation of the Constitution, the most basic fundamental freedoms of its citizens not to be spied on and it's Orwellian manipulation of technology - in a way people were not even aware of - to "keep tabs" on innocent citizens all in the name of "protecting the Homeland" which is an affront to every person who has died protecting the very freedoms that are "the Homeland". Snowden is a hero.
The Patriot Act allowed for domestic surveillance and was ruled constitutional. If people weren't aware that it existed they had a very short memory.
Snowden also released information about spying programs on foreign governments, He passed or sold information to China and Russia.
That makes him a traitor in my book. Let his friend Putin continue to pay for him, I don't want him back.
Snowden also released information about spying programs on foreign governments, He passed or sold information to China and Russia.
That makes him a traitor in my book. Let his friend Putin continue to pay for him, I don't want him back.
38
As a Navy veteran (1965-69) I am of the view that President Obama should pardon Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl before he even considers pardoning Mr. Snowden. Two Army Generals conducted two separate investigations into Sgt. Bergdahl's "disappearance. " One concluded that the torture Bergdahl endured was worse than anything he heard of or saw in Vietnam. And both Generals concluded that Bergdahl should not face a court-martial. John McCain one of my senatorsand Cchairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), however, thought otherwise. Shortly after the Generals' issued their reports, McCain implied that he would deny them their next promotion unless they changed their respective recommendations (i. e. to recommend that Bergdahl be court-martialed)
Equally disturbing is the comment made by the soon to be draft dodging, chicken hawk, Putin puppet president who said that Bergdahl was guilty of desertion and should be executed.
Equally disturbing is the comment made by the soon to be draft dodging, chicken hawk, Putin puppet president who said that Bergdahl was guilty of desertion and should be executed.
78
Bergdahl, again, is a personality disorder. No clemency. There's an important distinction to be made. Manning, a unbalanced person, can be considered for clemency, but hurry the Orange Pretender is coming.
Obama should use the time to have the wart removed from the side of his nose. It is distracting. So... there you have it: Attack someone's appearance and your hero's appearance comes into play. See how it works? Next up: Jug ears.
No one who gives classified information to be published should ever be pardoned. What president Obama did was send the wrong message to those who wear the uniform of the United States. Snowden is and always will be a traitor not a whistle blower. He stole American secrets and flew first to china then to Russia. It was all a guise. To look like something else. It's quite possible that he was a Russian agent at the time he fled. Well, he certainly is one now. He clearly had one mission. To hurt the United States. All this mumble jumble about whistle blower is hooey.
11
President Obama did not "pardon" Chelsea Manning. She remains guilty of the crimes for which she pled guilty, was convicted, and for which she was sentenced.
What the President did was grant her "clemency" which allows her to be released from prison before completing her sentence. Remember she has served seven years and as I mentioned elsewhere most people convicted of the crimes she committed have been sentenced to 1-3 years.
As such I don't think the President sent any kind of detrimental message to those in uniform.
What the President did was grant her "clemency" which allows her to be released from prison before completing her sentence. Remember she has served seven years and as I mentioned elsewhere most people convicted of the crimes she committed have been sentenced to 1-3 years.
As such I don't think the President sent any kind of detrimental message to those in uniform.
45
@William, How many of those also convicted of the same crime resulted in the death of two American [Reuters] journalists, countless Afghanis and put the target of an unknown number of American and foreign operatives - some of whom may have also died as a direct result?
Snowden has little chance for pardon -- he is straight and white.
2
oh please. Who are the wealthiest people in the country, by far? Who fill most of the seats in Congress, in Statehouses and legislatures, in corporate offices? The facts are what they are. White men run this country and always have. And those white men who are suffering (and yes, I know there are those who are hurting) need to hold their white leaders to task, not blame people of color or other issues.
2
@Betsy Toll
Are you implying that Snowden has little chance for pardon -- he is straight, white, AND a man ?
Mmmm .. I thought Obama played the race card, and the gender card was more Hillary's game. Now I am not so sure.
Are you implying that Snowden has little chance for pardon -- he is straight, white, AND a man ?
Mmmm .. I thought Obama played the race card, and the gender card was more Hillary's game. Now I am not so sure.
Bhaskar, I don't see anyone playing the race, gender or orientation card here -- except you.
Manning admitted what she did and served hard time. Snowden fled to the protection of a friendly dictator whose purposes were served by Snowden's actions.
Manning admitted what she did and served hard time. Snowden fled to the protection of a friendly dictator whose purposes were served by Snowden's actions.
You got to be kidding.
Snowden belongs in jail.
He hasn't even served one.
He has to serve some time in Jail.
If he doesn't then it can happen again.
Snowden does not deserve your sympathy.
He didn't have to go to Russia.
He did so I believe is because Putin gave him money for the information Snowden gave him.
How can the Times say Snowden should be be granted clemency and not serve any time in jail and didn't want Johnathan Pollard to get one even after being in jail for a long time.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/opinion/keep-pollard-behind-bars.html...
Snowden belongs in jail.
He hasn't even served one.
He has to serve some time in Jail.
If he doesn't then it can happen again.
Snowden does not deserve your sympathy.
He didn't have to go to Russia.
He did so I believe is because Putin gave him money for the information Snowden gave him.
How can the Times say Snowden should be be granted clemency and not serve any time in jail and didn't want Johnathan Pollard to get one even after being in jail for a long time.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/opinion/keep-pollard-behind-bars.html...
5
President Obama's grant of clemency to Chelsea Manning was appropriate, considering time served, her remorse, and the impact on the military prison system.
Edward Snowden chose to flee the country and accept residence in Russia. There is no reason to consider a pardon or a commutation until he returns to the United States and faces charges if brought against him. When and If he is convicted of a crime and sentenced would be the appropriate time to consider leniency.
Edward Snowden chose to flee the country and accept residence in Russia. There is no reason to consider a pardon or a commutation until he returns to the United States and faces charges if brought against him. When and If he is convicted of a crime and sentenced would be the appropriate time to consider leniency.
7
Snowden has made a wise choice in not returning without a deal in place. That would be to surrender to extreme injustice, abuse, prison and possibly, death.
He cannot expect fair or just treatment from the US Justice System.
He cannot expect fair or just treatment from the US Justice System.
2
The news that Leonard Peltier will not be offered clemency is heartbreaking.
Truly. I have been dreaming for years that this man would once again walk on the earth, with no concrete to impede his senses or his vision. That he would be free to pray directly to Grandmother Moon. It is so far beyond my comprehension that President Obama has denied him this, now, when he is an elder in poor health.
I imagine the ancestors are weeping.
Truly. I have been dreaming for years that this man would once again walk on the earth, with no concrete to impede his senses or his vision. That he would be free to pray directly to Grandmother Moon. It is so far beyond my comprehension that President Obama has denied him this, now, when he is an elder in poor health.
I imagine the ancestors are weeping.
7
Re Ms. Manning and Mr. Snowden, all of this unpleasantness could be avoided by simply abolishing secrecy. No more secrets, no more classified information. If everything is available then there are no more problems.
Of course this might put people's lives in jeopardy and there might be tremendous damage to national security, but this collateral damage is a small and necessary price to pay for freedom of information for all.
Disclose all to all at all times.
No need for whistle-blowers.
Of course this might put people's lives in jeopardy and there might be tremendous damage to national security, but this collateral damage is a small and necessary price to pay for freedom of information for all.
Disclose all to all at all times.
No need for whistle-blowers.
2
Per the Washington Post investigation.....
"Some 1,271 government organizations and 1,931 private companies work on programs related to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence in about 10,000 locations across the United States.
* An estimated 854,000 people, nearly 1.5 times as many people as live in Washington, D.C., hold top-secret security clearances.
It would be a fantasy to believe that the vast Industrial Security Complex (ISC) can protect secrets. More likely the majority of the information leaked by Snowden had already been known by Russia and China through their own methods of operation including moles within the ISC. The only people who didn't have an idea of what our own government was illegally doing were the vast majority of the American people footing the huge bill for this massive structure.
Snowden should be pardoned. After all, Clapper lied under oath to Congress and nothing happened to him, and Patraeus violated the law and hardly anything happened to him...not good examples of leadership.
"Some 1,271 government organizations and 1,931 private companies work on programs related to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence in about 10,000 locations across the United States.
* An estimated 854,000 people, nearly 1.5 times as many people as live in Washington, D.C., hold top-secret security clearances.
It would be a fantasy to believe that the vast Industrial Security Complex (ISC) can protect secrets. More likely the majority of the information leaked by Snowden had already been known by Russia and China through their own methods of operation including moles within the ISC. The only people who didn't have an idea of what our own government was illegally doing were the vast majority of the American people footing the huge bill for this massive structure.
Snowden should be pardoned. After all, Clapper lied under oath to Congress and nothing happened to him, and Patraeus violated the law and hardly anything happened to him...not good examples of leadership.
16
Snowden's on the run, he has no sentence to commute or be pardoned for. He gave up his right to such when he high-tailed it out of here. It's his own fault he's not getting it, not Obama's. At least Chelsea was man enough to take her medicine, in the first place.
6
By the logic of the editorial, President Obama should also pardon Russia for the DNC hack, for shining light on the dark, hidden actions of one of our two political parties.
4
Bravo to the NYT for taking this stance in favor of showing mercy for Mr. Snowden and Mr. Peltier and pardoning or commuting the later's sentence as well as for noting the excessive sentence imposed on Ms Manniing under Pres. Obama's administration. Now, if only Pres. Obama would be brave enough to show clemency for Snowden he would be doing this nation a favor. Particularly given what's coming in the next administration, we may need many Snowdens to expose the transgressions that citizens will be subjected to. He has left an invasive state to the Republicans who will make good use of it and expand it. It is perhaps the only legacy they will retain from the Obama administration. I hope Obama forgets for once the criticisms of Republicans on this act of clemency and take a strong independent stance, an emancipatory one. Republicans will stand against Obama's legacy no matter what he does anyway. This would mean stepping down with fireworks.
55
Wow. I am shocked by the argument that an act like Snowden's may be honorable in the Orange Pretender's administration. I thought that I knew that Snowden needed to pay. See, reading the NYTs sometimes ruins a perfectly thought out position. It's good to be blasted by another's thinking. Snowden = bad. Snowden under the Orange One = needed. Wow.
Edward Snowden shows all signs of being an agent for the Russian government. Despite showing some overreaches by our national security establishment, he did far more damage than good. He exposed methods (and most likely sources) to a hostile foreign power (Russia), wherein he is now hiding. Take note of the fact that he stole far more documents than he released. Where are those documents now? Most likely in the hands of the FSB (Russian intelligence). No pardon. No clemency. Edward Snowden is a traitor to his country. He is no true American. And traitors deserve punishment.
18
That is exactly how Obama and the US government wanted to make him look like, that is why they made sure he could not leave for Bolivia where he was also offered asylum and would have preferred to go there. No, they wanted him to be stranded in Russia so simple people will automatically assume that he was a russian spy all along.
1
I have long hoped that President Obama would pardon and order the release of former Alabama governor Don Siegelman, convicted of felony corruption charges. Many Alabamians believe Mr. Siegelman to be a kind of political victim from the days of George W. Bush and Karl Rove. The charges against him did not seem to rise to the level of indictment, and his trial contained several prosecutorial errors. The length of his sentence seemed especially long for the crime he was accused of. Mr. Siegelman is nearing seventy, and his daughter has made moving pleas for mercy for him.
2
Robert Bales is much more deserving of a pardon. He was a brain-damaged combat veteran who finally snapped during a tour in Afghanistan after three tours in Iraq. In contrast to Snowden, Bales committed his crimes in two brain-damaged, drunken killing sprees. He needs treatment, not punishment and confinement.
He should pull a Ford with Hillary.
If the country loses one more life to terrorism because resources that could have been used to keep guys like Mateen on the radar are diverted to Pinochet-era witch hunts, we all lose.
If the country loses one more life to terrorism because resources that could have been used to keep guys like Mateen on the radar are diverted to Pinochet-era witch hunts, we all lose.
"Mr. Snowden acted in the spirit of a whistle-blower."
Most people, whether we agree with them or not, believe themselves to be well-intentioned and acting for the good of the country.
The intent is in the eye of the beholder.
Examine your coverage of the hearings of Trump's nominees. You obviously believe that these people all act only to serve their own self-interest and none of them would sacrifice for the good of the country, while close to half the country believes that these people all act with good intent.
People's intent are always difficult to read.
I think Snowden is doing quite well in Russia, where he gets to enjoy borscht every day.
He does not deserve a pardon.
He chose to dump thousands of documents on the intelligence agency of two countries that are completely undemocratic. He couldn't possibly have understood the consequences of every document he gave the Chinese and Russians.
If you believe the Chines and Russians did not gain access to everything he stole, I would like to sell you a bridge.
Most people, whether we agree with them or not, believe themselves to be well-intentioned and acting for the good of the country.
The intent is in the eye of the beholder.
Examine your coverage of the hearings of Trump's nominees. You obviously believe that these people all act only to serve their own self-interest and none of them would sacrifice for the good of the country, while close to half the country believes that these people all act with good intent.
People's intent are always difficult to read.
I think Snowden is doing quite well in Russia, where he gets to enjoy borscht every day.
He does not deserve a pardon.
He chose to dump thousands of documents on the intelligence agency of two countries that are completely undemocratic. He couldn't possibly have understood the consequences of every document he gave the Chinese and Russians.
If you believe the Chines and Russians did not gain access to everything he stole, I would like to sell you a bridge.
16
Not no, but heck no! Treason, the extreme violation of security clearance trust, and the intentional grave harm to US national security (absolutely intentional direct harm) do not merit any form of executive pardon. If there is one person on this planet who deserves prosecution and sentence to the absolute fullest extent of the law and penal system it is Mr. Snowden. I'm not going to cancel my NYT subscription, but on this I must vehemently disagree vociferously with the NYT Editorial Board. This particular editorial recommendation is unconcsionable and indefensible on any level.
14
Snowden has the misfortune of being neither a transgender nor a terrorist. Thus his chances of commutation by Obama are minimal.
5
Snowden certainly deserves clemency more than that piece of puke, Bradley Manning. At least he was careful enough to not put individuals at potential risk of exposure or death. The NSA lied to two US senators and lied to the American people. How would we know our security services were involved with illegal search and surveillance except for his actions? Clearly, this is a whistle blower action of the 5th magnitude!! This action was 10 times more important than Manning! The scope and breadth of the illegal dark ops by our government is totally shocking! I recommend everyone read the Assange book about the entire situation!
Edward Snowden is a hero, a profile in courage.
Please pardon him, President Obama.
Please pardon him, President Obama.
19
Let us hope that President Obama acts on this with a pardon, regardless of the outrage and horror which will inevitably come from the right. Edward Snowden risked everything in his life, his freedom and potentially his very existence.
We know that Trump will not be merciful, as he seems to lack basic empathy, only advocating for himself and those who he believes to be allies, it is for or against him and nothing in between.
It takes true courage to do what Edward Snowden did, to shine a bright light into the deceptions and secret chambers of government. If we value our right to privacy, to not have a personal dossier on every American as in the time of J. Edgar Hoover, we need to support those who would risk everything for our sake. Edward Snowden is a true hero, if ever there was one.
We know that Trump will not be merciful, as he seems to lack basic empathy, only advocating for himself and those who he believes to be allies, it is for or against him and nothing in between.
It takes true courage to do what Edward Snowden did, to shine a bright light into the deceptions and secret chambers of government. If we value our right to privacy, to not have a personal dossier on every American as in the time of J. Edgar Hoover, we need to support those who would risk everything for our sake. Edward Snowden is a true hero, if ever there was one.
100
Bašed on the information provide on Snowden, he is an insecure narrsicist who sought to aggrandize himself at the job from which he stole information. When he could not convince fellow workers that he was anything more than an under-trained computer operator he stole information and fled the country. We have no idea the problems yet to visit us based on the stuff he is passing out to countries that do not wish us well. He should rot in Russia, or come home and face prison time. I am all for clemency when there are circumstances such as the native American case. Snowden can rot. He is a personality disorder, which puts him on a unique class of miscreant.
2
Snowden should be pardoned for letting us all know what our government was doing - spying on American citizens.
Leonard Peltier should be pardoned because he may not have been guilty of the act with which he was charged. He's very old now and reported to be in frail health. He should be allowed to live out his final days as a free citizen. Native Americans were here first in any case.
Leonard Peltier should be pardoned because he may not have been guilty of the act with which he was charged. He's very old now and reported to be in frail health. He should be allowed to live out his final days as a free citizen. Native Americans were here first in any case.
115
As Alan Rusbridger so ably explains in a parallel article, Snowden was appalled by the deception he found and took steps to inform us, the American people, what our government was doing. It's quite a dilemma.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/opinion/snowden-does-not-deserve-the-...
"I have since met Mr. Snowden on three occasions and have found him to be thoughtful, consistent, levelheaded and public-spirited. He regards the American Constitution with extreme reverence. He has accepted his exile as the price of what he, and others, see as principled action. His technical knowledge afforded him insights into how the power between the state and the citizen was being transformed, perhaps irrevocably."
We are stuck so often between a rock and a hard place, with our government doing things that ultimately cause a great deal of harm, and Trump set to make it much much worse (repeal and replace the planet, they will, along with death panels for the poor), that principled action has become almost impossible.
If we are to survive, we are going to have to stop the looting and exploiting that has become the norm. And Christians need to return to the Jesus of the gospels, not this market based exclusionary judgmental stuff that would put him in Gitmo if he were to appear today. Jesus was, after all, a "terr'ist" according to so many today, should they actually have to deal with him as he was.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/opinion/snowden-does-not-deserve-the-...
"I have since met Mr. Snowden on three occasions and have found him to be thoughtful, consistent, levelheaded and public-spirited. He regards the American Constitution with extreme reverence. He has accepted his exile as the price of what he, and others, see as principled action. His technical knowledge afforded him insights into how the power between the state and the citizen was being transformed, perhaps irrevocably."
We are stuck so often between a rock and a hard place, with our government doing things that ultimately cause a great deal of harm, and Trump set to make it much much worse (repeal and replace the planet, they will, along with death panels for the poor), that principled action has become almost impossible.
If we are to survive, we are going to have to stop the looting and exploiting that has become the norm. And Christians need to return to the Jesus of the gospels, not this market based exclusionary judgmental stuff that would put him in Gitmo if he were to appear today. Jesus was, after all, a "terr'ist" according to so many today, should they actually have to deal with him as he was.
76
"He has accepted his exile as the price of what he, and others, see as principled action"
And we, the American people, accept it. Have fun in Russia, Ed.
And we, the American people, accept it. Have fun in Russia, Ed.
1
Mr. Snowden, as many have pointed out broke not only his contract, but also the law. In doing so he exposed the fact that the US intelligence agencies were not only spying on our enemies, they were also spying on our friends, and monitoring almost every form of communication with in the US. He showed that the intelligence community had lied to congress and the American people when they said they were not monitoring US citizens in our country. A practice that continues to this day.
Mr. Snowden has done more to promote an open, and free society that almost any American. He should not only be pardoned, but given the Freedom Medal for service to humanity. President Obama has lost his chance to present the Freedom Medal, but he can still pardon (a full and complete pardon for all crimes) Mr. Snowden and send a strong message that we walk the talk when it comes to transparency.
It is getting very late President Obama, do the right thing.
Mr. Snowden has done more to promote an open, and free society that almost any American. He should not only be pardoned, but given the Freedom Medal for service to humanity. President Obama has lost his chance to present the Freedom Medal, but he can still pardon (a full and complete pardon for all crimes) Mr. Snowden and send a strong message that we walk the talk when it comes to transparency.
It is getting very late President Obama, do the right thing.
241
Right after giving Putin the Nobel peace prize.
3
Bruce Higgins - Snowden you will notice is forgotten in the public eye, because he didn't accomplish anything near what the legions of rabid fanboys fell over themselves trying to say he did. Any mature adult understands we spy anywhere spying might be useful. Your naivety does not qualify you to award medals.
6
Utter nonsense. He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for his crimes against our nation and imprisoned for the rest of his life.
2
Edward Snowden deserves pardoning. What he did was courageous and brought about important legal battles and national discussions over surveillance. We owe Snowden gratitude and mercy.
However, realistically, it is hard to fathom Snowden resuming his life in America. He has many enemies. But a pardon would still remove a blemish from President Obama's otherwise strong record on justice.
However, realistically, it is hard to fathom Snowden resuming his life in America. He has many enemies. But a pardon would still remove a blemish from President Obama's otherwise strong record on justice.
168
He created a cult of personality for himself. The surveillance work is ongoing. What are you imagining?
5
Bradley Edward Manning, now Chelsea, was a disturbed kid whose treason was of an entirely different order and not within galaxies as serious as that of Edward Snowden’s. He was brought to justice in the military justice system, was convicted, sentenced and has served seven years, while never denying actual guilt. As Chelsea and since incarcerated, she has attempted suicide twice. I have no problem with President Obama’s humane commutation of her sentence under ALL these circumstances.
Edward Snowden, on the other hand, was never claimed to be “disturbed”, was substantially older than Manning when he committed his treason, has never submitted to justice or admitted true guilt for his actions, and remains a free man, to the extent that anyone can be free as a ward of Russia.
He knowingly stole vital U.S. secrets while in a position of trust, then gave them to journalists with their own destabilizing agendas. With them and alone, he has participated in the WikiLeaking and exposure of those secrets through other venues, to the serious damage of his nation’s vital interests. He took that data first to China, then to Russia, and only the most innocent can doubt that both those adversaries now have the data, to use as THEY deem proper to their interests.
“Whistle-blowing” is NOT an acceptable defense for treason. No special circumstances exist to explain Snowden’s crimes, as they did for Manning’s. I reject the argument that Edward Snowden should be pardoned.
Edward Snowden, on the other hand, was never claimed to be “disturbed”, was substantially older than Manning when he committed his treason, has never submitted to justice or admitted true guilt for his actions, and remains a free man, to the extent that anyone can be free as a ward of Russia.
He knowingly stole vital U.S. secrets while in a position of trust, then gave them to journalists with their own destabilizing agendas. With them and alone, he has participated in the WikiLeaking and exposure of those secrets through other venues, to the serious damage of his nation’s vital interests. He took that data first to China, then to Russia, and only the most innocent can doubt that both those adversaries now have the data, to use as THEY deem proper to their interests.
“Whistle-blowing” is NOT an acceptable defense for treason. No special circumstances exist to explain Snowden’s crimes, as they did for Manning’s. I reject the argument that Edward Snowden should be pardoned.
193
Treason? B---s--- is the nicest word I can apply to that accusation.
111
How is it "treason" to reveal that our government was spying on its own citizens? Not a shred of evidence has come forth even to suggest that our national security was strengthened by the work that Snowden and his colleagues were engaged in.
138
A NYT verified commenter should get his facts right. Look up the definition of treason (18 U.S. Code, P. 2381). Snowden did not levy war or give aid or comfort to U.S.' enemies and there is no way that any reasonable person can stretch the definition of treason to say that he did.
Even the Attorney General of the U.S., Eric Holder, said that Snowden performed a "public service".
Even the Attorney General of the U.S., Eric Holder, said that Snowden performed a "public service".
14
Let's make this clear. No one has been able to show that Snowden's revelations caused any real harm. There is no evidence of this. It's all just bluster.
On the other hand, he did the country an immense amount of good, by showing citizens that their government was illegally and unconstitutionally spying on them.
Major laws have been changed because of his revelations. That's the proof of the good that he did.
Meanwhile, James Clapper is walking around scott free after lying to Congress about the domestic spying program.
This world is so upside down and backwards sometimes.