Edward Snowden: Hero or Traitor?

1060 Words3 Pages

After September 11th, Americans looked to the government for protection and reassurance. However, they did not expect to find out thirteen years later that the government did this by using technology to spy on Americans, as well as other countries. George W. Bush began the policy shortly after the terrorist attack and Barack Obama continued it. There have been many confrontations over the years about the extent of the N.S.A.’s spying; however, the most recent whistle-blower, Edward Snowden, leaked information that caused much upset throughout America (EFF). It has also brought many people to question: is he a hero or a traitor? One Snowden supporter is John Cassidy, who states that the public has the right to know the information Snowden brought forth. This information includes domestic spying. Without him, innocent people would continue to be spied on by the government without knowledge. Americans should know what the people in charge of the country are doing and how they are violating the rights of Americans. Cassidy claims that Snowden was smart in not releasing all information, so America is not in grave danger. According to Cassidy’s article, Snowden played the role of a moral American who felt the need to protect the public, and therefore, should not be punished. However, Cassidy comes to quick conclusions, displays faulty evidence, and gives no consideration to the opposing side so that the reader will unquestionably think “the scales are clearly tipped in Snowden’s favor.” The government definitely overstepped boundaries by spying on average Americans who wish no harm on their country. This includes violating their privacy, and going against acts and amendments. The fourth amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and se... ... middle of paper ... ...a man who thought he was doing the right thing and saving the people from an unjust government; meanwhile, failing to look ahead and see the possible consequences of his monumental decision. Works Cited Bash, Dana, Tom Cohen. "Officials Cite Thwarted Plots, Oversight in Defending Surveillance." CNN. Cable News. Network, 19 June 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. Cassidy, John. "Why Edward Snowden Is a Hero." The New Yorker. N.p., 10 June 2013. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. Electronic Frontier Foundation. "Timeline of NSA Domestic Spying." Electronic Frontier Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. Keck, Zachary. "Yes, Edward Snowden Is a Traitor." The Diplomat. N.p., 21 Dec. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2014 Smith, Emily E. "How Did the CIA Find Bin Laden? A Phone Call, a Courier, and Years of Detective Work." The Blaze. N.p., 2 May 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.

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