Clemency for Snowden?

[Valin]

Commentary:

Max Boot

1/2/13

 

The year is still young, but I would say the New York Timess editorial board has already retired the prize for the most irresponsible, unconvincing, and pernicious editorial of the year with Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower.

 

To get to the bottom line up front: The Times would like the U.S. government to offer a plea bargain or some form of clemency that would allow him to return home, face at least substantially reduced punishment in light of his role as a whistle-blower, and have the hope of a life advocating for greater privacy and far stronger oversight of the runaway intelligence community.

 

Personally, the only kind of plea bargain I would like to see offered to Snowden is one that allows him to serve * life in a maximum-security prison rather than face the death penalty for his treason.

 

(Snip)

 

If Snowden is allowed to get away with his crimes, it is hard to see how the intelligence apparatus of the U.S. can function. Successful intelligence, after all, is premised on secrecyand that secrecy will not last long if every intelligence community employee feels free to disclose whatever secrets he knows simply because he disagrees with what his superiors are doing. Yet that would be the logical consequence of the Timess risible suggestion to rehabilitate Snowden.

 

* Max is a lot gentler than your humble servant.