Earlier quoted context omitted.
You can’t hold a random analyst, usually a contractor and not a “government official”, for not sharing your opinion on what a 200-year old, intentionally vague, document meant about who-was-contacting-who on a pice of technology that wasn’t invented. Let alone a law that was, albeit controversial at the time, in place for almost 20 years. Would you prefer that your public servants follow the law... or do whatever the…
We hold low grade solders responsible for following illegal orders, even when those orders come from the very top of the chain of command. Although its giant double standard, despite knowledge of illegal acts frequently those higher in the chain of command aren't held responsible (aka, look up waterboarding).
Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal
#491You nailed it, but, “illegal orders” actually called “unlawful orders”.
Soldiers and Sailors are only required to follow “lawful orders” not “moral orders”. The Patriot Act is The Law. Any person who is a conscientious objector to The Patriot Act would/should loose their job and clearance.
The Edward Snowden case is simple: he betrayed the trust of all Americans when he broke his oath, and he deserves justice.
There are proper checks and balances, and laws, that govern how constitutional violations should be reported and handled. Edward Snowden ignored all of these chose vigilanteism over the rule of law.
He is no patriot.