Clinton/Sanders - Domestic Spying

Dear Friends,

On the topic of domestic surveillance by the NSA, there is a clear difference between the position of Senator Sanders and the position of Senator Clinton.  Bernie Sanders is strongly opposed to secret spying on the American people by their own government, and Hillary Clinton talks in platitudes about transparency while not being overly critical of the NSA.  Hillary Clinton supported the USA Freedom Act and Bernie Sanders voted against it because it did not go far enough to protect Americans from spying.

The attitude of these two people towards Edward Snowden, I think, says a lot about their real views on American's civil liberties.  Hillary Clinton initially was outspoken in her condemnation of Edward Snowden.  As she has watched the feelings of Americans change and has been pushed by Senator Sanders, she has softened her position but it seems clear to me that she would prosecute him to the full extent possible.  Senator Sanders' position seems to recognize the complex issues involved.  Edward Snowden did violate the law but he also bravely disclosed illegal and immoral activities by the United States government.  Bernie Sanders does not believe he should suffer a long criminal sentence or permanent exile.

I would go further than Bernie Sanders.  My position is that unless the United States government is willing to prosecute those at the highest levels of government who broke the law by spying on US citizens and took us to war on false pretenses, then the United States government has lost the moral right to prosecute the person who disclosed the illegal activities.

Thanks for reading and please comment,
The Unabashed Liberal