I just needed to say that outloud.
I understand that there is justifiable concern about the surveillance tactics used by the NSA and other government intelligence agencies.
I understand that breaking laws that one considers to be unjust is a valid strategy to effect change.
Now that we got that out of the way, I'll tell you what I don't understand below the squiggle.
I don't understand why I am supposed to trust Edward Snowden, a man who I had never even heard of at the beginning of the year, to have my best interests at heart.
I don't understand why Edward Snowden should be exempted from punishment for his actions. If we are all empowered to do whatever it is we feel is best, then it makes it very difficult to have a "society", seeing as we very rarely will all agree.
I don't understand why many hear at DKos have adopted the style and tone of conservative groups who equate everything done by the "guvment" as automatically bad and without merit.
I don't understand the need to boil down a complicated issue into simplistic "sides" and talking points. It is much easier to take potshots from the sidelines than to actually run and attempt to protect a country.
I don't understand what the ultimate goal and endgame is for those who claim to be proponents of transparency in all cases. I mean, is it really realistic to expect that each and every citizen will be made aware of each and every thing that is going on in the government at all times? Is that practical?
Yes, we need to discuss these matters. No, the government should not have carte blanche to do anything they want. But the truth is, there are a lot of gray areas in between, and pretending that complicated things are simple doesn't really accomplish much.
Coming to Daily Kos is starting to feel more like an Edward Snowden fan convention than a site to discuss progressive politics.
And if that is the case, I guess I am just going to have to wait for the next progressive star to come along, because I am just not feeling it. I don't hate Edward Snowden, as I said at the beginning, I don't KNOW Edward Snowden . . . and the truth is . . . neither do most of his "fans".
And I feel better for saying it out loud . . . thanks for reading.
11:37 AM PT: Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this and share their opinion. Humbled by the rec list as well. Must leave for a bit, but I will check back.