Can the NSA Be Trustworthy?

16 October 2013
The Government: Can it be trustworthy? How important is your privacy? Most people would agree having privacy is a huge concern, especially when it involves personal business. In recent breaking news, Edward Snowden, a 30-year-old high school dropout, who worked for the NSA, released private information to America. He announced the NSA is tracking citizen's phone calls and monitoring emails. Most people in the U.S. were very frustrated once the information went viral. Many people believe Edward Snowden should not have released the information he knew. However, if he did not reveal the secrets of the NSA, many citizens in America will still be clueless. Edward Snowden is a criminal, yet known as a hero. He knew the consequences if he released the private information to the public. He simply wanted to let America know what actions the government is doing today. He confirmed that the U.S. government, without having any proof of a warrant, collects phone call logs and keeps them in file. The second leak he announced was the N.S.A., who wants to track down foreign suspects, and or criminals, has the capacity to access emails from U.S. based Internet companies. Most people were in disbelief about this information because they thought they had their own freedom on the internet and taking phone calls. Others did not react to Snowden's information because they already suspected it. Either way, this issue is important to be aware about because it can let citizens know what the N.S.A is capable of doing. Cortez 2 America should be aware of how much power the NSA holds. Many citizens use their cellular devices and the internet daily. If Edward Snowden did not release the information he knew, America would currently be a one-way mirror; the government could be watching us without us being aware of the situation. According to Geoffrey R. Stone, "Edward Snowden: "Hero or Traitor"?", explains how Edward Snowden had no authority to release the top secret information. However, he does admit the people should have the right to know what is going on. "Perhaps it is important for the American people to know what their representatives are doing- even though information is classified." Yes, it is right for citizens understand what the NSA is capable of, but is too much information harmful? Although most people agree Edward Snowden's leak was helpful, it did create some feud today. In an article, "Is Edward Snowden a Traitor?" written by Emily Bazelon, argues how Edward Snowden betrayed the NSA. She believes Snowden not only betrayed the NSA, but also betrayed his country. In her article, she refers back to past events that were similar to Snowdens actions. She describes how Daniel Ellsberg was accused of leaking the Pentagon Papers in 1969, exposing the greatest secrets. In her article, she gets to the point across to say, "How do we make room for the secret-tellers who only history can show were on the right side?" Her opinion meant how America could know if the person committing a situation is doing the right or wrong action. The NSA is taking the correct route with the surveillance programs to protect America. There can be much prevention from terrorist's attacks and or crimes. However, most people agree Edward Snowden did make them realize there is a magnifying glass above them.

Cortez 3 Many people might believe Edward Snowden is not a hero. In the article written by Geoffrey R. Stone, "Edward Snowden: "Hero or Traitor"", describes how Edward Snowden is either a hero or a traitor. He argues that he is neither, but still deserves a punishment for his actions. Stone believes Snowden should have kept the information to himself so it could not have created such chaos. He describes how Snowden had a choice to accept his job and understand to keep files in private. "But the one thing he most certainly should not have done is to divide on the basis of his own ill-informed, arrogant and amateurish judgment that he knows better than everyone else in the government how to best serve the national interest." He argues how Snowden was immature of his actions and created more problems to the nation. Edward Snowden is a heroic American citizen. He knew the consequences he would face if he released the information he knew; Snowdens actions were helpful to America. It has created more and more people to be involved in politics and news. All he was trying to do is help and let his American citizens know what is really going on behind closed doors. “I don’t want to live in a society that does these sorts of things,” he said to Greenwald with the interview to The Guardian. Many people would have continued to feel and look clueless if it was not for Edward Snowden. Yes, he did create some chaos, but he could be seen as a patriot. He has received many names such as a whistleblower, traitor, and criminal. However, Edward Snowden is trying to help society for the greater good.