Eric Holder -Justice Dept Could Strike Deal with Edward Snowden

[JohnRM]

There is no reason to make a deal with Snowden. He has already clearly spilled all the beans he had in his possession. The only reason to bring him back now is for execution. Clearly, we can't make a deal that he would accept that would allow us to do that.

[JohnRM]

Why should he be punished at all if what he did was right?

If anything he should be praised. We need more people to be willing to speak out.

Chelsea Manning took her punishment. That is the point of martyrdom-that the victim suffer for the greater good.

What kind of logic is that? You want people who did nothing wrong to be unjustly punished just so that they can then claim to be martyrs? Isn't the world better if we don't actively try to create martyrs?

I think what he means is that while he does not believe that what he did with regard to espionage was wrong, but rather it is the fact that he fled to Russia. That may be what he believes Snowden ought to be punished for.

[JohnRM]

Obama should officially recognize Crimea as Russian territory in exchange for the delivery of Snowden's severed head in a gift-wrapped box to the White House.

I would hope it would be part of a larger agreement aimed at detente.

[JohnRM]

There is no reason to make a deal with Snowden. He has already clearly spilled all the beans he had in his possession. The only reason to bring him back now is for execution. Clearly, we can't make a deal that he would accept that would allow us to do that.

Even if we accept your premise that there isn't a reason to partially pardon Snowden based on the motivation for and result of his actions, the fact is that Chelsea Manning was not executed, and could be released after just 8 years in prison. Why are Snowden's crimes worse?

I am not going to be diverted from discussion of this specific topic. They are two separate issues. If you wish to know my opinion on Mr. Manning's case, you will have to start a new thread.