Bruce Schneier, as usual, says things very well
http://bruce-schneier.livejournal.com/1211785.html
Edward Snowden broke the law by releasing classified information. This isn't under debate; it's something everyone with a security clearance knows. It's written in plain English on the documents you have to sign when you get a security clearance, and it's part of the culture. The law is there for a good reason, and secrecy has an important role in military defense.
But before the Justice Department prosecutes Snowden, there are some other investigations that ought to happen.
We need to determine whether these National Security Agency programs are themselves legal. The administration has successfully barred anyone from bringing a lawsuit challenging these laws, on the grounds of national secrecy. Now that we know those arguments are without merit, it's time for those court challenges. ...
Do I think Schneier's investigations will happen? Sadly, no. I think Snowden will be pilloried and then we'll end up in an extradition tussle, not unlike Julian Asange. It'll take years, and perhaps there will be enough change in politics that such an investigation can happen.
Edward Snowden broke the law by releasing classified information. This isn't under debate; it's something everyone with a security clearance knows. It's written in plain English on the documents you have to sign when you get a security clearance, and it's part of the culture. The law is there for a good reason, and secrecy has an important role in military defense.
But before the Justice Department prosecutes Snowden, there are some other investigations that ought to happen.
We need to determine whether these National Security Agency programs are themselves legal. The administration has successfully barred anyone from bringing a lawsuit challenging these laws, on the grounds of national secrecy. Now that we know those arguments are without merit, it's time for those court challenges. ...
Do I think Schneier's investigations will happen? Sadly, no. I think Snowden will be pilloried and then we'll end up in an extradition tussle, not unlike Julian Asange. It'll take years, and perhaps there will be enough change in politics that such an investigation can happen.