President Trump says he’s considering the pardon of Edward Snowden, a prominent whistleblower. Already a number in Congress opposed that, and Attorney General William Barr is now making public his own opposition to the idea of a pardon.
Barr says he “vehemently opposes” such a pardon, saying the US can’t tolerate Snowden peddling leaks “like a commercial merchant.”He reiterated accusations, never backed with evidence, that Snowden endangered the US with his leaks.
Trump had called Snowden a traitor in the past, but now says he is at least considering the matter because “many people think that he should be somehow treated differently.” Snowden has been in exile in Russia since the leaks.
Snowden’s leaks did substantial embarrassment to certain top officials in the intelligence community, and Barr noted many of them might be angry if a pardon was offered. That is clearly not an impossible obstacle, but led Barr to believe that public opposition was important.
the men amerikans most admire tell them the most extravagant lies; the men amerikans most despise try to tell them the truth”. HL Menkhen
Snowden needs to make a clear, unambiguous statement right now that if he is to be pardoned Julian must be pardoned as well. He owes Julian big time already for getting him out of Hong Kong so Ed must return the favor.
Jail Barr, pardon Snowden.
Too bad Barr doesn’t feel the need to prosecute those who illegally classified crimes against Americans. I guess he can’t stand an American standing up against law breaking thugs so has to jump to the defense of his traitor Masters.
Trump had called Snowden a traitor in the past, but now says he is at least considering the matter because “many people think that he should be somehow treated differently.”
Yes, and those “many people” vote too. He already secured the voting block that wants Snowden’s execution so why not go after the opposite side of the fence on this issue? He can just claim “fake news” if one side questions why he has taken the other side’s stance. Once again it’s whoever is in the room with him at any particular time.
Barr is swamp: he has slow walked the alleged durham investigation to a no walk; what further evidence does one need. He and fbi director are culpable of massive coverup.
Yes, Barr is big time deep state, brought in by the deep state (not Trump) for “damage limitation” to FBI/CIA with optimal cool and intelligence. He chose to refer the IG’s finding to John Durham who had previously proven his metal as the cover-up prosecutor for Diane Feinstein’s “Torture Report” which he made disappear almost without a sound. This is all deep state stuff cleaning up a mess. And in re Snowden, the last thing he wants is Snowden
back in the States stirring the police state scandal again. He was an acute embarrassment to Barr’s beloved CIA/FBI; but that damage is done and for all practical purposes, buried. So he’ll chose the prudent over revenge, and let him rot in Russia.
I agree that Barr was brought in by the deep state — in the person of one Donald J. Trump.
And you think we are going to see real “justice” under this a-hole AG?? Good luck with that. Clearly he is a swamp creature of the worst kind. Just another great selection by Trump. LOL.
Lengthy summary of discussion with durham investigator with time sequenced links of doc’s:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/08/22/my-discussion-with-john-durhams-lead-investigator-william-aldenberg/comment-page-9/#comment-8667672
We will see what barr/wray do with this: my guess is the coverup will continue. Comments to this linked article indicate the same: cynicism is overwhelming that this two-tiered “justice system will ever be corrected.
Do not pardon Snowdon-he is not a criminal. DO NOT continue the destruction of Assange- not even a US citizen and certainly not needed to add to your 2 million incarcerated population.