This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's a sad day when I find myself on the side of China and Russia, in their refusals to turn over Edward Snowden, who is charged with leaking classified information about U.S. surveillance programs. Snowden is a hero.
The U.S. government's hounding and prosecution of a man who told us what the government should have disclosed as soon as it was implemented is a reflection of what our leaders have become. The episode shows how much they want to control our lives without letting us know it. It has shades of George Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984.
I do not object to the government being able to tap anyone's phone, computer, location, etc. Not only is that necessary for national security, but helps in the arrest and prosecution of felons in all areas. This could be a boon that nobody who doesn't break laws need worry about.
Let them track me all they want, just disclose that they're doing it. Tracking me would just be a waste of time and resources, as it would for all law-abiding citizens.
Fred Civish
Ogden