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writing for godot

Is Edward Snowden a Modern Day Joan of Arc?

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Written by Bock Oliver   
Tuesday, 31 December 2013 04:31

As I watch the unveiling of the NSA, I’ve become fascinated by the “calling” that Edward Snowden claims to be hearing. The documents leaked by Snowden prove that the NSA has been quietly collecting all of our electronic communications based on anti terrorist laws enacted during the Bush years and continued under Obama. Snowden asserts that he is motivated by a need that the American people should be able to decide if this massive data collection is what we want.
I am looking forward to seeing how Mr. Snowden navigates his new role as a cultural icon.
Like Joan of Arc, Snowden appeared out of nowhere and took over a major story of the times.
Like Joan, he also claims to be motivated by goals beyond personal self-interest. Snowden doesn’t claim to hear voices from the angels, yet his rationale for exposing the NSA could be viewed as modern day voices, just as Joan’s voices from the angels were so persuasive in the past.
Like Joan, I believe that Snowden has a type of courage that displays brave actions with an almost naïve disregard for potential consequences.
Like Joan of Arc, Snowden is being pursued with an eye towards persecution by the threatened powers.
Unlike Joan, we don’t know how the pursuit of Snowden will unfold.
I personally approve of the choices that Edward Snowden has made and continues to make. I also know that many people consider him a traitor and a threat to our national security. As this story unfolds, Snowden’s legacy will only be determined in small part by circumstances that he controls. I hope that the media, public opinion and Edward Snowden’s own actions leave us a story as heroic and compelling as the story of Joan of Arc.




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