[email protected] wrote at 07/15/2013 02:13 PM: > Is it that he believed he had to break the law (e.g. was mentally ill) or > that he had to break the law (because the government went off the > reservation). > > Both and neither? ;-)
Both, of course. A) It's a flaw in our ... what? ... in our educational system? ... our child rearing system? ... that we leave people like Snowden behind. I can say the same thing about several of the youth I've met over the years ... very bright but with dullards for teachers and role models. Ideally, Snowden is capable enough to put his efforts into within-the-system reform. If only such paths were more canalized, more obvious, more clear as he made his various decisions through his life. But B) it doesn't matter how bright you are, or how genuine you are, or how capable you are... in the system we have, one wrong move and you're tin-foil hat insane or a criminal. If/when "the law" gets you in their sights, it comes crashing down on you. And if you weren't a criminal when it started, you will be one soon, as you learn to navigate our industrial prison system. And even if you navigate your way to a prestigious and relatively powerful position (e.g. Obama or Wyden), you'll steadily accrue various restraints, be they golden handcuffs or gray area oaths. The various constituents of our justice system are too tightly coupled. There's not enough "play" or wiggle room for the average Joe to be part of the process. -- ⇒⇐ glen e. p. ropella The economic factors are no longer relevant ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com
