1. Who is Edward Snowden - what did he do?

2. Why is Snowden currently living in Russia?

3. a) What is James Clapper’s role?
b) For what reasons is Mr. Clapper opposed to a pardon for Edward Snowden?

4. a) Who supports a pardon for Snowden?
b) Who opposes a pardon for Snowden?

5. Consider the reasons for and against pardoning Snowden vs. trying him for breaking the law (stealing government secrets).

• US News reported in April 2015: Americans overall say by plurality that Snowden has done “more to hurt” U.S. national security (43 percent) than help it (20 percent). A similar breakdown was seen with views on whether he helped or hurt efforts to combat terrorism, though the numbers flip on whether his actions will lead to greater privacy protections.
• According to an August 2016 poll, only 33% of Americans would support a presidential pardon for rogue National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, who faces espionage charges. Of the poll respondents, 53% support these charges, while only 26% were opposed to a federal prosecution. (56 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of Republicans said they would support government charges against Snowden)
• Democrat Bernie Sanders, Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian party presidential candidate Gary Johnson say Snowden should be pardoned.

What do you think: should Snowden be pardoned as a hero whistleblower, or charged with espionage and/or tried for treason against the U.S.? Explain your answer.

6. In July 2015, The White House responded to a petition calling for President Obama to pardon Edward Snowden. Lisa Monaco, the president’s advisor on homeland security and counterterrorism, wrote the official response, which was posted to the White House’s We the People website.

“If [Snowden] felt his actions were consistent with civil disobedience, then he should do what those who have taken issue with their own government do: Challenge it, speak out, engage in a constructive act of protest, and — importantly — accept the consequences of his actions,” Monaco writes. “He should come home to the United States, and be judged by a jury of his peers — not hide behind the cover of an authoritarian regime. Right now, he’s running away from the consequences of his actions.”

Do you agree with this response? Explain your answer.

OPTIONAL: What does the U.S. Constitution say about treason/traitors?