Harry Reid: 'Snowden is a traitor'
As insipid commentators such as Thomas L. Friedman encourage NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden to come on home to the Land of the Free and subject himself to the "fair-mindedness of the American people," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) has provided another reminder that the people who actually hold power in this country would prefer to throw Snowden into a dark cage. Here's Reid in a Q&A with the Reno Gazette-Journal:
Q: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has said National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden should be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Do you agree?
A: I think Snowden is a traitor, and I think he has hurt our country, and I hope someday he is brought to justice.
Quick constitutional refresher:
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
If I'm Edward Snowden, the only way I'm ever setting foot back here is if more members of Congress reject the authoritarianism of Harry Reid, and instead follow the intriguing lead of Rep. Tom McClintock (R-California) and offer Snowden amnesty.