Glenn Greenwald, American journalist known for breaking the Edward Snowden story, discusses surveillance, censorship, concerns about individuals in power, the transformational effect of Donald Trump, significance of mug shots, analysis of recent debate, pardoning Assange and Snowden, rise and fall of Lula, conversations with Snowden, Putin and Maduro, and shifting attitudes towards diversity.
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Quick takeaways
The Obama administration engaged in illegal spying and abuse of power during the Trump campaign.
Russiagate was based on lies and abuse of power by the US security state.
Donald Trump's impact on American politics is comparable to figures like Reagan and FDR.
Pardoning Snowden and Assange would represent a stand for transparency and press freedom.
Protecting whistleblowers and preserving press freedom are crucial for a democratic society.
Deep dives
Obama Spying on Trump Campaign
The Obama administration secretly launched a surveillance operation on the Trump campaign, which involved spying on Trump campaign members and abusing the powers of the FBI and the Justice Department.
Russiagate Scandal
Russiagate, which dominated US politics for three years, was based on lies and abuse of power by the US security state. The FBI opened an investigation without legal basis and media outlets participated in spreading unverified leaks.
Comparison to Watergate
The actions of the Obama administration, involving illegal spying and the Russiagate scandal, are far worse than Watergate. The FBI lied to the FISA court, spied on an American citizen based on lies, and opened an investigation without a sufficient predicate.
Transformational Impact of Trump
Donald Trump is one of the most transformational political figures in recent American history, comparable to figures like Ronald Reagan and FDR. He brought about significant changes to the Republican Party and challenged elite-serving orthodoxy.
Snowden and Assange's Pardons Could Symbolize Transparency and Press Freedom
Snowden and Assange, as whistleblowers, have revealed classified information that exposed government surveillance and war crimes. Pardoning them would serve as a symbolic act against the secrecy and crimes committed by the security state. It would represent a stand for transparency and press freedom, highlighting the importance of holding those in power accountable. While some may question Snowden's safety in Russia, his actions and willingness to face imprisonment show his commitment to the cause rather than collusion. Pardoning them would challenge the notion that secretive government institutions can hide their crimes while punishing those who expose them.
The Importance of Whistleblower Protection and Upholding Press Freedom
The discussion around pardoning Snowden and Assange raises the significance of protecting whistleblowers and preserving press freedom. Snowden risked his freedom and revealed government surveillance practices. Assange, as a journalist, published information delivered by whistleblowers. Pardoning them would send the message that the United States values transparency, accountability, and a free press. It would demonstrate the commitment to protect those who expose government wrongdoing and ensure that media institutions can continue their crucial role in informing the public.
Debating Snowden's Safety and the Politics Surrounding Pardons
While some may question Snowden's safety in Russia and raise suspicions about his relationship with Putin, several factors elaborate otherwise. Snowden's decision to go public with the leaked information demonstrated his dedication to enabling a more privacy-conscious society. His actions and subsequent asylum request in Russia align with historical trends, where Russian governments have offered refuge to dissidents from the West. Pardoning Snowden and Assange would act as an act of courage against the United States' security state and show a commitment to protect individuals who expose government crimes.
The Complexities and Consequences of Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing remains a nuanced issue, often met with skepticism and scrutiny. While Snowden's actions exposed surveillance and raised concerns about privacy, there are debates both for and against granting him a pardon. Some may question why Snowden didn't end up in prison or whether he could have shared information with Russia. However, Snowden's willingness to sacrifice his freedom and his dedication to transparency suggest his motives were aligned with exposing government wrongdoing. The importance of protecting whistleblowers and maintaining a free press plays a crucial role in holding power accountable and safeguarding democratic principles.
Edward Snowden's responsible whistleblowing
Edward Snowden had the opportunity to sell valuable leaked information for millions of dollars or release it on the internet, but he chose the responsible path. He approached journalists and imposed strict conditions on what could be published, prioritizing the safety of individuals. Snowden's actions were in stark contrast to reckless whistleblowing and demonstrated his conservative approach to exposing sensitive information.
The complexities of Brazilian politics: Lula and Bolsonaro
Brazilian politics revolves around conflicting figures like Lula and Bolsonaro, but they are not the central problem. Lula's life story is inspirational, rising from extreme poverty to becoming a leftist union leader and then a prominent political figure. While there are corruption allegations against him, he is seen as weak due to the corrupt centrist class that runs Brazil. Bolsonaro, on the other hand, is viewed as a dangerous far-right populist who elicits fear within the establishment. However, the real issue lies with the concentration of power in the courts and widespread corruption in Brazilian politics.
Today on the PBD Podcast, Glenn Greenwald joins the show. Glenn Edward Greenwald is an American journalist, author, and former lawyer. Glenn is most well known for his role in breaking the Edward Snowden story.
Watch Glenn's podcast - "System Update" on Rumble: https://bit.ly/3OP9tZq
Listen to Glenn's podcast - "System Update" on Spotify, iTunes and Google: https://bit.ly/3KYhRER
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