

#1368 - Edward Snowden
46 snips Oct 23, 2019
Edward Snowden, the renowned whistleblower who exposed NSA secrets in 2013, shares his journey from CIA employee to a pivotal figure in the debate over government surveillance. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding intelligence operations, the erosion of civil liberties post-9/11, and moral dilemmas in his work. Snowden also reflects on life in exile, the challenges of whistleblowing, and the implications of smartphone surveillance on privacy. His insights highlight the urgent need for public dialogue and accountability in intelligence practices.
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9-11 Evacuation
- Edward Snowden was on Fort Meade during 9-11 and witnessed the NSA's evacuation.
- He questioned the authority figures who left when needed most, shaping his skepticism.
9/11 Failures & Consequences
- The 9-11 attacks exposed failures in inter-agency cooperation due to competition, not restrictions.
- The subsequent removal of restraints led to a dangerous expansion of government power.
Joining the Intelligence Community
- Following 9-11, Snowden joined the army but was discharged due to injuries.
- He leveraged his security clearance and tech skills for an NSA job at the University of Maryland.