Putin Tells Edward Snowden He Doesn't Spy on Russians Like the NSA

The Verge ^ | April 17, 2014 | Chris Welch

[lbryce]

NSA leaker Edward Snowden is currently living under asylum in Russia, so it makes sense that he would want to know about the country's own surveillance practices. He managed to take his inquiry straight to the top and pose the question to none other than President Vladimir Putin during a live, state-run television broadcast. "I've seen little public discussion of Russia's own involvement in the policies of mass surveillance," he said. "So I'd like to ask you: Does Russia intercept, store or analyze, in any way, the communications of millions of individuals?" The show's host claimed that Snowden "revolutionized the world by leaking the information about American secret services" before he appeared via video link.

[lbryce]

That Putin has reversed the geopolitical world order in terms of power and influence is surprising enough in the overall historical legacy between America and Russia. But that he, as inheritor of an authoritarian regime that was the very model for 'Big Brother' can now prove himself more respectful of the privacy of his citizens than the President of the United States of America has for his own, the irony of it is almost too surreal.

Snowden's question to Putin about Russia's surveillance on its citizens was not an impromptu circumstance. But that Putin and Snowden took the opportunity to crow about it, as transparent as it was, was an opportunity just too tempting for Putin to pass up and perhaps well deserved considering how Obama is now the new "Big Bro".

RT Video:Snowden asks Putin LIVE: Does Russia Intercept or Store Comms?

[montag813]

Snowden shows what a KGB tool he is. Do the Ron Paul wackos still think he is a “hero”?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

He has no need to. Their neighbors will do it for him.

[lbryce]

Well, he really almost has no choice. They’ve given him political asylum and now he must perform like some Russian bear.

[dfwgator]

The NSA doesn’t spy on Russians, they spy on Tea Partiers.

[StolarStorm]

They don’t need a mass surveillance system. They probably just tap into ours. Hell, our own allies have used our intelligence assets for their own uses (even when counter to our interests).

[PieterCasparzen]

Best to be neither a KGB tool nor an NSA tool.

[PieterCasparzen]

How can American neocons claim to be anti-Communist ?

America exported their jobs to Communist China.

Big capital is partners with communism.

And now, more than ever, big capital is flowing into Russia.

[PGR88]

When Snowden was planning and executing his excellent adventure, I wonder if he ever imagined becoming Putin’s bitch?

[Mariner]

Of course.

The Russians are smart enough to TARGET their surveillance to those the believe are likely threats.

Efficient use of resources.

[Uncle Miltie]

Putin would like to spy as well as the NSA, he’s just not that capable. Yet.

[caligatrux]

I had a difficult time making my mind up about Snowden. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as a whistleblower, even when he initially started dabbling with China and Russia. I figured he might have just been forced to run to them because he had made such powerful and presumably ruthless enemies here.

More and more, however, he shows his true color: red.

[lbryce]

LOL. That is an apt observation.

[PieterCasparzen]

Right.

The American government would never use it’s intelligence services against conservatives.

Snowden must be a commie.

Commies bad, so CIA and NSA are good.

Let them do whatever they want.

If you have nothing to hide, you won’t mind them monitoring you.

[Cold Heart]

I too had a difficult time figuring him out. There is another angle I have thought about. Obama sent him.

[elhombrelibre]

During WWI, the Germans allowed Lenin back into Russia to help undermine the Czar. Maybe Obama sent Snowden to Russia to undermine Putin, too? Plausible. I don’t think so.

[PGR88]

Your previous post stated it best:

Best to be neither a KGB tool nor an NSA tool.

Snowden had quite a few legitimate concerns. If you have worries about the militarized super-state being used against its own citizens, one only look at Nevada to see the latest example. The irony is though, when Snowden left the USA, did he realize he would become a tool of another nation's vast intelligence service?

[Psalm 144]

No, Putin spies with more focus and to greater effect, and the results are released on his timetable.

[Psalm 144]

The irony is though, when Snowden left the USA, did he realize he would become a tool of another nation’s vast intelligence service?

**********

Does it matter?

If he had come out with it here he would have been at best buried in the Bureau of Prisons and forgotten in three news cycles.

If he ‘disappeared’ himself he would have been hunted down and again, buried under the prison - at best.

He could have shot himself or similar. To what purpose?

He had two real choices. Be a continuing part of the domestic secret police, which most have chosen, or go rogue. Once he went rogue, he became dependent on the kindness of strangers.

He traded masters, but in the process revealed a great conspiracy within the Washington government. Now it is out, and cannot be concealed.

A Phyrric victory instead of an utter loss. But Phyrric victories cost everything too.

[redgolum]

Maybe, but think on this.

Between Russia and the USA, which is growing more socialist?

I ask myself that, and don’t like what I see.