The definition of a security state is one that prioritizes security over all other considerations. Edward Snowden More Quotes by Edward Snowden More Quotes From Edward Snowden Look at the reactions of liberal governments to the surveillance revelations during the last years. In the United States, we've got this big debate, but we've got official paralysis - because they're the ones who had their hand caught most deeply in the cookie jar. Edward Snowden government hands years The internet is the most complex system that humans have ever invented. And with every internet enabled operation that we've seen so far, all of these offensive operations, we see knock on effects. We see unintended consequences. Edward Snowden unintended-consequences offensive internet The US government is not going to be able to cover this up by jailing or murdering me. Truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped. Edward Snowden truth-is able government You can't come up against the world's most powerful intelligence agencies and not accept the risk. Edward Snowden nsa agency powerful It's fascinating to see how things have changed. Basically, every time the US government gets off the soapbox of the Sunday-morning talk shows, the average American's support for the surveillance revelations grows. Edward Snowden sunday government morning These [NSA] programs were never about terrorism: they're about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They're about power. Edward Snowden manipulation nsa terrorism I'm saying we need to be aware of it, and we need to be able to distinguish when political developments are occurring that are contrary to the public interest. Edward Snowden political development needs I acted on my belief that the NSA's mass surveillance programs would not withstand a constitutional challenge, and that the American public deserved a chance to see these issues determined by open courts. Today, a secret program authorized by a secret court was, when exposed to the light of day, found to violate Americans' rights. It is the first of many. Edward Snowden nsa light rights I have no intention of hiding who I am because I know I have done nothing wrong. Edward Snowden government-spying who-i-am done When Laura Poitras asked me if she could film our encounters, I was extremely reluctant. I’m grateful that I allowed her to persuade me. The result is a brave and brilliant film that deserves the honor and recognition it has received. My hope is that this award will encourage more people to see the film and be inspired by its message that ordinary citizens, working together, can change the world. Edward Snowden awards grateful people We don't have to ask for our privacy, we can take it back. Edward Snowden privacy asks I don't want the stage. I'm terrified of giving these talking heads some distraction, some excuse to jeopardize, smear, and delegitimize a very important movement. Edward Snowden important talking giving The Iraq war that I signed up for was launched on false premises. The American people were misled. Now, whether that was due to bad faith or simply mistakes in intelligence, I can't say for sure. But I can say it shows the problem of putting too much faith in intelligence systems without debating them in public. Edward Snowden mistake memorable war I don't want to hide. If I get arrested, I get arrested. Edward Snowden arrested ifs want All the governments just want to have more power when it comes to economic espionage, diplomatic manipulation and political influence. Edward Snowden manipulation influence political Society really seems to have developed an unquestioning obedience towards spooky types… Did we get to where we are today via a slippery slope that was entirely within our control to stop? Or was it a relatively instantaneous sea change that sneaked in undetected because of pervasive government secrecy? Edward Snowden government sea today And that's not something I'm willing to support, it's not something I'm willing to build and it's not something I'm willing to live under. Edward Snowden willing support The NSA has built an infrastructure that allows it to intercept almost everything. With this capability, the vast majority of human communications are automatically ingested without targeting. If I wanted to see your emails or your wife's phone, all I have to do is use intercepts. I can get your emails, passwords, phone records, credit cards. Edward Snowden nsa phones communication We should know at least the broad strokes of the powers that the government's claiming in our name, and using allegedly, on our behalf. And also against us as well. Edward Snowden government should names I do not expect to see home again. Edward Snowden government-spying home
