Is Edward Snowden a Modern Day Socrates?

     Socrates is best known for being the father of modern thought. He presented new and radical ideas and would frequently question both the Athenian government and the Athenian way of life. In the end, he was sentenced to death for putting forth his views in such a vocal and uncompromising manner. Edward Snowden is in a similar position, being punished for firmly standing up for what he believes in. But the comparison between the two stops there. Their methods, values, and goals are entirely different. First of all. Socrates never fled from punishment. On the contrary, he welcomed death. Once Snowden felt his mission was complete, he left for greener pastures where the U.S. could not lay their hands on him. Next, Socrates never exposed any sort of scandal. He questioned the core values which his government was based upon. On the other hand, Snowden says that he firmly believes in the constitution of his nation and only seeks to protect it. Socrates accumulated the dislike of his government over time by constantly criticizing it and trying to turn others against it while Snowden openly leaked classified information to the people. In order to make a strong comparison to Socrates, one can not simply say that the two are similar because they have incurred the wrath of their respective nations. While their is some vague similarity between the actions of these two people, it is far to broad to start calling Snowden a modern day Socrates. 

Not Guilty

     In this trial, the burden of proof rests solely upon the prosecution. They needed to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that Edward Snowden was guilty. Given the scarce amount of evidence provided as to his guilt, it is impossible to fairly charge him with such a strong accusation as treason. Furthermore, the prosecution failed to refute the defense's point regarding Supreme Court precedent. Though the trial was very close, there was far too much grey area left to reasonably convict Snowden of any of these charges.