This is the pro argument on the morality of the recent acts of Edward Snowden. To read the con click here.

Edward Snowden is a patriot. He has revealed to the world some of the underlying evils and tyrannical policies of the U.S. federal government. Snowden has shown the world the terrible powers that the U.S. is exploiting against her own citizens, the very people whose liberties they are meant to protect.

It is the duty of free men to defend their freedom and the freedom of others, even if it means forfeiting their lives. A free man must be ready to make sacrifices to preserve the precious gifts of liberty and freedom. All men must be ready to do their part in whatever way they can. A free man cannot sit idly while his liberties are stripped from him. There are dark days when governments that are instituted by free men to defend their liberties cross from defenders of liberty to enforcers of tyranny.

Snowden’s actions were bold, they revealed the U.S. federal government is spying on her own people. Why is the U.S. spying on her own people? For safety? No, for power, for control.

As Obama’s former White House Chief of Staff and current Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel once said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” The excuse is to fight “terrorism,” but the reality is control.

The government is just a group of people with a monopoly on force, and people with power are often corrupt. Recently, the IRS has admitted to targeting certain political groups that were opposed to the status quo. How long until the government starts spying on those who oppose the party in control? The Tea Party movement has often been labeled “terrorists” by various left wing politicians.

Let it be known that both parties are guilty of abuse. Republican President George W. Bush gave the government the ability to spy on citizens in the name of “terrorism” with the Patriot Act, which was implemented shortly after 9/11. When Bush trampled upon the Constitution, the Republican party turned a blind eye, but when President Barack Obama does the same thing, they harass him with political floggings.

Snowden’s actions are justified because they unveiled the secrete crimes that the US government has been committing. Despite breaking the law he is justified, unjust laws are not meant to be followed.

Justin Hawkins is an Opinion Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.