It's not my goal to be a leader or spokesperson, or anything like that.

It can be so difficult to get people to think about systemic institutional problems. It is easier just to see the actions of one or two people and say, "That's wrong!"

Investigative journalism and reporting has become much more dangerous. This is especially true for journalists and sources in National Security - but it has been getting pretty bad for beat reporters and small outlets doing local reporting, too.

Sometimes You Have to Pay a Heavy Price to Live in a Free Society

I regret if my actions hurt anyone or harmed the United States. It was never my intent to hurt anyone. When I chose to disclose classified information, I did so out of a love for my country and a sense of duty to others.

Even if I didn't have the support that I have, I would still be fighting the same fights, and I would still be the same person that I am today.

As a young kid, I spent a lot of time exploring the world around me.