Do we want to emulate China in the way that China emulates the West? I think, for most Americans, the answer to that question would be no.
Edward SnowdenI have been a systems engineer, systems administrator, a senior adviser for the Central Intelligence Agency, a solutions consultant and a telecommunications information systems officer.
Edward SnowdenThe courts were afraid to challenge executive declarations of what would happen. Now, over the last year, we have seen - in almost every single court that has had this sort of national-security case - that they have become markedly more skeptical.
Edward SnowdenWe 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 SnowdenAll I wanted was for the public to be able to have a say in how they are governed. That is a milestone we left a long time ago.
Edward SnowdenWe don't like to use the phrase "state security" in the United States because it reminds us of all the bad regimes. But it's a key concept, because when these officials are out on TV, they're not talking about what's good for you. They're not talking about what's good for business. They're not talking about what's good for society. They're talking about the protection and perpetuation of a national state system.
Edward Snowden