What we're really debating is not security versus liberty, it's security versus surveillance. When we talk about electronic interception, the way that surveillance works is it preys on the weakness of protections that are being applied to all of our communications. The manner in which they're protected.
Edward SnowdenI don't care if I end up in jail or Guantรกnamo or whatever, kicked out of a plane with two gunshots in the face. I did what I did because I believe it is the right thing to do, and I will continue to do that.
Edward SnowdenI don't go out and play football and stuff - that's not me. I want to think, I want to build, I want to talk, I want to create.
Edward SnowdenThe issue I brought forward most clearly was that of mass surveillance, not of surveillance in general.
Edward SnowdenIf you begin acting contrary to the public's interest, and there is no alternative governmental model, with which you're willing to engage, we, the people, will have to put forth our own extra governmental models and methods of trying to restore the balance of liberty to the liberal tradition of Western society.
Edward Snowden