Government Surveillance and Whistleblowing

956 Words4 Pages
1. Give an outline of the different views on whistleblowing presented in the texts. In the article “The NSA Leaker: Traitor or Hero?” by Teresa Welsh from US News & World Report website in June 11, 2013 it is discussed whether Edward Snowden, who leaked secret NSA surveillance programs, should be punished or applauded for being a whistleblower and bringing new information to the world. The article balances between thinking of the leaking as an act of betrayal and an act that should be rewarded. Some people believe that the Americans are now at risk and have lost their protection from terrorist threats while others believe that the Americans’ right to privacy and freedom are lost. In the comment “Edward Snowden Is No Hero” by Jeffrey Toobin from The New Yorker website in June 10, 2013 the view on whistleblowing is presented in a negative way. Toobin believes that an unnecessary crime has been committed because the surveillance programs are a benefit for the society and on the same time harmless. Lastly it is expressed in the comment “In NSA leaks, Edward Snowden performed a service”, from The Washington Post website by Eugene Robinson in July, 2013, that Snowden as the leaker should be receiving thanks from the nation. He focuses on the leaked secret information as being a “valuable public service” for the country and it should be appreciated because the Americans get an insight in the Government’s acts. 2. How does Jeffrey Toobin argue for his views in text 2? Illustrate your answer with examples from the text. In text 2 Jeffrey Toobin argues for his views by using different rhetorical devices. Firstly he makes use of rhetorical questions like the following quote: “What, one wonders, did Snowden think the N.S.A. did?” (Page 1, lines 32-34) He asks a question that is not meant to be answered but by this he includes the readers of the text and it benefits
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