National Security
National security is clearly a central theme of this film. The security of citizens globally has been compromised by the U.S. government agencies’ overstepping of their power in collecting information on people. While there is a real threat of terrorism in the world, the NSA has used the post-9/11 world as a gateway to obtaining as much data on people as they can, justifying it as national security against terrorism.
Checks and Balances
The reason Snowden comes forth with the classified NSA documents is that the American Government is using its power in such a way that has no bounds. A democracy is created in order that those in power don’t use their power in ways that overstep. And if they do overstep, it is the right of the people to be able to ensure the government is held accountable. The film reveals that while private citizens are held accountable for their crimes, those in power and the agencies they work for are not. Creating an imbalanced power.
One Voice
Edward Snowden’s release of NSA documents has made him a threat to the United States as they seek to prosecute him for espionage. He speaks out so that others who have been silenced by people and agencies with more power than them will come forth and stand for our right to live in a democracy that allows freedom and liberty. Snowden becomes a traitor to the US, and a patriot to the world. A world which he believes is made for people to live with their right to privacy. A world in which one voice can make a difference if they are courageous to stand for what is right.
