Edward Snowden in Russian exile: ‘you have to be ready to stand for something’

Edward Snowden has spent the last six years living in exile in Russia and has now decided to publish his memoirs, Permanent Record. In the book he reflects on his life leading up to the biggest leak of top secret documents in history, and the impact this had on his relationship with his partner, Lindsay Mills. The Guardian's Ewen MacAskill, who helped break Snowden's story in 2013, has been given exclusive access to meet him
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[@TheSpiritOfTheTimes]

A living icon, no doubt. A man who did the right, courageous thing.

[@glhmedic]

TheSpiritOfTheTimes lol

[@maddman4747]

@Dona Herndon IT WASN'T JUST OBAMA THOUGH OBAMA DID ALLOW SOME REALLY NASTY THINGS TO HAPPEN.. IT'S OUR WHOLE SYSTEM.. THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO THEY WORK FOR.. AND SO HAVE WE FOR THE MOST PART, OTHERWISE WE WOULDN'T BE IN THE SHAPE WE ARE IN..

[@maddman4747]

@TheBluePill IT DID FOR AWHILE.. THEN SEEMINGLY WE FELL BACK TO SLEEP.. HAVE A LOOKSEE AT WHAT THEY'VE DONE SINCE.. LAWS AGAINST FREE SPEECH, (ANTI BDS) MAJOR CENSORSHIP IN PUBLIC, AND ON THE NET. LAWS AGAINST THE SECOND, AND A HOST OF DEREGULATION IN FAVOR OF THE CORPS., (BANKING) OUR COUNTRY HAS, AND STILL IS BEING GUTTED LIKE A FISH ON A CUTTING BOARD.. (NAFTA, CAFTA) AND SO ON.. SO NO BLUE PILL, IF ANYTHING ITS GOTTEN WAY WORSE.. ENJOY THE DAY --- MADD

[@maddman4747]

@Dona Herndon BY DESIGN..

[@maddman4747]

@Dona Herndon AGREED..

[@movie123-cut-6]

"It's not enough to beleive in something You have to be ready to stand for something". Edward Snowden you are true icon.

[@tomasengstrom6362]

so he just "forgot" he mentioned FACTS just before he said that.... how convenient! ;);)

[@Haven6419]

@Maggie Doggie LOL 😂

[@klaudiagrob]

But he went to Russia which does everything he appears to be against.

[@ajl2232]

What a noble and astounding man! 1 in a billion.

[@andreinastase1604]

Then why did you choose to be a nameless coward pretend human?

[@Knxruss]

This is the true “believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything” story. Agree with him or not, he was willing to give up everything to expose something he knew was wrong.

[@maddman4747]

THAT USED TO BE THE AMERICAN SPIRIT, NOT SO MUCH ANYMORE..!

[@marlene-rr2ih]

The same with Julian Assange. Too bad Russia didn't want him, because they already knew all about hillary and every other crook in our government. What they wanted from Snowden was what Snowden knew about our systems.

[@brusselsprout5851]

Deep State hates him. Can you imagine Kerry and Biden threatening? Biggest pervs there is. Can't believe Biden has the audacity to even show his face. Kerry too.

[@7071t6]

But wrong in any country on this earth that's the point it the internet, but still the FBI/CIA were keeping tabs on people while we had only home phones as well, no mobile or internet times, back to WW2 days?

[@elizabethdiane3679]

@syn_gypsy the just live by faith

[@Ayyaz711]

Snowden should be given the noble prize for speaking truth

[@watcher8819]

@ThaReal CLo So during the Obama and Bush era we started 8 wars, a global refugee crisis, our NSA and CIA got caught spying illegally multiple times. Put once we evolve past TRUMP it will be okay?

[@woweezowie5826]

I agree, but it's nobel.

[@rabbiisraelgoldstein5516]

@ThaReal CLo What does Trump have to do with any of this ? It was the Obama and Bush Cartels.

[@rabbiisraelgoldstein5516]

@ThaReal CLo So Explain how Trump started the surveillance programs under the Bush and Obama administration ?

[@webthing8028]

Trump try to help

[@lotta7235]

His wife sounds like an amazing woman. I liked the way he talked about her and about women. Respect. And interesting to hear him.

[@PeopleHealthTru]

Lotta, are you with an amazing man? In what way do you talk about him and about men?

[@manhattan_maria]

Very touching when he spoke about his wife.

[@justgivemethetruth]

The pole dancer he met on hotornot? Touching isn't it. Edward Snowden is amazing. I have high hopes for him in the future.

[@maddman4747]

@@justgivemethetruth WE ALL SHOULD.

[@Ottee2]

He's lucky to have her stick by him.

[@alyssainwond3r652]

♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@user-jy3ns5rv1k]

@@justgivemethetruth Why do I detect hostility

[@zharkoo]

Americans should be ashamed of the fact that he lives in forced exile after having done so much for their country.

[@sardinecakes8977]

Why? What have we done. I’m genuinely grateful and now I take his information to heart and try to spread what initially did.

[@AbandonedVoid]

The ones to blame, our government officials, don't care about the toes they step on for their plutocratic empire. Most of the rest of America is too terrified to face what's going on, so they try to avoid the subject.

[@user-py9cz8zh8h]

People blame Americans as a whole way too much

[@MsTMarie83]

Sadly.. many Americans would have e much rather him be able to stand and announce his findings to us here... its horrible how corrupt our governments have become.. not just us but mamy counties, greed has corrupted and destroyed the lives of so many innocent people. Praying for love and peace to everyone!

[@Summersevedouche]

If it were actually up to the people he’d have a statue in Washington...

[@mohammedzulk8485]

“If a man has not discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live” Martin Luther King Jr

[@urbanwarchief]

I have a muddafckin dream too

[@dianamccarthy2377]

He should be revered not shunned by the US.

[@maddman4747]

@paul w BELIEVE IT , OR NOT IT DIDN'T ALWAYS USED TO BE THIS WAY..

[@DJRenee]

Celebrated by the citizens. The government and other powers hate and despise people like him.

[@kappadarwin9476]

No he is just an opportunist.

[@missdivamoniqua3667]

He’s revered by most of the public. He’s shunned by most of the government. Those are 2 entirely different things!

[@adam7mma]

@@kappadarwin9476 yeah an opportunist that can't go home and see his family on a daily basis.. You're stupid

[@jacquescousteau4592]

Hey Ed, if you read this I want you to know that you are a hero. You saw something and you did something. You sacrificed a lot for what you thought was right and I admire you for it. I wish you all the best. Cheers, J

[@maddman4747]

INDEED..

[@Arbiter710]

Sacrificed a lot he sacrificed everything

[@mfundimkhize3137]

He's stupid. Really not worth it to risk your life, career, family etc. He shared that government is spying on us so what? Has it changed the price bread?

[@captainstark5496]

Even if Ed won't FBI will read this

[@mendi1957]

@Kiwiboii Supertramp Well said ... I concur

[@johnedward3404]

I'M SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT HIS WIFE WENT TO RUSSIA AND JOIN HIM THERE ❤️❤️❤️😊😊😊

[@Max-qh7yu]

John Edward I was happy to hear that aswell , What a trip it must of been for her !

[@mrinalini9112]

I feel so happy for him, no matter what, they've such a beautiful love story. ❤

[@anitakoch3895]

Russia will enrich their lives

[@EnglishRain]

Thank you Russia for keeping Ed safe.

[@edward3709]

@John Boy they did so as a big F U to the USA Government. Very well done

[@alexpush]

Да пожалуйста! Обращайтесь! 😉

[@nizhat]

«Россия - не та страна которая выдаёт борцов за права человека» ВВП

[@Trigger-chan]

Yeah, we are always ready to take in all your spies.🤣🇷🇺

[@existence.5806]

@@Trigger-chan lol congrats on his citizenship

[@pumpkinpai5503]

"We have moved into a time where people care much more about their feelings than they do about facts"

[@doyoumakeittotheclouddistr4132]

"We have moved into a time that people care more about feelings than facts".... *cough* *cough*

[@josephweller9306]

Hmm.. and with that being said.. cough cough, I think he may be the real reason why things are the way they are today. COVID19? Mass arrests coming? Perhaps he uncovered more than what we will ever know, and this is why these things are happening today. Who knows for certain?

[@gamingxsmoking3007]

The end is near with the way things are and the people who are in power I mean just look around at all these dictators and corruption. And the fact that 80% of the world go through life thinking everything is going well is freighting.

[@julianmuller9567]

Perhaps the most virtuous human being alive today. I'm so glad to hear he is able to live a somewhat normal life again.

[@slothypunk]

Normal life? LOL, the only thing that prevent him to get shot is because Russia agree to protect him. I won't comment if what he did is right or wrong. But one thing we know is definitely he did piss off US government, and what I know is once you piss uncle sam this big, you can only be forgiven when you dead.

[@moncef2466]

@@slothypunk - You're a brainlet if you're unsure whether what he did is right or wrong. Lol.

[@slothypunk]

@@moncef2466 you are def a Brainlet if you don't know it depends on who you side with in viewing wherher or not he is right or wrong.

[@erex9875]

he is right watching us tracking everything we do is not freedom it is our rights being taken away without our knowing it is unpatroitic!!

[@AlLindsay]

"An Unacceptable Truth in the Kingdom of Lie's"

[@Danieled91]

"She is so much more than I'll ever deserve"

[@Catherine_Kate]

Reloaded “than”

[@Danieled91]

@@Catherine_Kate you are right, i am sorry, i don't use english so often

[@elizabethdiane3679]

She's blessed to have a man with moral convictions. Wish I could find one like that

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

"We have moved into a time where people care much more deeply about feelings, then they do about facts!" - Edward Snowden

[@M3CHR0M4NC3R]

Edward, everyone owes you a debt of gratitude. I'll be buying the book. Live long and prosper my friend.

[@Youtuber-qb7rx]

I find Snowden's voice really soothing for some reason.

[@brandnewday2750]

KZbinr27 Seth Rogan voice

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

Me too.

[@anitakoch3895]

I really admire him. He not only looks so nice and handsome but most of all sincere. An idealist tru and tru in a world of crocodiles. His parents must be so proud of him. So glad he has a loving wife.

[@hb-dc3170]

It's through and through....not true and true

[@djackson006]

Living legend. Thank you sir.

[@KermitFrazierdotcom]

Mnd0vrMnky - I prefer my heroes to be more... Heroic! No Snivelling, plz!

[@novaz8936]

He’s a man the world didn’t know they needed.

[@peterah7957]

A genuine transparent person who did the right thing exposing crimes of his country.

[@mangesh6381]

a hero the society needs not the one it recognizes

[@ariesradke6193]

it’s vague information.

[@hasinitharushika4876]

Edward, i want you to know that you are the bravest man i 've ever heard and u r a hero to me. From Sri Lanka

[@katiemoehring4945]

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES🦸🏻‍♂️🦹🏼‍♂️. Some wear nerdy glasses and side parted hair😆. The way he talks about his wife is beautiful😭❤️.

[@thegam3r491]

Lol!!! Intelligence is sexy!!! I don’t have it so I admire it when I hear it!!

[@katiemoehring4945]

Skull Crusher5080 I say that fact that you notice/can say you’re not intelligent actually proves your intellectual ability😊. Stupid people don’t know their stupid..😂

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@katiemoehring4945 So true! The truly great are humble.

[@najib9093]

I rate this guy for standing up against what he felt was wrong rather than just being a sheep.

[@KermitFrazierdotcom]

Najib Rahman - So this sheep stood up & bravely walked his followers back into the paddock.

[@0xBerto]

Was wondering what he was up to today. Thanks Guardian

[@maddman4747]

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT LYING GLENN GREENWALD..? HE'S A MAJOR GATEKEEPER IN MY BOOK.!

[@peterh.1521]

An American freedom fighter for the entire world. Best quality from US, a moraly genuine person who takes action for liberty on the behalf of humanity. 🕊️🙂

[@thegam3r491]

I know! We love him!!!!! Honorable!!!

[@edwinpelaez7870]

Edward Snowden you are true icon

[@pandecoco2245]

rant404 what about the people he worked for?

[@prurientlascivious2786]

​@rant404 Not to me, dude. As a non-US-American, I'm grateful that one of you guys was nice and brave enough to tell the rest of the world what you guys are up to--together with your former limey rulers, whom you turned into vassals. Think about it. Assuming you're capable of that activity.

[@avarielle1582]

rant404 i found a drone

[@KermitFrazierdotcom]

Edwin Pelaez - like Manson & Assange? When SysAdmins abuse SuperUser Priveleges.

[@NateROCKS112]

@@KermitFrazierdotcom except Snowden was _given_ that privilege, and he didn't just dump all the data onto the Web, since he knew that some of it must be kept confidential. Also the fact that a lot of the employees at the NSA had access to everything, including American lives, kinda says something about the integrity of the program

[@user-mn8cq6vn3q]

сделал поступок на который не каждый из нас способен, уважаю однозначно

[@vaughngainey9716]

"But it's not enough to believe in something, you have to be ready to stand for something, if you want it to change" 👏👏👏. I will be buying that book.

[@nicolejennings8389]

The way he defends and loves his wife ♥️♥️♥️

[@25447carepear]

Truest hero. Ed, walk with your head up sir

[@anvi84]

Everytime I listen to him, I learn something new, I feel motivated. He has such a strong grasp on reality, stating how people now care more about feelings than facts. I never get bored listening to him. He really needs to have his own podcast and KZbin channel.

[@Crowe_77]

RESPECT man!!! Americans should make u a statue! Insteed, they closed the doors for you. And no matter how beautiful a country and those people are, i'm sure ur still missing home...

[@rustywoodpecker8191]

Edward Snowden: Proof that we can stand for all human rights. Be more like ES. No fear. Just be. Australia🇦🇺

[@dmc674]

Many thanks for a show of integrity

[@slothypunk]

LOL, this is NOT an example of how to show integrity!!! IMO Snowden are Life Lessons to Avoid! Leak Anonymously! Why you ask? Because no mater how much integrity you have, look what happen to him? And the only thing people can say is many thanks over KZbin. Don't be a martyr, leak smarter!

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@slothypunk He came out because he wanted the news to spread. Had he stayed anonymous, it wouldn't have been such big news!

[@SDGrave]

According to the article, there's an"exclusive two-hour interview". Upload it

[@johndoe-mf4qj]

The only thing they don't have in Russia is Taco Bell, this aged well huh

[@prisonss]

Snowden is a hero. I’m ex serviceman (military) and I can state …I believe and trust Edward more than I do of the CIA

[@lindalauer1434]

Thank you, for looking out for us !

[@davidnavarro4821]

Remarkable that his relationship stood the test of upheavals.

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

It is wonderful hearing him talk about Lindsay for once

[@focusrunner7994]

This is a man of morality and sacrifice. He is a humble man who we can all learn something from.

[@omennemo8844]

"You have to be ready to stand for something or you'll fall for anything." I like that phrase.

[@MsAdrinalina]

Buying your book my friend. Thank you for your service.

[@sunii9929]

totally awesome interview. and totally awesome response from Snowden. deep. insightful. impactful. I look for more interviews like this one. Thank you Snowden for standing up for truth and principles. Peace & Abundant Blessings to you and Linsey

[@izhar5914]

I admire your courage from the bottom of my heart. You are a Real Hero

[@KermitFrazierdotcom]

Izhar Ahmed - He fled from consequences & was entrapped by his own cowardice. He wanted to keep sniping in anonymity but failed. As if Reykjavik was any sunnier.

[@miggrodriguez9996]

A very brave young man who stands for integrity and honesty, the same principles our government lacks. Can't wait get his book.

[@EVZYL]

I agree with Snowden's assessment of Russia & the Russians. I lived in Moscow for three years and miss the country so much. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

[@arkinyte13]

Amazing video.

[@Victor-tl4dk]

I'm happy Russia exists as a check on American power, and that it serves as a refuge for heroes like this guy.

[@shenebraskan4945]

Great video. Thanks to Ewan and Guardian.

[@MissAwa515]

I can’t put down his book. And now it’s 3:25am I’m searching for his interviews! 😱

[@jhogrute]

sir, thank you for your service

[@kingming869]

Every time this man speaks, you can just hear the passion in his voice.

[@vladking7900]

Ow man, i really do respect you !

[@jinhan5129]

Absolutely. This man gave me a lesson in courage.

[@xelakram]

A brave man! Cerebral, smart and courageous.

[@nahblue]

I just love seeing Ed smile.

[@abelmore7]

I bought his book the other day. I CANNOT PUT IT DOWN.

[@jaysika210]

Trailblazer

[@vinky5344]

"Things can backslide very quickly" You can't un-hear this statement

[@CoteX]

The best part is that they married... so happy ❤

[@etch-a-sketch]

Aside from his amazing achievement for people everywhere, by outing the surveillance state, Snowden is simply a lovely human being.

[@bicyclist2]

One of the biggest hero's of the last 30 years. I wish him all the blessings in the world. I hope many more people see this and are inspired to do the right thing, even when it's very difficult. Thank you.

[@garretwoeller7669]

I hope that one day someone will pardon this man but that is a hope

[@amaliaismailova1284]

A true hero, inspiration and just a GENIUS

[@seanlynch3407]

What a hero

[@two8250]

ED: We enter a time where people care more about feelings than facts. So true this is on the ball.

[@oxpahnakompromatkohtpol436]

The US government and other western governments DESPERATELY want to squelch this guy. I'm grateful that - for the time, at least - he's safe in Russia and able to speak truth to power, and about power, without being shut up.

[@santa1423]

Is right about Russia and its people.

[@moritz_mm]

He is the most important person in the 21 century! Sometimes I think he's from the future in what he is saying and in his thinking!

[@brunojuno6535]

When a person exposes criminals and is being charged with felony , that’s the day humanity no longer exists . We Americans should be ashamed of ourselves

[@reeblesnarfle4519]

Powerful informative powerhouse!

[@mikewoodson6930]

Ed mentions a book. Does anyone know the title of said book? Thanks.

[@kaykwanu]

7:09 That there got me (in a way that no self-help book can effect)....so fuckn true.

[@aweirdredguy3885]

i hope that in the future, people like him will be learned in class and looked as the true heroes they were.

[@nickhexum01]

I'm glad he's doing well. I'm curious if he is interested in seeing the Russian Far East. I'd like to go there myself.

[@Martina-Kosicanka]

I would love to see Altai mountains once in my life

[@KermitFrazierdotcom]

Joseph Simko -OMSK!!!

[@user-pe8mf3cr1h]

Welcome to Vladivostok

[@ivanalovesrami]

I hope there will be more Edwards in future... He truly is an inspiring man.

[@omarhaq9635]

He's right Russia is a beautiful country.

[@JohnDoe-we9yk]

Ed you have more people that like and support you for what you done. Thank you brother 🙏👍🙂

[@bvalle20]

Minute 6 ... this is so true!!!

[@cmonster6]

Had to go to Russia to find freedom,now ain’t that a kick in the pants 👖

[@thegam3r491]

Crazy!!! I’m disappointed because I love my country.

[@flanker93rus74]

It's hard to believe, because here in Russia we live in the gulag with the bloody dictator Putin, who wants to capture Europe and drinks the blood of babies in the morning ... well, not much ... a liter or two, not more ... 🤷🏻‍♂️ Greetings to Western media, you are cool! 😂👌🏻

[@abc-eq9so]

@cmonster6 It is actually just by "luck" he is trapped in Russia. He told this in his documentary. He was on his way to South America but got trapped in Russia. I think he should be thankful he got stuck in Russia because in South America he would definitely be hunted down like a dog.

[@jorgegomez524]

he didnt went to russia, he was trapped in russia.

[@elena79rus]

There's much more freedom in Russia than in the US.

[@johnheigis83]

Outstanding! Again, and again, and again! Thanks, for the truth! Semper Fidelis!

[@ladypamela8269]

Does the book tell more? And is it published

[@AljoniMusiCo]

Salute!

[@andreatarasova4855]

He was so lucky that his country revoke his passport when he was at Sheremetyevo airport. Otherwise he would be in a solitary confinement cell right now. Instead, he's in a gigantic country where he's considered pretty much a hero.

[@edwardwright886]

This is an American that stood up for the people and not his country. We all need to do this!

[@AP-rt5rl]

By standing for the people he stood for the country also.

[@jermainelachoo9233]

Why can’t we all stand together and not allow the government to do the stuff they do?

[@rl8925]

Wow.

[@MsScarlettKnight]

Absolutely!

[@karenmahoney584]

I promise I heard someone say, "If we don't have Edward Snowden then we're out." My father said something like that. Sometimes with his type they say, "He was all over the place." I learned a lot and I think he really cares.

[@adityaanand9561]

Salute sir from India ..a fan , a follower and a believer

[@nikolavanzettiteslasacco4991]

6:48 to 8:12 the sound of courage it reminds me of a story from Poland " the uprising of Warsaw".

[@megangovier6919]

The way he talks about his wife is so adorable❤️

[@TheSabertax]

Edward Snowden, you are like that one badass anime character. Deku. Kaneki. Etc. A true hero. Legendary. Nothing but love and honesty here buddy

[@Radioactivegodgoji]

Edward , I taught my little son about you and your bravery . You are a courageous man and I admire your beliefs..