General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Snowden: I Raised NSA Concerns Internally Over 10 Times Before Going Rogue - WaPo [View all]sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)were not protected. There was no one who had more faith in the law than Drake, or Binney. If you want to know what would have happened to Snowden had he 'gone through channels', google Drake and Binney.
No doubt SNOWDEN googled what would be his chances if he 'went through' channels.
Here's what happens in reality regarding the exposure of corruption and crime by Whistle Blowers.
The Whistle Blower, going through channels or not, is prosecuted.
Nothing is done about the perpetrators of the crimes and corruption.
In the real world therefore, Whistle Blowers from now on until we return to the Rule of Law, which you are noting, and I am pointing doesn't apply to those in power, see Bush/Cheney eg, will do what Snowden did.
And that will ensure the people's right to know, which trumps, as the SC already established in Ellsberg's case, any violations of law to get that information to the people.