As a journalist, it is your civic duty to provide real and raw news to the public, regardless of the content. In this specific case, Edward Snowden risked his freedom when he reached out to a journalist that he knew would be able to assist him in transcribing his story correctly to the world: Laura Poitras. Ms. Poitras creates a documentary in which reveals that the NSA has been violating our freedom of privacy by spying on us through different forms. In one part of the article The Holder of Secrets, it states how in one instance Verizon was handed over it’s existing customers’ phone logs to the NSA. These means of spying were created after the attack of 9/11 and paranoia sank in, but using it to violate the rights that this country was built upon is something totally different.

In the actual documentary, Citizenfour, the interview with Edward Snowden takes place in a hotel room located in Hong Kong. His fear and nervousness is present throughout the interview and unfortunately will be the way he will live for the rest of his life if he isn’t arrested. The constant thought that comes to mind is do we really have freedom in this country? Does the country decipher what is important for it’s citizens to know and what isn’t? How can we hold faith in a government and country that creates taboo discussions for its people? I can understand that this information was taken without consent, but did they ask for consent when requesting personal phone records? The more interesting action is that the focus is on punishing the whistleblower rather then giving an explanation and/ or justification for the leak of information. The public has a right to know about such an issue, especially if it is affecting their wellbeing directly. I don’t think Edward deserves to be imprisoned for standing up for not only himself, but for America overall.