FLIGHT FROM BABYLON
[col. writ. 6/23/13] © ’13 Mumia Abu-Jamal
Not since the late Phillip Agee (he of former CIA whistleblower fame), have we seen the like of the case of Edward Snowden, who formerly worked for the CIA, NSA and the private contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton.
Agee’s 1975 book, Inside the Company: CIA Diary (New York), blew the doors off the CIA, and revealed to many the malevolent nature of U.S. intelligence.
But, in this new, plugged-in generation, books are of little importance. Snowden, using social media, has been able to interface with millions. His agility with the internet has sent the Obama Administration into fits.
Now, Edward Snowden is running for his freedom; and perhaps, his very life.
As of this writing, there’s much speculation about his final destination, and little certainty, except he’s trying to outrun the world’s leader in the Imprisonment Industry: the U.S.
Recently charged with espionage (a fancy word meaning spying). If caught, and caged, he faces a possible death sentence.
There should be no question as to why he took to the skies. For even if he were to escape the gallows, he might face what Bradley Manning faced: torture, and perhaps, a life sentence.
Against these potentialities, life, in freedom, away from home, seems attractive.
-© ’13 maj
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‘Traitor-Hatin!’: E. Snowden
[col. Writ. 6/17/13] © ’13 Mumia Abu-Jamal
The former CIA/NSA employee, Edward Snowden, is now inside the whirling, cutting blades of the buzz saw: the media.
According to most media accounts he’s, at best, a nut: and at worst, a traitor.
In a playbook that shines best in wartime, the favored attack of the media is upon the target’s sanity. Now, Edward Snowden joins Kim Jong-Il, Saddam Hussein and Muammar Quaddafi, as, if not totally mad, at least he’s not all there.
I’m always amazed when they employ this tactic, one of the faves of the corporate/imperial press.
If one dares challenge the empire, well! – they’re mad!
(If I see another clip of his girlfriend, I’ll hurl)
Meanwhile, no serious examination –nor real challenge – to his essential charges – the fantastic scope of U.S. intelligence agencies, but perhaps more foreboding, the sheer power of private contractors – like Booz Allen Hamilton – where Snowden, until recent days, worked.
One of the primary underlying features of the Iraq War and its support services was the sheer explosion of contractors working for a plethora of private corporations.
The Iraq War may’ve been bad for the country’s image and prestige, but it was a gold mine for businesses.
The same could be said for Snowden’s former employer, Booz Allen, one of the leading employers of ex-CIA and NSA personnel, who can live like princes on private money generated by huge government contracts.
If Americans really listen to this young man, and begin to look deeply into this national security industry, perhaps that’ll change.
But I ain’t holdin’ my breath.
–© ’13 maj
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