[jyl]

I started this thread, then got busy and didn't participate. Sorry. Quickly, my view:
- "Acting his conscience" is no defense. Most spies and most terrorists could use the same defense. Your average ISIS killer is probably sincere in his beliefs.
- "In the end, he did good", if true, is for the twin judges of conscience and history. Not for the judge in the criminal courtroom. We are a nation of laws, and the laws don't say that the ends justify the means.
- When he disclosed terabytes of classified data and took the rest to Moscow, he knew he was committing a crime and that he'd never see the US again outside of a prison cell. He made that decision with his eyes wide open.
- If he returns, I would like to see him tried. If found guilty, I'd like to see him serve his sentence. If it is a capital sentence, I'd like to see it carried out.
- Just like Pvt Manning.