[quote=ocrenter][quote=Jazzman]Hong Kong is an interesting choice to hide. Iceland may be safer, but is probably as pro US as Sweden. If some dirt is dug up on him, we should worry. Internet idealists are a little naive, as you can never have true privacy on a global communications network. Maybe this will give rise to a new technology.[/quote]
Agree, I was thinking the same about HK. His explanation about picking HK also seems quite odd. He sad something along the line of people of HK can protest. So what? They can’t even vote for the entire legislature let alone the chief exec. And to have the illusion that the HK government is independent of Beijing and does not answer to the CCP? That is quite silly and naive.
SO he either picked HK so he can defect to China, the US’s chief rival, or he is just way over his head.[/quote]
He’s way over his head, but smart enough to know it. He took a calculated risk that media exposure is a sufficient layer of protection. And maybe it is. The unsuccessful attempt to prosecute an NSA whistle blower, makes you wonder whether it ‘s just a deterrent exercise. I think you may be right in that HK is possibly a halfway house to defection, and I’d be curious to know whether he has been approached and been offered protection.
It’s a fascinating insight into the world of espionage and counter terrorism. Totally predictable and being going on for a long time. It will be interesting to see how the government responds in terms of justifying the effectiveness of the intrusion into so-called privacy. Since that is likely classified, it’s a tough one for them. The relevant debate is really about potential abuses IMO, and activists probably need to exaggerate the issues to help prevent that. Much more important is that they’re buying these guys’ loyalty with $200k pay checks. No wonder I couldn’t find a reasonably priced home on Oahu.
