Permanent Record

Let us first settle something about me with regards to this book. I was very conflicted with Snowden's actions when first reported. This is because I have always been very concerned about privacy and believe strongly in the need for individual's who are in the know, to shine a light on the darkest areas of government. (Any government, not just the USA). But I also, am strongly, concerned with national security and national interests AND the need to uphold your oath of office, and the IMPLIED meaning of that oath too.Snowden does a good job of both explaining and justifying his actions, as well as detailing the chain of events that are involved in this real life drama. Having served in the military myself, I realize that the oath of office is to the constitution and specifically, the American people it represents, NOT to an organization or individual, or indeed the government of the country.In all honesty, if I was in such a situation as Snowden was/is, I do not know if I would have had the courage to lose everything, in such a manner. This is after all not what they teach you in class for civic duty, or in the scouts or in the military, nor is it the traditional view/idea of what a person of courage should do. But is EXACTLY what is needed for our civil society to survive, we need the 4th estate and people like Snowden are part of that. This is still not necessarily the type of action I would approve, in a military situation, and by extension in the intelligence community, but again, having read and heard Snowden's reasoning and situation, I can at least honestly say that it gives me pause, and makes me think, about what is truly a patriot.Yet, I am still very uneasy about this in so many ways.I do suggest this as a read, especially if you are against Snowden or his actions, but also if you are for him, if only so you can get a good grasp of what his actions meant/means, because you might be surprised about your preconceived biases

This is great and a must read. Saw his podcasts with Joe Rogan and thought give the book a go. Even the nerdy bits are interesting and really make you think about the world we live in.His contact with journalists is fascinating and you realise one wrong move and he would have ended up in an orange jump suit locked up 24/7 under a mountain in Colorado. Fascinating also reading about how liberal Joe Biden got every country to refuse him entry. Really interesting read.

I shouldn't have to read a novel to discover crucial lies of the establishment.True lies are not promoted by mainstream press, they are "conspiracy theories".Man made a pact with hell.The devil is the temporary god of this world and is God's hammer and is a curse on a wicked world.It's end times and Jesus returns on 2027.Don't take the "mark of the beast".

Amazing! Such an important book! Should be on everyone's bookshelf.

Quite interesting and surprising how he ended up staying in Russia