Writers must value freedom: Do you value your freedom? Call to ACTION

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2026 Note: At the time this post was originally written, multiple news outlets and advocacy groups were reporting that journalists and bloggers faced legal consequences or jail time related to national‑security reporting. Those reports shaped the public conversation then, even though many of those articles have since been softened, reframed, or removed. The following is my unedited report from 2013

This post is outside my usual writing topics, but the issue of government eavesdropping is too important to ignore. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind your personal life becoming government material—regardless of which political party is in power—feel free to skip this one.

As writers, authors, columnists, bloggers, and journalists, we should value privacy and freedom from government intrusion more than anyone else. With journalists and bloggers being thrown in jail for their reporting, the situation surrounding whistleblowers takes on new significance.

Right now a whistleblower on governmental intrusion needs our support: Avaaz - Stand with Edward Snowden:

Some of you may be unaware that the government is now collecting all kinds of telephone data on YOUR cell phone and is able to read all your texts, emails and internet activity. So far the IRS scandal has hidden the enormity of the new intrusions into our personal lives.  Even if you don't read up on the scandal - you can at least support the guy who brought the information out and is needs our support. Start reading up and also check out the trends in law enforcement.

Standards are being set and will be expanded upon in the future as there does not seem to be any time limits to government tactics. The idiom is correct:

Absolute power, corrupts absolutely 

I rarely sign petitions or give my email address out (maybe 10x in the last 2 years). This is worth signing, in my opinion. This is my CALL TO ACTION: READ UP, TAKE ACTION,  AND SHARE THIS POST



Avaaz - Stand with Edward Snowden:

"This 29 year-old analyst just gave up his whole life -- his girlfriend, his job, and his home -- to blow the whistle on the US government's shocking PRISM program -- which has been reading and recording our emails, Skype messages, Facebook posts and phone calls for years.
When Bradley Manning passed this kind of data to Wikileaks, the US threw him naked into solitary confinement . . ."

emphasis mine: 'via Blog this'

2026 Note: According to publicly available reporting, Edward Snowden continues to reside in Russia under residency protections. His long‑term presence there has remained part of ongoing public discussions about whistleblowers, international law, and press freedom. For readers who want more context, here is a short, publicly available interview where he discusses aspects of his daily life in Russia (about 2 minutes): [link to interview]

 

2026 Note: As this post resurfaces in today’s environment, it’s striking how many of the same themes have returned to the forefront. Discussions about leaks, source protection, media responsibility, and the risks journalists face have intensified again. Reports about misinformation, high‑stakes news coverage, and concerns over revealing sensitive operational details—especially during rescue missions or conflict situations—are once more part of the national conversation.

While the circumstances are different, the underlying questions about press freedom, privacy, and the balance between transparency and safety remain as relevant in 2026 as they were when this post was first written.