If you had the power to pardon only one of these people, which one would you pardon and why?
13% Julian Assange
87% Edward Snowden
68 votes • Final results

Dec 17, 2020 · 7:40 AM UTC

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Replying to @mholzschlag
What effects does a pardon have, other than on the individual? For example, would pardoning Assange reinforce the legal principle that his form of journalism is a crime?
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I'm not a lawyer so I don't know but many insist he did nothing wrong. A pardon for Snowden would in theory remove his exile.
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Replying to @mholzschlag
Honestly, I think I would pardon Assange because as an Australian I feel more personally responsible for him.
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That's an interesting point I did not consider. I think Snowden did the Star Trek thing: Many. Not the few or the one. That's more an ethic than a US bias says my gut. But worthy of consideration.
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Replying to @mholzschlag
Assange seems like an epic asshole, but he has suffered immensely and have been thoroughly punished. I'm afraid he won't last without a pardon.
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That's a well-considered opinion. Sadly, the concept of lasting is applicable to all people always, especially in a pandemic :(
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Replying to @mholzschlag
Snowden because he tried to save our country at the expense of his well being. I think he did it for love of the US. Assange has different motives I think, although that doesn't mean I think he should be prosecuted.
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If I'd been in Snowden's position to choose the people over the government, I'd have done it every time. My brain can't parse Assange's actions or motives however. And although related, a pardon is not equivalent of prosecution. And, a jury of peers could prove nearly impossible.
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Replying to @mholzschlag
Assange, since that one is in prison 🙄