[kbenson]

> In YOUR opinion.

In Snowden's opinion as well, obviously.

> Why die for them when I can just go somewhere else that already has them?

Because this totally ignores the reality that this other place didn't appear out of thin air. It has people there that care about these ideals, and most likely some that would be willing to die for them.

In some respect, not attempting to change your country to be what you consider a better place and just migrating to a different location is leeching off the world, and those that work hard to make it what they consider a better place. We all do it to a lesser or greater degree, but to just throw your hands up and give up on your current circumstances entirely in favor of a move is beneficial to no one but yourself and those you disagree with.

This is as true for neighborhoods as it is for countries.

[alexqgb]

"Because this totally ignores the reality that this other place didn't appear out of thin air. It has people there that care about these ideals, and most likely some that would be willing to die for them. In some respect, not attempting to change your country to be what you consider a better place and just migrating to a different location is leeching off the world, and those that work hard to make it what they consider a better place."

This times one million. Thank you.

[grecy]

> Because this totally ignores the reality that this other place didn't appear out of thin air. It has people there that care about these ideals, and most likely some that would be willing to die for them......In some respect, not attempting to change your country to be what you consider a better place and just migrating to a different location is leeching off the world, and those that work hard to make it what they consider a better place...... This is as true for neighborhoods as it is for countries.

I agree that we need to work hard to make a place (country/neighborhood/whatever) better. I personally protest, picket, vote, write to and call my representative, etc. etc.

If it gets to the point I need to die to make something better, it's not worth it.

[alexqgb]

"If it gets to the point I need to die to make something better, it's not worth it."

You know what? That's fine. In reality, most people feel the exact same way. But here's the other reality: without people who felt otherwise, there wouldn't be better places for you to go in the first place.

So when you encounter the kinds of people who realize that someone needs to make the ultimate sacrifice, and look to themselves, instead of looking around for others, the least you can do is to treat them with gratitude and respect instead of disparaging the very ideals that prompted the extrordinary sacrifice from which you (and millions of others) so clearly benefit.