[lettergram]

I don't think I would have the stomach to run. He clearly faces a possible execution if he comes back to the United States, but I think at this point he's garnered enough support from the populous that there would be MASSIVE riots if an execution was passed or even being considered.

Plus, personally, I would rather come back to the U.S. and stand for what I did because (1) South America isn't exactly the most healthy place. (2) The socialist governments are using Snowden to get back at the U.S. and some of the rhetoric the south american officials said upon accepting his request would scare me more than facing a public trial. (3) If it was actually attempting to show the world what the government is doing because its morally wrong part of standing up for what you believe in is looking your enemy in the eye. He's made his point, clearly the rage the world and Americans feel is continuing to grow, festering under the surface. His best chances at survival are actually to come home and face the enemy, than run and get murdered in his sleep or simply disappear.

[freehunter]

The US wouldn't need to execute him. Look at Bradley Manning: they could just lock him away in a foreign country until the world forgets about him.

[spiek]

I'm confused by this reply: when was Manning locked away in a foreign country? Wasn't he in Fort Meade since his arrest in Iraq? Is there any indication that if convicted by the military tribunal he will be incarcerated in another country?

[JonFish85]

Look, I forget Kansas exists every so often too, but let's not pretend it's a foreign country!

[freehunter]

It was kind of a failed reference to Snowden being trapped in Russia. If the US can keep him there, he's effectively imprisoned until he can be forgotten. I didn't use enough words, I guess.