[atlantic]

That isn't the argument at all. The author is not saying "in the future Snowden will be a hero, therefore let's make him a hero in the present to align ourselves with history". That is not a good argument because history is not moral, and just because things happen it doesn't make them right.

What he is saying is that society is currently evolving in a direction of openness and transparency, and of holding those in power to account. This trend is visible right now; it's not a prediction.

[Kylekramer]

What are the visible signs that "society is currently evolving in a direction of openness and transparency, and of holding those in power to account"? Sure seems like the public at large is ambivalent at best to my eyes, but love to hear otherwise.

[atlantic]

That's how I read the author's argument. Doesn't mean I agree with him; I would agree with you that the signs are ambivalent at best.