Edward SNOWDEN Has Been NOMINATED for the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Edward Snowden has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by two Norwegian lawmakers, who say the NSA whistleblower contributed to "transparency and global stability" by revealing the depth and sophistication of the global surveillance apparatus.

Snorre Valen and Baard Vegar Solhjell, parliamentarians from Norway's Socialist Left Party, announced the nomination on Facebook on Wednesday.

Noting that "peace is more than simply the absence of war," the MPs said that Snowden had contributed to global security by revealing "the nature and technological prowess of modern surveillance."

"The level of sophistication and depth of surveillance that citizens all over the world are subject to, has stunned us, and stirred debate all over the world. By doing this, he has contributed critical knowledge about how modern surveillance and intelligence directed towards states and citizens is carried out," a statement by the Norwegian MPs said.

The legislators said Snowden's leaks may have damaged the security interests of several nations in the short-term, noting they do not necessarily support or condone all of the former NSA contractor's disclosures.

"We are, however, convinced that the public debate and changes in policy that have followed in the wake of Snowden's whistle-blowing has contributed to a more peaceful, stable and peaceful world order."

Arguing that Snowden had "contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order, "Baard Vegar Solhjell and Snorre Valen submitted Snowden's name to be considered for the award, adding that, "His actions have in effect led to the reintroduction of trust and transparency as a leading principle in global security policies."

Hundreds of nominations are expected to be made for the prestigious award, with members of any national assembly being allowed to suggest candidates. The final list will be decided on March 4 and the winner will be announced on October 10.

Snowden's efforts to list the lid on the NSA's myriad of unconstitutional spying programs have helped shift public opinion firmly against mass surveillance. A recent USA TODAY/Pew Research Center Poll found that 70% of Americans, "say they shouldn't have to give up privacy and freedom in order to be safe from terrorism."

Snowden's actions have also led to the introduction of bills in state legislatures across the country aimed at cutting off water and power to NSA facilities while making it illegal for state authorities to use information obtained by the federal agency.
"These programs were never about terrorism: they're about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They're about power," wrote Snowden.

In previous years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has attracted derision for awarding the Peace Prize to candidates who represent the exact opposite of what the honor is supposed to symbolize -- people like Barack Obama and the inherently corrupt European Union.

This is a huge opportunity to restore faith and prestige in the Nobel Peace Prize by awarding it to a truly deserving candidate, someone who has provoked a global firestorm of awakening and a renaissance for the ideals of freedom and privacy.

Edward Snowden has made some dangerous enemies. As the American intelligence community struggles to contain the public damage done by the former National Security Agency contractor's revelations of mass domestic spying, intelligence operators have continued to seethe in very personal terms against the 30 year-old leaker.