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.