(2) If Snowden is not committing treason, then is there even such a thing as treason?
Snowden’s whistle blowing did not jeopardize lives and missions, Snowden wasn’t in the military service. Big difference.
“Snowden’s whistle blowing did not jeopardize lives and missions, “
Really? You can say that with any confidence whatsoever? At best it is a series of trade-offs.
Snowden specifically stated he knew about all sorts of clandestine operations that he did NOT release to the public. As you wrote, his leak did not “jeopardize lives and missions.” However, the part about him not being in the military is irrelevant. A person doesn’t have to be in the military to commit treason.
treason: “Violation of allegiance toward one’s country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one’s country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies.”
Based on what we know, I don’t think Snowden acted to aid our enemies. However, I don’t like the fact he’s in China and wonder where that leads.
In my opinion, a whistleblower only deserves protection when they reveal corruption and/or lawbreaking within an organization. In this case, the government is violating the 4th Amendment. That’s why Bradley Manning is a traitor, while Snowden is a hero.