American Scandal: ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Read, Write, Execute | 2

Host: Lindsay Graham
Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this second encore episode of "American Scandal," hosted by Lindsay Graham, Wondery delves deeper into the life of Edward Snowden. Titled "Read, Write, Execute," the episode provides a comprehensive dramatization of Snowden's journey from his early fascination with technology to his monumental decision to become a whistleblower. Through reenactments and insightful narration, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the moral and ethical dilemmas that ultimately led Snowden to expose one of the largest surveillance programs in American history.

I. Early Passion for Technology

Timestamp: 00:20:15

Edward Snowden's affinity for computers began at a young age. Growing up in Crofton, Maryland, Snowden was immersed in the digital world, spending countless hours repairing and programming computers. His participation in online bulletin boards not only honed his technical skills but also connected him with a global community of like-minded individuals.

Snowden: "On the Internet, I'm free to be whoever I want."

This early exposure laid the foundation for Snowden's expertise and his eventual roles within the intelligence community.

II. Military Aspirations and Discharge

Timestamp: 00:35:42

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Snowden was driven by a desire to serve his country. He enlisted in the Army, hoping to contribute to the fight against terrorism. However, his military career was cut short when he sustained severe injuries, breaking both legs during training. This unexpected turn led to his medical discharge, forcing Snowden to reassess his path to national service.

Snowden: "I realized I had another kind of superpower—technology."

Determined to continue contributing, Snowden transitioned to a career in intelligence, leveraging his technical prowess to serve the nation's security needs.

III. Career with the CIA and Transition to NSA

Timestamp: 00:50:10

Snowden secured a position with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he initially worked on computer-related tasks. His technical skills quickly made him a valuable asset, leading to a transition to the National Security Agency (NSA) as a contractor with Dell Computers. At the NSA, Snowden's role expanded, granting him access to classified information and intricate surveillance programs.

Snowden: "It's a steady gig, and I felt like I was doing important work."

However, as Snowden delved deeper into his responsibilities, he began to encounter practices that conflicted with his ethical beliefs.

IV. Growing Moral Dilemmas within Intelligence Work

Timestamp: 01:05:30**

A pivotal moment occurred during an assignment involving a Saudi banker suspected of financing terrorism. Snowden's attempts to extract information led to the man's unwarranted arrest on drunk driving charges. Witnessing the destruction of an innocent individual's life without substantive evidence deeply troubled Snowden.

Snowden: "He was an innocent man, but the CIA was still willing to destroy him."

This incident ignited a profound sense of moral conflict, prompting Snowden to question the ethical boundaries of intelligence operations.

V. Uncovering NSA's Stellar Wind Program

Timestamp: 01:20:55**

While working late one night in Tokyo, Snowden stumbled upon a classified NSA report detailing the "Stellar Wind" program. This initiative involved extensive mass surveillance, collecting metadata from millions of American citizens. The revelation that the government was intrusively monitoring private lives without oversight shattered Snowden's trust in the intelligence apparatus.

Snowden: "Taken as a whole, the data provide a complete picture of a person's life."

Realizing the potential for abuse inherent in such programs, Snowden grappled with the ethical implications of his role in facilitating surveillance efforts.

VI. Planning the Whistleblowing: Read, Write, Execute

Timestamp: 01:35:20**

Determined to address the pervasive surveillance, Snowden devised a meticulous plan titled "Read, Write, Execute." This three-part strategy involved:

1. Read: Obtaining and comprehending thousands of government documents revealing NSA's extensive surveillance operations.
2. Write: Compiling and copying the classified files onto a memory card.
3. Execute: Smuggling the data out of the NSA office to make it accessible to the public.

The episode details Snowden's covert preparations, including the ingenious use of a Rubik's Cube to conceal the memory card during his departure from the NSA building in Honolulu.

Snowden (narration): "When I share it with the public, the government will no longer be able to hide in the shadows."

This phase underscores Snowden's calculated approach to ensuring the information's integrity and minimizing the risk of detection.

VII. Personal Sacrifices and Emotional Struggles

Timestamp: 01:50:45**

As Snowden proceeded with his plan, the personal toll became increasingly evident. His relationship with his girlfriend, Lindsay Mills, became strained as he grappled with the weight of his impending actions. The emotional burden of leading a double life and the prospect of severing ties with loved ones added to his inner turmoil.

Mills: "Ed, what is going on with you?"

Snowden: "I can't. I can't."

In a poignant farewell, Snowden tearfully departs from Mills, acknowledging the irreversible nature of his decision to expose governmental overreach.

Snowden: "I'll just get through it. I'll keep these secrets to myself, but eventually, the dam is going to break."

This segment highlights the profound personal sacrifices Snowden was willing to make for what he perceived as the greater good.

VIII. The Final Steps: Executing the Plan

Timestamp: 02:05:30**

The culmination of Snowden's meticulous planning is dramatized as he successfully embeds the memory card into the Rubik's Cube and navigates security protocols to exit the NSA building undetected. His calm demeanor during the exchange with the security guard masks the anxiety and determination driving his actions.

Snowden: "It's just a toy for kids."

By employing subtlety and blending everyday actions with his execution strategy, Snowden effectively transports the classified documents out of the NSA, setting the stage for the subsequent dissemination of information that would ignite national and global debates on privacy and security.

IX. Conclusion and Lead into Next Episode

Timestamp: 02:20:50**

As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a vivid portrayal of Snowden's internal and external battles. His unwavering commitment to exposing governmental surveillance underscores the ethical complexities faced by individuals within powerful institutions. The episode sets the stage for the next installment, where Snowden collaborates with journalists to bring the concealed truths to light, further escalating the tensions between national security and individual privacy.

Notable Quotes and Attributions

• Snowden on Responsibility:

  "I have a moral duty to confront wrongdoing." (00:12:30)

• Greenwald on Public Perception:

  "The government is going to do everything they can to discredit you." (00:16:05)

• Snowden Reflecting on Surveillance:

  "You can't undermine American values in the fight to protect American values." (01:15:20)

• Emotional Farewell:

  "It's the hardest. My old life, the life I loved, is over." (02:18:10)

Final Thoughts

"Read, Write, Execute | 2" offers a compelling and nuanced exploration of Edward Snowden's path to becoming a whistleblower. Through detailed reenactments and thoughtful narration, the episode captures the intricate balance between duty, ethics, and personal sacrifice. Listeners are invited to reflect on the profound implications of Snowden's actions and the enduring debate surrounding government surveillance and individual privacy.

For Further Exploration:
To gain a deeper understanding of Edward Snowden's motivations and experiences, listeners are encouraged to read his autobiography, Permanent Record. Additionally, subscribing to Wondery Plus provides access to exclusive seasons, early releases, and an ad-free listening experience.