I agree, it is a rather dissenting opinion here on Slashdot but he even stated in an interview with the South China Morning Post that he only took the job in order to gain access to privileged information for the sole purpose of leaking classified information. Now maybe some of the information that he leaked shouldn't have been classified but as to the NSA breaking the law the courts have ruled that they were not. There is a big divide between being a whistle-blower and a traitor and I think he crossed that line significantly and should have the book thrown at him. Remember any clemency we give to this guy will result in more people thinking it is OK and possibly harming national security. Just because you don't agree with everything that is done to keep our nation safe does not mean that some of it isn't necessary and could result in meaningless deaths that could have been avoided.