by: Allen Domelle
In light of the National Security Agency leaker, Edward Snowden, the Obama administration has come out very strong against his act. After leaking to the British news source, The Guardian, about the NSA’s massive surveillance program, Snowden fled to Hong Kong and then to Russia seeking asylum. He is reportedly seeking asylum from several countries that will keep him from being extradited to the United States to face felony charges.
China and Russia have both snubbed the pressure given by the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry. Mr. Kerry said, “It would be very disappointing if he was willfully allowed to board an airplane” from Hong Kong to Moscow. He admonished Russia to hand over Snowden by adding, “I’d urge them to live within the law.”
My attention is not on the legality of what Mr. Snowden did. As a U.S. citizen, I am quite troubled that the government thinks they need to gather information on law abiding citizens. Though they say that no one is looking at the data, then what is the purpose of gathering it? If you’re not looking at it, then why gather it? Whether Mr. Snowden is a whistle blower or someone who committed an act of treason is for the law to determine.
However, for Mr. Kerry to reprimand Russia and Hong Kong to live within the law is nothing more than hypocrisy. This demand is nothing more than a double standard. I agree governments should abide by the law, especially in light of former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, lying to Congress about her knowledge of changing the story of the Benghazi attacks to the news media. I agree that governments ought to abide by the law when Attorney General, Eric Holder, lied under oath to Congress about knowledge of the NSA surveillance program. I agree that governments should abide by the law in light of the IRS singling out conservative groups.
Mr. Kerry, before you start instructing other countries to abide by the law, I would think you need to talk to your own boss about abiding by the law in light of all the scandals that President Obama is facing. It seems to this writer that the current administration has a double standard when it comes to their expectations of others abiding by the law.
The Scriptures are very clear on having a double standard. Leviticus 24:22 says, “Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God.” Notice, the government is not above the law. There is to be one law for everyone. The government is to obey the laws that they are elected to uphold. God re-emphasizes this point in Numbers 15:16 when He says, “One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.” Again, God makes it clear that the stranger and the citizen or government are to all have one law which they are to obey.
Romans 13:1 commands, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” “Every soul” includes elected officials. If the elected official breaks the law, then they should have to pay the same price as the citizen would if they broke the law.
A double standard should not be accepted by anyone. As for Mr. Kerry’s demand to “live within the law,” I concur. I’m in no way defending Russia or Hong Kong, I’m simply saying that before he urges others to obey the law, then his boss and fellow government employees ought to live within the law that they were appointed to uphold and not have a double standard for themselves.
Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.