The article claims Snowden said:
“The government and corporate sector preyed on our ignorance. But now we know. People are aware now. People are still powerless to stop it but we are trying. The revelations made the fight more even.”
Sure I can't encourage paraphrasing quotes, but I don't see much 'spin' added, if anything it's been removed?
What Snowden communicated (imo) is that the people are powerless against mass surveillance. The title essentially says that the population has no power, which is a short throw from just saying "Resistance is futile, submit to authority."
A qualifier like that isn't something you should just drop without consideration. It's the difference between: "All dogs are bad." and: "All dogs are bad at knitting."
I hope I don't sound like I'm flying off the handle at you. It's the guardian I'm pissed at. Its frustrating to see one of the same media outlets that Snowden trusted with his leaks take what borders on artistic license with his message.
I hope I don't sound like I'm flying off the handle at you.
Not at all - phrasing connotations are subtle, and I'm glad that you clarified your position and highlighted the paraphrased title in the first place.
Snowden didn't say that. I'm sick to death of writers who think using single quote marks gives them the right to put their own spin on others' words. If Snowden thought the people were powerless, he wouldn't have given up his life in the US to give the people vital information about their government.