A statue to honor Edward Snowden in Brooklyn.

[marylander1940]

http://animalnewyork.com/wp-content/uploads/snowdenbust-apr6-5531.jpg http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Edward-Snowden-Statue.jpg

 

The artists admit that Snowden probably wouldn’t approve of the project, since he never wanted the leaks to be about him, but they hope he’d understand why they did it. In a statement about the project, which they have entitled, “Prison Ship Martyrs Monument 2.0,” they wrote:

 

Fort Greene’s Prison Ship Martyrs Monument is a memorial to American POWs who lost their lives during the Revolutionary War. We have updated this monument to highlight those who sacrifice their safety in the fight against modern-day tyrannies. It would be a dishonor to those memorialized here to not laud those who protect the ideals they fought for, as Edward Snowden has by bringing the NSA’s 4th-Amendment-violating surveillance programs to light. All too often, figures who strive to uphold these ideals have been cast as criminals rather than in bronze.

 

Our goal is to bring a renewed vitality to the space and prompt even more visitors to ponder the sacrifices made for their freedoms. We hope this inspires them to reflect upon the responsibility we all bear to ensure our liberties exist long into the future.

 

In 2013, the Snowden leaks exposed an expansive, covert surveillance program that spied on U.S. citizens, residents and even persons abroad, the likes of which the world had never before seen. While activists and a number of journalists have hailed Snowden as a hero, conservatives and politicians have called him a “coward” and a “traitor.” Snowden sought asylum in Moscow, where he remains in exile.

 

The artists said they’re dismayed that despite the trove of damning evidence the leaks exposed, the public has largely moved on from the story and no substantial actions have been taken against the NSA. “There’s a media landscape that has painted him as a criminal,” said one of the two New York artists. “You need something theatrical and large to counterbalance the Fox News-iness of the texture of the conversation out there.” At first, the pair thought about making a full-size statue of the former NSA contractor, but were later talked down from that idea by the sculptor. He recommended a bust.

 

Measuring 4-feet tall, Snowden’s head was placed atop one of the four columns that lie at the monument’s edge, above the eagles. The bust is made of hydrocal, a high quality sculpting material that’s commonly used in places like Las Vegas to create Roman-looking things, castles and other mega props casinos incorporate into their facades. Seeing it up close, you could never tell that you were looking at a plaster-like substance. In fact, over a dozen people walking their dogs passed by the new bust on Monday morning without noticing the unsanctioned piece. Both the color and design of the bust expertly matches the existing sculptures there, from its bronze patina finish to Snowden’s hair — which mimics the texture of the feather on the eagle. The artists also added letters spelling out Snowden’s name in an official-looking font befitting of a monument.

 

More: http://animalnewyork.com/2015/theres-a-massive-illicit-bust-of-edward-snowden-stuck-to-a-war-monument-in-brooklyn/

 

http://static1.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2175003.1428338195!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_635/snowden7n-1-web.jpg

[Rod Hagen]

A friend of mine, who refuses to watch John Oliver's hilarious and challenging interview of Snowden, says Snowden seems full of himself. WTF? It's been clear from the beginning, this situation has never been about getting attention for himself. The statue is cool.

 

To see the interview, start early at 12:00, because there's a funny/sad Andrea Mitchell Clip.

[Diverdan]

Sorry to see this statue... HE IS A TRAITOR... regardless of his intentions... there are many other ways he could have dealt with his issues, but he has harmed the USA in more ways than we will ever know.

[Rod Hagen]

He's not a traitor, but I suppose further conversation will be relegated to the "politics" forum.

[marylander1940]

He's not a traitor, but I suppose further conversation will be relegated to the "politics" forum.

 

Traitor or not he is not a liar, he told us what we all suspected but weren't sure it was going on...

 

I hope nobody goes Nixon with the NSA files with all of our phone calls, texts and emails recorded and kept for later hearing just in case...

 

One of my cousins used to send me money in the 70's to a group friendly to the IRA I guess if this technology had been around then I would have been investigated and my homosexuality would have been discovered.

 

[anotherjohnindupont]

Sorry to see this statue... HE IS A TRAITOR... regardless of his intentions... there are many other ways he could have dealt with his issues, but he has harmed the USA in more ways than we will ever know.

 

+1

[+ SimplyAdam]

A new form of protest, "Dick Pics 4 Freedom," sure gets a rise out of me: http://instinctmagazine.com/post/reddit-guys-expose-erect-penises-after-snowden-dck-pic-interview