Edward Snowden wrote a piece titled A Manifesto for the Truth published by Der Spiegel on Sunday. Snowden says he didnt believe that telling the truth should be considered a criminal offense. The White House and elected officials have rejected the notion that Snowden has made a case for clemency. The former NSA contractor has been charged with theft and with two violations of the Espionage Act of 1917. In his appeal, Snowden says that his actions have been justified by the useful debate theyve sparked over surveillance programs.”]