Traitor or whistle-blower, that is the question. Numerous people have taken sides on how former National Security Agency contract worker Eric Snowden should be treated.

Now the New York Times editorial board has taken a public stance with a piece called “Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower.”

The Jan. 2 editorial piece says Snowden may have broken the law when he released classified materials to the public, but he provided an important public service by revealing details about surveillance methods used by the NSA, methods that have now been called into question, and Snowden should be regarded as a whistle-blower.

“It is time for the United States to offer Mr. Snowden a plea bargain or some form of clemency that would allow him to return home, face at least substantially reduced punishment in light of his role as a whistle-blower, and have the hope of a life advocating for greater privacy and far stronger oversight of the runaway intelligence community,” the New York Times piece states.

To read the complete New York Times piece, visit online at www.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/opinion/edward-snowden-whistle-blower.html.