Global security can be formed or threatened by heads of state whose wisdom, folly and obsessions shape global events. But often it is the security practitioners, those rarely in the headlines but whose craft and energy quietly break new ground, who keep us safe or put us in peril.

If Snowden really claims that his actions amounted to genuine civil disobedience, he should go to some English language bookstore in Moscow and get a copy of Henry David Thoreau's 'Civil Disobedience'.

One of the things that distinguishes the CIA from the State Department is that the CIA is both asked to, and authorized to, steal secrets. So if the question is whether the CIA steals secrets, the answer is yes.

Thoreau points out clearly that civil disobedience gets its moral authority by the willingness to suffer the penalties from disobeying a law, even if you think that law is unjust.

There is an unarguable downside to unbreakable encryption.

There is no part of the executive branch that more exists on the outer edge of executive prerogative than the American intelligence community - the intelligence community, CIA, covert action. My literal responsibility as director of CIA with regard to covert action was to inform the Congress - not to seek their approval, to inform.

Accusations fit on a bumper sticker; the truth takes longer.

The majority of immigrants are in search of a better life for their families or are seeking safety by leaving violent and corrupt countries.

I have worked with President Trump for two years and he is not a racist. He is a compassionate man whose policies have focused on the minority community.

The Clinton Foundation scandal raises a larger question: How can we trust Hillary Clinton with running our nation if she cannot even successfully manage her own foundation?

It takes bold direction and leadership to heal a divided nation.

Pat Buchanan's challenge to George H.W. Bush in 1992 helped elect Democrat Jimmy Carter.

History has shown that challenging an incumbent president in the primary almost inevitably leads to defeat in the general election.

While low-skilled immigrants have a place in our economy, a greater priority needs to be placed on attracting high-skilled immigrants to match the economy's needs.

For too long the U.S. immigration system has focused on accepting low-skilled immigrants. Basic economics tells us that the surge of low-skilled workers depresses wages and harms the prospects of American workers.

Do liberals think nations such as Canada, Japan, Britain and Australia are pursuing 'racist' immigration policies? All have had merit-based immigration systems in place for decades.

Politicians need to stop picking sides and come up with bold solutions where the safety and security of all citizens become a priority.

For too long, Republicans have surrendered the issue of family policy to the Democrats.

Many social conservatives want to encourage married couples to have children, and it is becoming increasingly difficult if the couple feels strapped and concerned with being penalized by their employer for having children.

I understand the stress of finding quality and affordable childcare while paying high taxes. I also understand that many working moms struggle to make ends meet and balance their family and work life. These moms are the hard-working Americans who want to keep their jobs but also do the best they can for their children.

I am a working mom with five daughters, a small-business owner - and a conservative.

Mr. Trump wants citizens of other nations to know that there is a legal process that needs to be followed, and that that process is only way to come to America.

We are a country of immigrants who have built this great nation, but it is legal immigration that we should be recognizing and encouraging.

The questions of traditional and redefined marriage are highly emotional and a difficult and sensitive topic. Living in the D.C. area and having gay friends and colleagues, I find the topic difficult to discuss and sometimes even difficult write about for fear that I will be judged.