King argued that he was justified in ignoring pleas to work within a system that had proved itself ineffective to deal with segregation. Snowden simply chose to bypass the system — risking national security, in the assessment of intelligence officials — without trying alternatives such as using the whistleblower statute or going to Congress.

Most vividly, unlike King, Snowden lacked the courage to stick around to defend his actions. “One who breaks an unjust law must do so . . . with a willingness to accept the penalty,” King wrote. “I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest respect for law.” (Italics mine.)

There is room for disagreement about whether Snowden’s leaks were justified. I don’t think so, although I acknowledge that his actions have sparked an important, and overdue, conversation about surveillance. But Snowden’s justifications for fleeing are unconvincing.