Quote (18nomaUSEast @ Dec 22 2020 11:17pm)
correct me if im wrong but doesnt accepting a pardon necessitate accepting guilt first ? might not be on the table for people who acted on principle
He's already seen as guilty. If he came back to the US and stood trial, he would not be allowed to argue before a jury/judge of why he did it for "moral" reasons because under the espionage act he would be barred from arguing he did it for moral reasons or personal convictions about orders/actions being taken were violating the constitution.