How is this "a lot about himself"? It's very short, he states his situation, and his position. He clearly says "Their purpose is to frighten, not me, but those who would come after me." and then talks about Bradley Manning and Thomas Drake.
It's just frustrating that yet another post on HN is about Snowden, and not the actual information he's released. Yet another news cycle is going to be wasted now on playing the, "Where in the World is Edward Snowden?" game, when in reality, the man doesn't matter.
His education, temperament and girlfriend don't matter but his political persecution surely does.