I do not like Hillary Clinton even a little bit, and it shocked me when I watched the votes roll in on election night how I found myself cheering for Donald Trump. Donald Trump! I won’t go back over what I think of Donald Trump because I’ve committed to trying to show more respect now that he is president, but the choice was something like choosing between West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. For me, Hillary was the worst. I find her personally repulsive. Her views are offensive on the issues that I care most about. And I am convinced she committed crimes against the security of this nation.
And that’s what I want to talk about.
I love to watch Trey Gowdy interrogate people. Wow, he cuts right through it. I know many in the new Republican Congress are itching for a shot at Mrs. Clinton. And it’s clear to me that the Obama administration got in the middle of things to protect her since she was their frontrunner for the office Donald Trump will assume in January. Loretta Lynch did not distinguish herself as a champion of justice.
So, I make the following personal conclusions.
1. Hillary Clinton did wrong. She did wrong at Benghazi. She did wrong with her private server when she was Secretary of State. She has not been honest about it. The woman done wrong!
2. Justice may very well both authorize and demand that the case is investigated and prosecuted. There are unanswered questions and wrongs that have not been righted.
3. There was quite a bloodlust among the rank and file during the campaign with the “lock her up” chants that were ubiquitous at Trump campaign events.
4. The best thing for the GOP at this point is to LET IT GO. It may not be the popular thing, but for the sake of the country and for their own sake, the very best thing that Republicans can do at this point is to drop the matter.
Hillary Clinton is 69 years old and her health was certainly an object of much speculation during the campaign. She is suffering greatly, I’m sure. For the last couple of decades, she has been driven by the idea that she would be the first woman to be president. First, Barack Obama came out of nowhere and dashed her hopes in the primaries in 2008. This year she was pretty confident, according to reports, that the Oval Office would be hers and was absolutely shocked on election night by her loss. Her lifelong hopes and dreams have been dashed – it’s not like she hasn’t suffered.
But my suggestion is not motivated by sympathy. I’m sure Hitler was pathetic in his final days but had he been captured he would have and should have been prosecuted and punished to the full measure of justice.
1. What is there to be gained by continuing to prosecute Hillary?
I’m sure many would get a rush watching Hillary handcuffed and marched off to jail, but what does the country gain from all of that. Those who believe she is guilty now will continue to believe that and those who defend her will continue to defend her to the end. Other than the satisfaction of some kind of desire to punish Hillary, there is no boon to America from this action.
2. The process will consume time, money, and energy that is needed for other priorities.
The Hillary trials will be a sad spectacle. The effort and money spent on this will not fix healthcare or any of the other problems that face our country. It T
3. It would make Republicans look small and vindictive.
That’s because it would be small and vindictive – there’s little other reason to pursue this than vengeance. America has higher needs and this GOP congress needs to be addressing them, not hounding an old lady into her grave (as it will be seen by many).
4. It could backfire…bigtime.
There’s this little thing in 2018 called an election. When the GOP impeached Bill Clinton the mood of the country turned against them and in the 1998 election the GOP blew a chance to make significant gains. It was expected to be what most off elections are – big gains for the party not in the White House. But the GOP lost sympathy in the country and held even in the Senate, losing seats in the House.
The 2018 election sets up to be a bloody battle and it is expected that the GOP will have likely lose one or both congressional houses. But if they look like vindictive jerks, the bloodbath could get worse.
One of the biggest mistakes that presidents and Congresses make is overestimating their mandate. “We won, we can do as we please.” Overreaching generally leads to by-election bloodbaths.
5. Mercy and grace are godly virtues.
No, we are not demanded by grace to ignore sin. God didn’t do that, but he demanded that our sins be atoned for. But we can, as co-sinful beings, choose to overlook offenses given against us. Forgiveness, grace, mercy – these are Christlike virtues and biblical mandates.
I’m under no illusion that the Republican Party cares a lick about the gospel or about biblical truth. They are about gaining and maintaining power. But we are Christians and so our concern should be godliness.
Here, I believe the godly thing is also the utilitarian thing. The right thing is the best thing.
Let’s let Hillary Clinton fade into the dustbin of history. Her own party is mad at her now and only continued attacks by Republicans in Congress and in the White House can give her image a boost.
Let it go.
The purpose of government is to punish evil doers. This is not a waste of government money. God institutes government for this explicit purpose. Impartial justice is the goal. Forgiveness and grace are instructions to non-government disciples. You and I are to forgive. Government is to punish. We must be careful not to confuse the two distinct mandates.
Gerry Milligan
Doug, I assume that we have read the constitution differently. My impression of government is to protect the populace. Where did you read that the purpose of government is to punish “evil doers?”
While I agree with most of what Dave has written, I too wonder what is to be accomplished by spending more millions on previously settled areas.
Gerry, I believe he’s taking that from Rom 13:4, not from the constitution.
I agree that there is little point to prosecuting Clinton and that it will make Republicans look small and vindictive. That is probably the best way to go. However I really want to hold Trump’s feet to the fire regarding his promises. His supporters tell us that he is the ultimate Washington outsider. He’s a straight talker who tells it like it is. He told us he would always tell us the truth. So I think he ought to be held to every one of them. If congress opposes him, that’s one thing. But I think he ought to at least attempt them all. Lawsuits, prosecutions, all of it.
On the other hand, Trump is, by his own claim, a deal-maker. And it’s not unusual in deal-making to start off from an extreme position to give room for negotiation. I would not be surprised if some of those promises are treated exactly that way.
Then they aren’t promises.
Yup. I didn’t say I approved of it, just that I wouldn’t be surprised.
Bill, I don’t disagree with you, but President-elect Trump made quite a few promises, not simply to put Hillary on trial. Personally, I think there are far more important promises he needs to pursue prior to going after Hillary, that is, if Obama doesn’t pardon her (which would let him off the hook).
Immigration, ISIS, Fixing our Lousy Trade deals, Reducing the Corporate Tax, Rebulding the military and taking care of Vets, Fracking, Reopening Pipe Lines, Reopening Coal mines, and other items will help more of the citizens than suffocating Congress with a Hillary trial.
I could not agree more, Dave. This was a great article. President Trump will need to move forward and beyond this election as rabidly as possible. Mrs. Clinton will be a distraction from that agenda. Besides, I am almost certain that President Obama will acquiescence to liberal demands for her pardon, which will render the point moot.
As one who did support Secretary Clinton, I was certain and had already predicted months before that President Elect would become President. As a journalist there are certain things that we look at. We should never take anything for granted especially when it comes to individual votes. Becoming the President of the United States as not Secretary Clintons life long dream. She was not even interested in politics before she met her husband. She adopted that idea after she met her to be husband on campus. As you was great as being an organizer and very smart they both teamed together. Her ambition of being in the same position of power as her husband appeared strange to me She has had a lot of light shined on her. While she served as 1st lady of AK and 1st Lady of USA two positions which she occupied as wife. She then independently went out on her own merits after she was deceived by her husband with the Monica situation. As an act of Bill I will get you back. She leaves the White House and do her own thing in New York and became a Senator. Looking to show her husband who wore the pants in the house she aimed high. She launched her campaign for the Office of the President As media reports, she had to deal with not just the first African American who desired to become President. But this time, it was one who wasn’t caught up in the Martin Luther King days. While he was an advocate for Civil Rights he never marched with MLK like Al Sharpton and Dr. Jesse Jackson, Sr. did. The 44th President was like a ram in the bush. The American people wanted a change and decide to try an African American man. The American people especially the Big Boys club was not ready for the Glass Ceiling. And to be honest, the Glass Ceiling wasn’t for itself. Women can be our worst enemies. We had enough strength to empower Secretary Clinton but, the email thing took the cake. She and President Elect Trump dogged the 44th President out. President Elect challenged him even being a citizen of the United States. But, my concern is has anyone asked his wife for her citizenship papers to be shown. So now that he has won, she is delaying her transition to the White House. And even with Rodney, I just don’t believe that President Elect is going to bring him in as Secretary of State. If so it would be the same drama as Secretary Clinton. Why because both were presidential nominees. Most of the time folks who have common interest have a very difficult time submitting.
Well anyway, I don’t think that President Elect Trump has enough energy to do all that is required to do. He is the oldest President ever elected. With all the stress that he is going though.
Just wish the man well. We must stop what we do in disrespecting the Office of the President.
I think think the FBI will recommend an indictment for her, Bill and Chelsea regarding the crimes surrounding Clinton foundation around February or so – at which time Sessions will empanel a grand jury who will indict them.
Then I think Trump will pardon them for the “good of the country”.
This would also be a very good political move because it would show his administration to be about the rule of law and demonstrate him to be one who can actually move on.
On the cynical side – a pardon would Send off the Clinton’s into the night damaged and irrelevant in the minds of most Americans – while not giving them an opportunity to high-price lawyer their way out of a conviction and in the mean time steal the political agenda from the republicans.
On the political dealmaking side he gives Democrats cover to push aside and move away from the Clintons (which is something they desperately want to do) but aren’t sure how to do it – this would give them something they seek – Trump meanwhile earning himself a chit.
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” God points us to righteousness above religious service. So…religious acts are without value apart from righteous living. Politics is an interesting game, yet it should not deter wisdom. Dave, I liked your previous post, because truth is what needs to be the aim. If Hillary is guilty, then she should be brought to justice. That is the best for the nation. But, probably will give rise to those that will fill the streets. The wisdom of Proverbs always has a way of cutting through religious or political expediency.
The justice system constantly weighs the question, is it worth it.
I’m not saying Hillary is innocent.
I’m saying it’s not worth it.
She’s been punished in many ways (jail isn’t the only way), she’s and old woman in possibly ill health.
Justice does not demand a jail sentence. Every day she wakes up knowing she will never have her life’s dream of being the first woman president is a significant punishment.
And it’s a life sentence.
Plus, the US has about 257 bigger problems to work on first. Why drain energy on this?
I wonder if it’s justice or bloodlust?
It does appear that Trump is leaning that direction. If she can keep her nose clean, she may stay out of prison.
“What is there to be gained by continuing to prosecute Hillary?”
Justice – a demonstration that there actually isn’t anyone who is above the law. If a conservative Christian had done the kinds of things she did, I would still demand justice from the government through the due process of law constitutionally guaranteed to us. And this pertains not only to the emails, but the corruption of the Clinton Foundation,
…Benghazi, and even investigations of other suspected crimes that we don’t need to know about until the facts are in.
Jim,
Benghazi is an episode that has had too many congressional inquiries…what more do you want? How many more time and money wasting witch hunts are you suggesting? What are the facts that you would produce? Or anyone else can provide?
No witch hunts unless witches are guilty. If we have the facts, then we need to prosecute. Congressional inquiries are pointless unless they result in justice being done. Am I wrong about that?
It looks like the point is moot. First promise broken.
It’s in answer to the question. I agree that she won’t be prosecuted for most if not any of her crimes, thus making her above the law. But prosecuting her would help reverse that.
Those are benefits. Are they worth the distractions?
I think it’s worth doing the right thing despite the distractions. If the government is to do what God created it to do, they need to do it. They do not bear the sword in vain and that applies to more than just national defense, but also to justice for the sake of a peaceful society. If right justice is pursued, then the distractions will take care of themselves. I wasn’t a Southern Baptist when the Conservative Resurgence came about, but I’ve seen the video of Dr. Mohler making a stand at Southern and heard that after all the difficulties he went through at that time, it was actually a fairly short time before the seminary had made a 180 on its ideology throughout. I suggest that things can change quickly in the other direction if we do the right thing and stand our ground on sound biblical principles. Will it be difficult because of the distractions? Sure. But in the end, I think we will see things change dramatically.
Jim, you mention that the seminary made a 180 on its ideology. As I recall, about 97% of the faculty left. That often will accomplish a 180 on ideology.
Bennet, yes, that’s my understanding how it happened.
” … we can, as co-sinful beings, choose to overlook offenses given against us. Forgiveness, grace, mercy – these are Christlike virtues and biblical mandates.” (Dave)
“I don’t want to hurt the Clintons, I really don’t. She went through a lot and suffered greatly in many different ways, and I am not looking to hurt them at all. The campaign was vicious.” (Donald)
I’m not interested in Clinton serving time in jail. What I am interested in, is this question: Have Trump supporters elected a straight talking, truth telling Washington outsider who will keep his promises and put an end to business as usual in politics? Or have they, as I suspect, elected just another dishonest politician who will say anything to get elected without regard to honoring the things he said? So far he is 0 for 1. His supporters gathered by the tens of thousands and were loudly baying for Clinton’s blood and he threw them red meat time after time after time. He looked her in the eye on national television, watched by millions, and promised her, and us, to seek her prosecution. The same sycophantic surrogates who spread out around the country on national media justifying the “lock her up” mantra are now spreading out and explaining how “I won’t seek her prosecution” is perfectly consistent with everything he said during the campaign. Crooked Hillary and Predator Bill are now “good people” whom he doesn’t want to hurt.
Would Trump even be president elect now if he had called Bill and Hillary “good people” during the campaign and had not gone after them with incredible vitriol? Is he the man who brings integrity to Washington or just another Harry Reid, who without remorse lies to accomplish his purposes?
I am willing to give Trump a chance. I did not vote for him, but he is soon to be my President. However, Bill Mac, I’m afraid you are right.
John
Me too. John.
I concur
I don’t think it is a matter of giving Trump a chance. We don’t have any choice about giving him a chance. He’s going to be president whether anyone likes it or not. But he is not a king. He works for us and is accountable to us. I have always been more critical of the leaders of my own party than I am the opposition. For years it has frustrated me no end when my Republican friends told me they were willing to settle for “anyone better than Obama”. That’s about as low a standard as there can be. We need to start demanding better from our leaders. Instead of raising the bar every 4 years, we continue to lower it.
Agreed, but….
I’m trying to find silver linings…..
Maybe he won’t be half as bad as we fear and will be at least third as good as those who supported him think he’ll be – That’d be a good thing….
Heel, I appreciate your position. The “xenophobe” appointed a governor who is the daughter of immigrants who took the Confederate Flag off the SC Capitol to be the ambassador to the UN and not a peep of praise from his detractors.
I’ve been enjoying a steady diet of family, turkey, and football.
I didn’t know he’d appointed Nikki Haley to something until you posted this.
This is another good choice, IMO.
This detractor just applauded some of his recent picks.
( i’m curious though about Ben Carson’s qualifications for housing and urban development secretary – no doubt brain surgeons are highly intelligent – but I would think that that housing and urban development secretary is a totally different skill set. seems to me to be a great big thank you for the campaign… But that’s me being cynical again 😉 )
I don’t think Trump is a xenophobe as much as he pandered to xenophobes to get their vote. Same with racists. Trump is the ultimate pragmatist, and he said what was necessary to win. Nikki Haley seems to be a good choice. Carson isn’t. I don’t know of Palin is still on the list but that makes me want to punch things. I think McFarland is probably a good choice. Giuliani ought to be kept far away from the white house.
I know people are freaking out about Jared Kirschner and the conflict of interest he represents by being an advisor (albeit unofficial) and Trump’s son in law, but everything I’m reading and hearing about Kirschner is that he is Trump’s best shot at being a good president. I hope he sticks around.
And the oft alleged misogynist has appointed how many women so far? It’s hard to keep count. 🙂 Maybe we can all learn some lessons about jumping to conclusions based on MSM hype.
Yeah, I’m afraid misogynist is one that is going to stick. It’s easy to blame the MSM, but Trump has left too long a trail of his own words and actions to dismiss it as a left wing media conspiracy and the silly phrase “locker room talk”. This one we’ll just have to put up with and hope his age and his advisors keep it under wraps. I think he’ll try to reign himself in.
Bill Mac, you all need to check your definitions and not just follow the liberal drivel.
From Miriam Webster the definition is : “a hatred of women.”
Whatever he is, it’s not that.
Les: If the label sexist makes Trump more palatable in your eyes than misogynist, that’s fine.
My overall point is this: Trump pandered to various groups of people who are outside the mainstream of acceptable attitudes and behavior, to get their vote, without necessarily sharing their values. But Trump’s mistreatment of women, however you want to label it, is his own. He wasn’t pandering to the hordes of sexists and misogynists out there (except perhaps by his association with Breitbart).
Trump is not even the President yet. Let him get in the office and let’s keep an eye on what he does. Not everyhting can be done in the first 100 days.
Everything that we know of that Hillary could be instigated for is still being looked at by congress.
We an also keep an eye on the Attorney General and see how he leads in all of this. He doesn’t need Trumps signature to seek further investigation. Trump, when he become President, does not have (nor did other Presidents) the authority to demand the Clintons demand the Clintons be prosecuted.
Yet, I guess it is fun to type about.
Trump is right in that he can pretty much do anything as president to improve his business. The only thing stopping him is impeachment. I doubt the Republicans of today have the moral character of the Republicans of the ’70’s. They showed Nixon that just because the president does it, it is legal was not acceptable. Republicans today wouldn’t do that because it might impact their political power.
James Comey needs to be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted.
If you’ve already decided he needs to be prosecuted, why does he need to be investigated?
Prosecuted for what? If you are a Trump fan you should be sending Comey a big honkin gift basket.
I figured everyone had enough sense to understand prosecuted “if the investigation calls for it.” My assumption was obviously wrong.
I challenge you to find anything I have ever said positive about DT.
You obviously have an idea that Comey has done something illegal. What do you think it is?
I’m cautiously optimistic that Trump might have a good presidency, but that isn’t the same thing as Trump being a good president. I think if he gets good advisors and lets them go at it, it might turn out ok. I don’t think he has the discipline himself to be a good president, as his recent tweets claiming victory in the popular vote demonstrate.
Yeah – not to mention the winner suggesting – no saying – multiple times that millions of fraudulent votes were cast in the election therefore articulating his support of the losers recount demands.
Strange days we are living in, folks.