The ongoing saga of Hillary Clinton versus the world continues. The career politician had a spring coronation disrupted by a persistent battle with Vermont United States Senator Bernie Sanders, and all along has faced an ongoing battle with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Republicans continue to point to the source of the FBI investigation, an issue involving usage of a private email server while Secretary of State, and the Benghazi attacks as well.
In Hillary Clinton’s defense, this is the United States of America. In America, we have the benefit of a justice system that views the accused innocent until proven guilty. Until Clinton has been found guilty of violating the law, she’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
Now while this is how our country operates, does Clinton, who is running for President, really agree?
Clinton’s response to the Orlando shooting provides a revealing answer. In her gun control push, she also made a specific point in relation to FBI investigations.
“If the FBI is watching you for suspected terrorist links, you shouldn’t be able to go buy a gun, no questions asked,” Clinton was quoted as saying.
Now with this quote, keep in mind that Omar Mateen was a United States citizen. Being a United States citizen, he has rights under the Constitution. Among these is due process of law. Even when accused, he still remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If he was accused of terrorist ties, he then has a right under the Constitution to face the accusations and defend himself. The burden of proof in proving guilt lies on the accuser.
Clinton doesn’t believe that. Her statement reflects a growing executive hubris that has grown under the Administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Terrorism accusations are able to circumvent the law.
But what’s more telling is the power she gives to the FBI. An individual’s guilt can be decided not just by a judge or jury, or even just a President, but also the Federal Bureau of Investigation?
That’s a huge endorsement by someone being investigated by the FBI herself.
Did Hillary Clinton have sensitive and classified information on her private e-mail server? Well the Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently taking a close look at her. This is clearly an implication of guilt, isn’t it?
This is the inherent problem with Clinton and the way she would continue recent trends. The Bush and Obama Administrations have created a stronger executive power with the ability to use terrorism to undermine constitutional due process rights. Through the use of fear, the rule of law can be negated. If we cannot rely on our integrity in times of strife, how can the country be expected to survive?
A true leader stands firm through difficult times, able to balance the rule of law and the goals of national security, without compromising either. Through her inconsistencies, Hillary Clinton shows she’s just not ready or even able to serve as a respectable option for President of the United States of America.
