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Clinton: Email scandal or political distortion?

Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email account and server during her tenure as Secretary of State has dominated the headlines over the past several months. However, it is still unclear to many what the actual scandal is and if it is valid.
There are many conflicting views among Americans. Some say Clinton’s use of a personal email account and server could have placed the country’s safety in jeopardy. According to the released FBI investigation, the “investigation and forensic analysis did not find evidence confirming that Clinton’s accounts or mobile devices were compromised by cyber means.” However, the report states the disclaimer that the FBI did not have access to all of Clinton’s mobile devices and computer components.
This begs the question: What happened to the rest of the electronic devices used by Clinton? According to the report, Clinton’s aides frequently did not know the whereabouts of a previously-used devices once Clinton began using a new device. Justin Cooper, one of Clinton’s aides, recalled two occasions where he personally destroyed Clinton’s old mobile devices with a hammer.
After reading this, I question the accountability of Clinton. These devices could have contained confidential information that only government officials know. These government officials should know how to preserve and destroy electronic devices with confidential information. I would personally prefer these devices be destroyed than be obtained by an enemy due to not being properly disposed.
Clinton’s use of a personal email account is frequently called into question. Many ask why she didn’t just use the state-issued email account. It is important to emphasize that during Clinton’s tenure, the state’s Bureau of Information Security Management did not enforce “restrictions on the use of personal email accounts for official business,” according to the report. I cannot blame Clinton for that policy. As you can tell, everyone makes mistakes.
Part of the state department’s mission is to “shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic world.” Emails play an important role in communication with peers; this is no different among the State Department or foreign diplomats.
Clinton was questioned about the “C” markings in an email chain, which indicated the material in the emails as confidential. Clinton said she did not know what the “C” marking identified, according to the report. It is important to note the classification levels in this matter: Top Secret, Secret and Confidential. According to the report, Clinton stated she“ took all levels of classification information seriously.”
Many Americans, including myself place the safety of our country in the hands of public officials. Every day is a day where we, Americans, live our lives knowing anything could occur. Yet, we find that with our hope on government, we will be in safe hands. I believe Hillary did not intentionally plan to place information in jeopardy by using a private email server. Hillary has stated over and over again that it was out of convenience that this was done. Nonetheless, this does not excuse her actions.
The scandal itself is important for the American electorate, but it seems to be exposed way out of proportion. Media outlets seem to have dragged the Clinton’s email scandal for more than a whole year. There are more important issues to focus on. Why not focus on how each candidate will target issues dealing with the economy, race relations among our communities, immigration, public safety, domestic and foreign terrorism, gun control, foreign policy and the global environment. It is valid to talk about the emails, but it is about time Americans engage in other conversations regarding the election by now. It is the equivalent to getting your permit, instead of getting your driver’s license. Yes, you are engaging in the election, but you are limited into what you are exposed.
We are divided by the platforms of two parties, who are seeking the presidency at all costs. Hillary Clinton has publicly stated using a private email was a mistake, and assumes the responsibility attached. Whether or not the public supports her will be decided at the polls this November. Validation of the candidates’ statements will have the final say on who becomes the next president of the United States.

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