OTM3

On the Media

"Leak State"

Dumb but not criminal. It surprises me how this phrase is used as an excuse for poor decision making. Specifically, the sentence was in reference to Michael Flynn and the ongoing investigation into his connection to Russia. According to an article written from Business Insider, "Trump senior counselor Kellyanne Conway said on the "Today" show on Tuesday that it was Flynn's inability to properly communicate with Pence that ended his relationship with the White House, not his collusion with Russia". Again, Flynn is dumb but not criminal. I find it hard to believe a man who was the 18th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency supposedly did not understand what is appropriate and what is not.

Miscommunication between high ranking officials should not happen. With national security on the line, those serving in these positions should be able to handle the responsibilities respectfully and with integrity. Their actions have a direct effect on the country and the citizens within. That being said, an issue I see arising often is the lack of accountability. When the Michael Flynn scandal was discovered, the Trump administration denied the claims. When Buzzfeed released the dossier claiming Trump had ties to Russia, there was an instant denial. I feel when these situations occur, the first action should not be to disregard all claims or the rest of the time will be spent backpedalling and correcting previous statements. Obviously, if an allegation is constructed, the members of the White House or high ranking government officials will initially protect their own (as long as it fits with their agenda). I believe Michael Flynn knew exactly what he was saying and deliberately planned to respond with the ignorance is bliss card.

Another important factor brought up during this week's On the Media is the comment regarding who was conducting the investigations into the allegations. For example, Sessions should not be apart of the investigation since he is grouped in with the conspiracies. If the goal is to get to the truth, then the investigation needs to be contracted out to an outside source with no ties to either side. It would be near impossible to stay objective in an investigation knowing you had some sort of involvement causing the investigation in the first place. Democrats are looking for blood and the other half is coming up with excuses... if only the nation could come together to progress rather than trying to implode itself.