The Email Saga: Hillary Clinton’s National Security and Beyond

There has been much speculation and debate surrounding Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State. Those who claim there is a big secret behind her emails often point to statements made by James Comey, the former FBI Director, and questions about whether her emails were marked classified. However, a careful examination of the evidence and context reveals a more nuanced and less alarming reality.

Understanding the Context

Hillary Clinton, as the former Secretary of State, was indeed very cautious in her communication and thorough in her understanding of national security protocols. When she stated that no material “MARKED CLASSIFIED” was on her email server, it is crucial to understand the nuances of how classified information is handled and classified.

Many documents are classified upon their creation due to the nature of the information they contain. If Hillary wrote an email about a drone attack, it would not be marked classified at the time of writing, but subsequent review could lead to it being classified. The State Department’s primary function is to ensure that all information in their purview is appropriately classified and protected, which is why Clinton would have been informed of the procedures.

According to reports, there were 1274 documents on Clinton's server that weren't marked classified initially but contained information that was deemed ‘classified,’ ‘secret,’ or higher. Some documents were so sensitive that even FBI investigators were not authorized to read them. This highlights the importance of proper classification protocols and the meticulous nature of national security procedures.

The Three Emails Controversy

James Comey, when speaking to the press in July, alleged that Clinton had lied about whether classified emails were on her server. However, this claim was later retracted. Comey had initially indicated that there were three emails marked with a 'C,' which is a common practice to ensure they are sent through the proper classified system. He later acknowledged that these emails were not particularly sensitive and were more about scheduling meetings.

For instance, the three emails in question stated:

“Later today you will have a phone conversation with Kofi Annan. He is about to step down as special envoy to Syria.” “Later today you will have a phone conversation with the new president of Malawi.”

The fact that these emails were not particularly classified or sensitive raises questions about the real motive behind the accusations. Was it indeed about national security, or was it a political move to tar Hillary Clinton's reputation and undermine her standing?

A Closer Look at the Accusations

The Republican and FBI claims that Clinton was part of email chains about classified information should be viewed with a critical lens. National security experts often have ongoing discussions about various issues, and sometimes these discussions are deemed okay to have without going through the classified email system. The State Department regularly involves high-level personnel like Secretary Clinton in these discussions.

Some argue that these emails should have been classified, but this categorization is often subjective and can change over time as more information comes to light or as the situation evolves. This controversy is more about who gets to decide what is classified and who is responsible for it.

It is worth noting that the Republicans and the FBI are selective in their witch hunts. They have not investigated many other figures who have mishandled classified information or emails. For example, Colin Powell, a Republican and former Secretary of State, is implicated in similar errors. Additionally, Condi Rice, another prominent Republican figure, also used a private server for work-related emails, as did Mitt Romney, the last Republican presidential nominee, when he was Governor of Massachusetts.

These figures, along with the Bush administration's mishandling of 22 million emails that led to the Iraq War, illustrate the selective nature of the investigations. The real issue at hand is more about political motives than about the quality of information management practices.

Conclusion: A Just Cause or Political Exploitation?

At the heart of the email controversy is a question of whether the accusations stem from a genuine concern over national security or a politically motivated smear campaign. While there were indeed classified documents on Hillary Clinton's server, the bulk of the emails were not particularly sensitive. The claims about national security and the categorization of emails were often exaggerated or misinterpreted by those with political agendas.

Instead of focusing on petty and unverified claims, it is crucial to examine the bigger picture. The future of our nation and its leadership should be evaluated based on comprehensive assessments of their policies, actions, and character. Hillary Clinton's email saga is a part of this broader narrative that deserves careful and balanced scrutiny.