For the past months, our patience has been tried by Donald Trump, who has managed to dominate the media. He distinguishes himself by operating in a “fact free” zone and making up his personal version of “reality” as he goes along. While this may have a certain entertainment value, his continuous lies leave us feeling uneasy. We haven’t the vaguest idea what he stands for. He extends his arms to embrace his audience. “Trust me!” he exclaims. After all he’s built hotels and golf courses, and was the host and producer of a TV reality show; who could want anything more in a President?
He is the ideal candidate. We are unable to check his credentials. He has never held public office, has no voting record or e-mail trail. He has never studied law and has not been in military service.
As for Hillary Clinton, his adversary, we are continually warned she is not “trustworthy.” She has served our country for over thirty years, her every move scrutinized by the press and denigrated by her enemies. She has doggedly pursued women’s rights and laws to protect children. She put her own professional life on hold to be the wife of an Arkansas governor. She filled the roll of First Lady of the land for eight years, and served two terms as a Senator from New York and four years as Secretary of State.
Being Secretary of State requires personal sacrifice. Americans shouldn’t become so jaded that they can’t appreciate what the job demands. It means living out of a suitcase, sleeping in hotel rooms, being separated from friends and family, being isolated in foreign countries where language and the culture are unfamiliar and conducting business and diplomacy at the highest level of government.
Sarah Silverman, during a lighter moment at the Democratic convention, observed, “Hillary may be the only candidate for the Presidency in United States history to be over qualified!”
Cruising the internet, I came across a list offered by Elizabeth Chan and Emmy Benctson – 112 reasons why Hillary Clinton should be our next President. It is helpful if you have any interest in what Hillary has accomplished and her goals for the future.
About trust? Hillary has the support of Michael Morell, former CIA acting director. “I worked with her four years. I trust her word. I trust her judgment when it comes to national security. She is decisive and clear in her thinking.”
Writer David Brock at one time worked for proponents on the “Right,” digging up information that could be used to destroy liberals. He was famous for a book he wrote lambasting Anita Hill. He was asked to write a book defaming Hillary. When he did the research, he came to the conclusion, “Hillary is a rare combination of passionate idealist and gutsy street-fighter, but she has done nothing that is illegal or immoral.” His philosophy has changed dramatically. He is now a Clinton supporter.
There has been a concerted effort over the years to cast a shadow of suspicion over Hillary unsubstantiated by facts. She has been accused of being secretive. I think it is not surprising that she is guarded in how and when she releases information. Her enemies eagerly await any tidbits that can be used against her.
The outcome of the coming election is unsure. We can only hope that the forces that unite us will outweigh those that divide us.