Ms Clinton's EMail Server

For John, BLUF:  Equal justice for all.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Here is the Department of State Inspector General Report:  "Office of the Secretary:  Evaluation of Email Records Management and Cybersecurity Requirements" (ESP-16-03).

In The Washington Post Reporters Rosalind S. Helderman and Tom Hamburger give us "State Dept. inspector general report sharply criticizes Clinton’s email practices".

Their lede is:

The State Department’s independent watchdog has issued a highly critical analysis of Hillary Clinton’s email practices while running the department, concluding that Clinton failed to seek legal approval for her use of a private server and that agency staff members would not have given their blessing if it had been sought because of “security risks.”

Even the decidedly Progressive Nation of Change took an even tone on this report, playing it straight.

Reporter Alexandra Jacobo gives us "Hillary Clinton Criticized by the State Department for Improper Email Practices".

The lede and report quote follow are:

A new report released by the State Department Inspector General critics Hillary Clinton, stating that she failed to follow the rules in regards to her use of a private email server. Clinton also failed to inform key department staff of her practices:

At a minimum, Secretary Clinton should have surrendered all emails dealing with Department business before leaving government service and, because she did not do so, she did not comply with the Department’s policies that were implemented in accordance with the Federal Records Act.

BINGO:  "Federal Records Act".  That is the Act of Congress that says records must be preserved.  Those records are the basis of the history of our nation.  While news coverage is the first draft of history, when the professional historians dig in they sometimes turn things around.  But they need those records to dig in.  The Department of State Historian needs those records to publish the Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS)

Ms Clinton done wrong.  Not a hanging offense.  But, nevertheless, something needs to be done.  I recommend that she have an office call with Attorney General Loretta Lynch.  She admit to the facts and pay a $10,000 fine.  And she issue an official statement admitting that she shouldn't have done it.

It isn't so much that we need to punish Ms Clinton as we need to warn off the next Secretary of State.  Oh, and restore the confidence of the Citizenry in the idea that when it comes to the law, to justice, there is one standard for all.  Otherwise you get Bernie and The Donald.

Regards  —  Cliff