Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 8-2-16 Online Edition

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Residents Respond To Trump Comment About Missing Emails
DANNY GREEN RALPH SMITH DR. GEORGE FOXX MS. BONNYE CREWS REV. KAREN RONNIE MOORER DR. SAMUEL JACKSON SIMS WRIGHT
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, Republican Pres- idential nominee Donald Trump caused an uproar when he stated, “Russia if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.”
The statement caused a backlash, with some even calling it treason. Trump later said he was being “sar- castic.” The question of the week is ‘Do you think the statement is covered under his first amendment freedom of speech or is it treason?’
Some residents shared their opinions about Trump’s com- ments.
Danny Green said, “I don't think Donald Trump should be making those types of comments because of our National Security. You should not want another country to tap into U. S. security. Russia should not be allowed to tap into anyone's email, espe- cially the United States. Don- ald Trump is losing his mind. That's not covered in the First Amendment, that's just crazy.”
Ralph Smith said, “I wish I could say that these childish antics from Mr. Trump would disqualify him from consideration in the race for the presidency, but I just saw a poll where he is actually winning? This of course, is very concerning to me. But it confirms the importance of everyone taking him seriously and getting out to vote this fall. To vote in the general election, you have to be regis- tered by October 11, 2016.”
Dr. George Foxx said, “Donald Trump, the Re- publican nominee, was being sarcastic because of the heat from the backlash of general Republican constituency dis- played dislike. Like most peo- ple, to suggest engaging a foreign entity to hack into
Hillary Clinton’s servers would be unfavorable. No de- cent potential Commander- in-Chief would even think of such treason-like suggestion; except for now being sarcas- tic.”
Ms. Bonnye Crews said, “In my opinion, Donald Trump's comment is neither covered by "free speech" nor meets the criteria for treason. However, by encouraging an enemy country to cyber-spy- ing residential opponent, I think that Donald Trump has committed the crime of capital espionage. And it doesn't matter whether or not he was being sarcastic.
“As a presidential candi- date, and no longer a reality show star, his words now have major consequences. "Loose lips sink ships"... and start wars....and incite na- tional and international chaos. Since Donald Trump apparently doesn't under- stand this, he isn't qualified to be president.”
Rev. Karen Jackson Sims said, “One thing this man does well, open his mouth and insert his foot while standing on his first amendment rights. Regard- less of our free speech rights, it is incredible that an Ameri- can, let alone one seeking the highest office in the nation, would call on Russia to en- gage in “our” political process.
“While some felt he com- mitted treason I think he tip- toed along a thin line with his comment. In accordance with the Constitution, he has the right to say what’s on his mind, even if it takes away any doubt that you are fool- ish. It also says treason is committed when we “betray our country by waging war against it or by purposely act- ing to aid its enemies.” Did he aid our enemy by making this statement....I don’t think so. He just once again showed his lack of character and class
and qualities that we expect from Presidential con- tenders.”
Ronnie Moorer said, “Freedom of speech, does not give Donald Trump the right to ask another country (Russia) to seek information on Hillary Clinton, to bene- fit his election results. You are betraying your country when you do something like this. That is treason!! Saying he was being sarcastic, is just an-
other lie to cover up all the backlash from his statement. Just suppose he was Presi- dent, what would he ask other countries to do for him then? This is why it is very impor- tant to get out and vote for Hillary Clinton in Novem- ber.”
Dr. Samuel Wright said, “I really think this situation is an anomaly. It is almost un- heard of in recent years re- garding an election for the
highest office in the United States. Because it is such a dangerous situation, I believe it should be considered trea- son in lieu of exercising the first amendment of speech.
“It also signifies other prob- lems of a Donald Trump's administration if he is al- lowed to get away with this. The American people must put a stop to him now! He threatens the core of our DEMOCRACY!”
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL-BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016