Trump and Russia ADVERTISING Trump and Russia It has been asserted — with sound evidence — that Russia attempted to influence the U.S. election for the benefit of Donald Trump. There are those, Trump among them, who claim this is
Trump and Russia
It has been asserted — with sound evidence — that Russia attempted to influence the U.S. election for the benefit of Donald Trump. There are those, Trump among them, who claim this is hogwash, political slander, etc.
Recently, another unconfirmed report surfaced that the Russian intelligence service attempted to compromise Mr. Trump with money and sex for blackmail purposes. Again, Trump dismissed this as “fake news.”
I am a veteran of foreign postings for the U.S. government and would like to state that any intelligence service worth its name which did NOT do that would not be worth its salary!
We, the United States, expend great efforts to influence foreign elections and foreign government policies, and have since the founding of our nation. To not do so would be a dereliction of duty — although, being a rich country, we generally use cash, but are not above using other means.
So did the Russians attempt to influence the U.S. election? Of course they did! Did they try to get dirt on Trump? Of course they did! (Probably so did the governments of Fiji and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, among others.)
The question for the American people (we are, after all, a “government of the people”) is: Did they succeed?
Thomas Bovaird
Hilo
Finally, some
leadership
Regarding “Revised plan presented,” (Tribune-Herald, Jan. 12): Hooray!
Harry Kim is really back. He’s met with the public about a contested public park. He arrived at a compromise plan. He actually asked the public what they wanted, and listened to their answers. His picture is in the paper for doing something positive.
Welcome back, Harry! We’ve missed you!
Penelope C. Blair
Fern Forest
Will miss Obama
A recent letter writer by the name of Skip Sims claims President Barack Obama is from Pluto because of Obama’s recent assertions.
While Sims disputes that race relations have improved under Obama, I recently completed a 30-year public school teaching career in Hawaii, in which I observed race relations improve amongst our youth versus when I was a neophyte teacher starting my career in 1985.
Sims’ claim that our standing in the world has declined significantly under Obama is something that I must refute, as well.
Having visited many international travel destinations within the past eight years of the Obama presidency, it is my observation that the standing of the United States has not diminished one iota under Obama.
In fact, in conversations with people in these foreign countries, many have been inspired by the Obama presidency. And they still view America with the same respect and admiration for its values afforded all citizens so privileged to live under its Constitution.
Lastly, I wish to say one big mahalo and give one big shaka of aloha to Obama. As a product of a single-parent household, from a remote state in our country, you have inspired more people than you know. By my account here on Earth, you were a husband and father whose words and actions could serve as a blueprint for all households.
All the best, and “geev ’um,” Obama! You will be missed by this inhabitant of Earth.
Kerry Meyer
Hilo
