Lindsey Graham, Democrats plan probes of Russia hacking

            CNN published an article entitled, “Lindsey Graham, Democrats plan probes of Russia hacking.”  In it they accuse Russia of interfering with the presidential election.  They claim this is the “unanimous assessment of all 17 US federal intelligence agencies.”  It is a fact.  It is more obvious than global warming.  California Rep. Eric Swalwell claims that Trump’s denials are ridiculous.  "He (Trump) is denying that the sun sets in the West."  Rep. Elijah Cummings claims, "experts agree that there is overwhelming evidence that Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election. Overwhelming. It is not disputed, it's overwhelming."  This is reminiscent of a quote attributed to Joseph Goebbels: “If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”

            On October 07, 2016 the Director of National Intelligence issued a Joint Statement from the Department of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Election Security.  In it they claimed the hacked e-mails, “are consistent with the methods and motivations of Russian-directed efforts.”  They maintained that, “we are not now in a position to attribute this activity to the Russian Government.”  This does not sound like “overwhelming evidence.”  Any foreign intelligence service or teenager with a budget over $129 could have access to many of these emails. Also why do we have 17 federal intelligence agencies?  17 intelligence agencies means a lot of duplication and infighting.  These agencies probably protect their information more zealously from other agencies than from foreign powers.  It is a sad fact that a large number of Americans have more confidence in the credibility of the Russians than their own politicians and media.

            Senator Graham thinks, "Trump should take a real tough tone with Russia.”  He stated, “I think they're one of the most destabilizing influences on the world stage."  He does not consider his own role as destabilizing.  He played a significant role in creating the present Libyan chaos.  He is doing his best to duplicate this in Syria.  Graham has adopted a very belligerent stance.  He stated, "I'm going after Russia in every way you can go after Russia."  He also stated, "I want Putin personally to pay a price."  Fortunately the President-Elect has nothing but contempt for the Senator.  Donald Trump will turn away from the path that would have led to war with Russia.