The Low-Down
We’ve all been overwhelmingly ecstatic for the random item we decided to order on Amazon (AMZN). Maybe it was a new phone case or one of the USB-dancing hula girls. Either way, the only shipping method for these purchases is “same-day.” Once the order has been completed, a notification is emailed, saying the estimated arrival time, usually “by 8 pm.”
I’m not sure if former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were both waiting for Amazon orders at the same time on Wednesday, but both individuals received explosive devices in the mail Wednesday morning. In addition to the explosives being sent to the two prominent former government officials, a device was also sent to CNN’s offices in New York, initiating an investigation as to whether this bomber is purposely targeting left-wing aficionados.
Obama, Clinton, and employees at the CNN New York location remain unharmed. Law enforcement officials looking into the possibility that the devices were sent by a singular individual or different entities.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivered a statement of condemnation of the “terrorizing acts” on behalf of the Trump administration.
“We condemn the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and other public figures. These terrorizing acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are investigating and will take all appropriate actions to protect anyone threatened by these cowards.”
–Sarah Huckabee Sanders, White House press secretary
Federal authorities believe these explosives to be similar to the device delivered to the home of George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and outspoken critic of the right-wing agenda, on Monday morning. According to The New York Times, the package was “left there by someone and was not delivered by the Postal Service.
Earlier this month, several packages containing ricin were intercepted en route to the Pentagon, as well as a ricin-laced envelope addressed to President Donald Trump. The packages containing the lethal poison were addressed to Secretary of Defense James Mattis and to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson, according to CNN.
Ricin is an incredibly toxic compound extracted from the husks of castor beans and can be used in powder, pellet, mist or acid form. If ingested, the individual will suffer from nausea, internal bleeding, liver failure, and death. In other words, ricin is not a seasoning you ever want to accidentally mix into your dinner.
So What Does This All Mean?
Clearly, someone, or a collective of someones, is displeased with liberal politicians and entrepreneurs. Whoever is responsible for sending these explosives to various left-leaning public figures and media outlets believes that destruction and death is the only viable option for political dismay.
I wholeheartedly support our nation’s first amendment right to assemble peacefully and protest the actions of politicians. Where my support drops off is when we take actions into our own hands and attempt to harm those responsible for legislation we don’t agree with.
In response to these attempted attacks against former President Obama, the Clintons, and CNN, Vice President Mike Pence tweeted his thoughts.
“We condemn the attempted attacks against fmr Pres Obama, the Clintons, @CNN & others. These cowardly actions are despicable and have no place in this Country. Grateful for swift response of @SecretService, @FBI & local law enforcement. Those responsible will be brought to justice.”
–Vice President Mike Pence on Twitter
Stepping briefly aside, I find it hilarious that the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) both have official twitter accounts. If news of these attempted attacks catalyzes civil unrest, that is perfectly understandable. We cannot stand idly by and let fear tactics dictate who and what we support in terms of our political alignments. Clearly, the individual/s responsible for sending these devices is/are dissatisfied with the current political climate.
Rather than seek to harm former presidents and news companies, may I suggest an alternative? The United States Midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, November 6, and this is a day where citizens, over the age of eighteen, can vote their conscience and make their voices heard, without trying to harm anyone or anything. If we are displeased with how the country is being run, then the only viable option to create tenable change is by voting.
Roughly 150 million American citizens are qualified to vote, but sadly, for one reason or another, many don’t. Many state voter registration deadlines have passed, but some are still open. If you aren’t sure, or if you’d like to double-check that you are registered, head over to the official USA.gov site.
