It is neither an exaggeration nor an original thought to say the 2016 Presidential election has been one for the books. Recently, I observed a phenomenon that only underscores its unique place in History.
It is common that certain areas are fertile grounds for yard signs. Union halls for Democrats; Republican leaning frontage property. But this year, a strange omission. In the Democrats’ area, signs for county races, for congress, for judge, for county chairman. Missing, for the first time ever, are signs for the head of the ticket. No signs at all for Hillary... the first time that I recall such a blatant exclusion. What does this mean? It means, dear reader, weakness at the Clinton core. It means a lack of enthusiasm for the Presidential standard bearer. It means the rank and file may be hungering for relief from the economic starvation. It means that … TRUMP CAN WIN.
As the newest round of Clinton scandals enfolds, familiar sounds of protest echo from their camp. As the most persecuted couple in American history... ha... the Clintons have once again, when confronted with misconduct, resorted to attacking the messenger. Too little, too late. Trump was already moving north in the polls. The recent Huma laptop e-mail problem... generated by, of all people, disgraced, perverted Democrat Congressman Anthony Weiner, only amplifies the WikiLeaks revelations of a corrupt, rigged system in which the Clintons blatantly disregard ethics and law in the pursuit of power and money.
Madame Secretary’s regret on the e-mails is not setting up the system to avoid scrutiny - a move that campaign Chairman Podesta said should result in the creator being “drawn and quartered - it is her regret in getting caught. She will not make such a mistake again. A Clinton White House will engage in corruption on unrivaled scales, all shielded by her Washington savvy. America can survive a Trump Presidency. Our Constitutional republic will suffer a fatal blow if Hillary is sworn in as President. This must not be allowed to happen.
Recent polling shows the race tightening, even without the justifiable actions of the FBI Director. It now appears clear that long time Clinton aide Huma Abedin lied to the FBI, stating that she had turned over all computers of relevance, consciously omitting the laptop with shared Weiner e-mails. That notwithstanding, the election will be close. Some 30 percent of normally Republican voting citizens say they will not vote for Trump. In contrast, only 10 percent of Democrats claim not to be on board with Clinton, the reasons being mystifying. The 30 percent renegades must come home… and vote for Trump, however unenthusiastically. If not, the Clinton election and the sure disaster to follow, will be on their heads. We must have the courage to vote for the promise of the future, shaking off the shackles of a failed past.
On another note, another election, I can heartily say that the clear choice for re election as County Board Chairman is my longtime friend Alan Dunstan. While we have not always agreed, through our four decades of friendship, I have found Dunston to be an honest public servant, willing to hear all sides, then proceed on the best course for all concerned. We are at a true economic crossroads in Madison County, with the rust belt industries now long and forever gone. Chairman Dunston has shown great vison in his plan to broaden and then consolidate the efforts of historical based tourism as the path to future prosperity. He deserves the chance to see his vision realized.
His opponent on the other hand, Treasurer Prenzler, possesses neither the temperament nor the leadership skills to step up to the reins in Edwardsville. This deficiency is shown nowhere more clearly than in the handling of the recent disability claim of Linda Dunnagan against his office. The claim could have and should have been settled at the preliminary level, for a modest but fair sum. It was not, nor was it resolved until the taxpayers of the County became saddled with a judgment in excess of a $1 million. Time after time, Prenzler rejected the expert advice of retained defense counsel, only to follow the misguided instructions of his “private” attorney. While Prenzler’s secret string puller may have some expertise in criminal law, he knows as much about the Americans with Disability Act as elderly nuns know about fornication. This bodes ill for his judgment, and is disqualifying to Prenzler. Chairman Dunston should be re-elected.
This election will be historic. Participation is required. Be not afraid.