FEC: Why Aren't You Enforcing the Law?

I sent this email to the Federal Elections Commission yesterday. I will let you know if I receive a response.

Dear FEC: 

It was quite refreshing to see reports of FEC Chair Weintraub's tweeted statement inspired by the president's response to George Stephanopolous regarding the president's willingness to receive information from foreign sources. She wrote in part, 

"Let me make something 100% clear to the American public and anyone running for public office: It is illegal for any person to solicit, accept, or receive anything of value from a foreign national in connection with a U.S. election."

The chairperson also made it clear that violators risked facing federal investigation (and presumably federal prosecution) for so doing, and that all such contacts should be reported to the FBI. 

While this is welcome, it stretches credibility to expect her words to be borne out. There were clear and well-publicized incidents of such violations, about which the commission has apparently taken no action. I refer to the meeting at Trump Tower in June, 2016 at which Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort, among others, met with known Russian nationals for the expressed purpose as shown in Trump Jr.'s emails, of receiving derogatory information about candidate Trump's principal opponent, which was something of value from a foreign source. During the campaign, candidate Trump, at public campaign appearances, openly called upon Russia to release damaging information about his opponent. This was clearly an effort to solicit something of value from a foreign source. During the campaign, candidate Trump, at public campaign appearances, openly called upon Russia to release damaging information about his opponent. This was clearly an effort to solicit something of value from a foreign source.

As a citizen, I would like to know whether the chairwoman's words have any real meaning and whether charges are soon to be forthcoming about these obvious violations of the laws she referred to.

Steve Natoli

San Diego, California

"Beneath a Scarlet Sky" is a Must Read!

I've just finished a book that was such a great read I'm compelled to share it with you. "Beneath a Scarlet Sky" by Mark Sullivan is the can't-put-it-down story of the life of a teenage Italian boy who risked his life resisting the German occupation of his country in World War II. It's been a number one best seller, so get yourself a real or an e-copy and see what the buzz is all about.

Based on the true story of Giuseppi (Pino) Lella, "Scarlet Sky" is a real page turner. Sullivan spent years interviewing Lella, who is still alive, other survivors, and poring through archives to authenticate this breathtaking saga. Lella guides Jews over the Alps to Switzerland and safety, and even becomes the personal driver of a Nazi major general, passing along crucial secrets to the Allied high command.

Replete with narrow escapes, inspiring triumphs and tragic loss, and set within the scope of world-shaking events, in terms of how it affected me this is one of the great books I've ever read. It affirms that one person can make a difference for the good against great odds, and preserves the memory of many who deserve to be remembered, quite a few of whom gave their lives opposing one of the greatest evils the world has ever seen.

While reading the book I thought often about what a tremendous movie it would make. I've checked and found that the movie rights have been acquired by Pascal Pictures, with actor Tom Holland slated to play Pino Lella. I can't wait to see it! But in the meantime, I urge you to read the book. It's one you'll not soon forget.