If John Kerry Violated Logan Act, Then Didn't Trump, Too?

President Trump is complaining that former Secretary of State John Kerry has likely violated the Logan Act by communicating with the Iranian government.

I think they BOTH have. Lock them up! Preferably in the same cell.

18 U.S. Code § 953 - Private correspondence with foreign governments

Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply, himself or his agent, to any foreign government or the agents thereof for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 744; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

SW-User

You should probably wait to know the facts. Or not.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@SW-User What's to wait for?

According to Trump, Trump did not give Kerry permission to negotiate with Iran.

And we already know that the Trump campaign was talking to the Ruskies.

SW-User

@beckyromero We don't know what Kerry said. There needs to be "intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government."

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@SW-User

Safe to say didn't meet with Javad Zarif to discuss Iran's chances in the World Cup.

Probably more of an ego thing for him. He doesn't want to see a pact he negotiated go up in smoke. Just like the repeal of parts of Obamacare ticks Obama off.

SW-User

@beckyromero Unless there is audio there, you are jumping the gun.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@SW-User

Unless there is audio there, you are jumping the gun.

Not really. My question did start with "If."

And there's no reason to hold off speculating.

If speculating wasn't ever done, no one would be in prison.

(And let's not kid ourselves, neither Kerry or Trump are going to jail. But a conviction for a real underlying crime, not obstruction of justice or perjury, would be nice.)

Yes, I'm still ticked off at Kerry for endorsing Obama in 2008 instead of the guy he picked as his running mate for years earlier.

I think he damned well knew Edwards was having an affair.

Had that news broke before Iowa, I think Obama doesn't win the caucus there.

Hillary gets the momentum, still wins New Hampshire and it's essentially over by Super Tuesday.

SW-User

@beckyromero Convictions are based on relevant evidence, not conjecture.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@SW-User

Convictions are based on relevant evidence, not conjecture.

But it's often the conjecture that leads to a search for evidence in the first place.

SW-User

@beckyromero Not clear what you mean by "search" but a search warrant requires probable cause, not conjecture.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@SW-User "search" in the generic sense