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.)

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GunSmoke9 · 56-60, M

What did Trump do to influence Russia? Was he using Russia to change an American policy?

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@GunSmoke9 Russia wanted sanctions eased. It's quite likely that the Trump campaign was offering to ease sanctions if he got elected in exchange for Russia's help to influence the outcome of the election.

Trump did call for Russia to release classified U.S. national security documents in order to hurt Hillary's campaign.

GunSmoke9 · 56-60, M

@beckyromero There is no evidence that Trump colluded with Russia.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@GunSmoke9
🙄

There is no crime of "collusion."

There are these laws on the books, however:

The Logan Act
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.)

But I think Robert Mueller is going for something bigger than that, hoping to find a quid pro quo involving the Russians while violating 18 U.S. Code § 371 after already having violated 18 U.S. Code § 953.

18 U.S. Code § 371 - Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud United States

If two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense against the United States, or to defraud the United States, or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

If, however, the offense, the commission of which is the object of the conspiracy, is a misdemeanor only, the punishment for such conspiracy shall not exceed the maximum punishment provided for such misdemeanor.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 701; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

We'll see.

lorne13 · 61-69, M

@GunSmoke9 aside from the obvious, no there isnt

GunSmoke9 · 56-60, M

@beckyromero You're right, we'll see. Still over a year, and no evidence. Even the media seems to be backing off, with the focus on Stormy Daniels. But there is no doubt what Kerry was doing.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@GunSmoke9 The Stormy thing is nothing more (if that) an FEC violation. Slap on the wrist by paying a fine. Happens all the time.

It's whether promises were made to Russia that really matters.

Yet, Mueller hasn't found anything yet? Or is he just playing for the old tried and true obstruction of justice and perjury rap? If so, it's nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars.

If he can't get Trump on the Logan Act and conspiracy, then he should pack in it.

GunSmoke9 · 56-60, M

@beckyromero This has gone way beyond Russia collusion. What next? Trump got a speeding ticket forty years ago that he forgot to pay? I think most Americans had enough of trying to figure out who is telling the truth or not. I also believe people are seeing the double standard. Hillary basically gets a free pass, while Trump is raked over the coals.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@GunSmoke9

Hillary basically gets a free pass, while Trump is raked over the coals.

She only basically loses a presidential election because the FBI director can't even figure out if he needs to use the bathroom or not.