Clinton email decision set a bad precedent

I was alarmed and concerned when reading The Day’s headline “Groton sailor using ‘Clinton defense’ in case of photos taken on sub,” (Aug 17).

This former sailor took highly classified pictures inside of a submarine, a federal felony. He faced a sentence of as much as 5 to 6.5 years in prison for unauthorized retention of national defense information. His lawyer, in the sailor’s defense, argued that his client should receive a lesser sentence given the outcome of similar cases, such as the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s handling of classified information.

“It would be unjust and unfair for this individual to receive any sentence other than probation for a crime those more powerful than him will likely avoid,” said the lawyer.

When those in top leadership positions break the law and go unpunished, it has a trickle-down effect on crimes of every type and flavor. This is a prime example of how our national security becomes at risk (and social justice too), when allowing a presidential candidate to move forward after blatantly breaking the law.

Many legal decisions are based upon precedent. Evaluating it within its potential scope, this scenario is scary and most concerning. John J. Chapman Norwich

Editor’s note: The defendant was sentenced Aug. 19 to one year in prison.