The revelations regarding Hillary Clinton’s emails demonstrate a level of disregard and irresponsibility on her part that cannot be excused, explained or set aside.

Any government official or member of the intelligence community who works with, generates or receives information or communications is fully aware that such material must be transmitted or discussed only via secure means.

Mrs. Clinton’s explanation that she did not transmit or receive classified documents is not a logical rationale. It is an attempt at political cover without taking responsibility. She knows that exposing all such communications via unsecure means exposes the content to unauthorized interception.

I served four years in the Naval Security Group. I held the highest security clearance there is. I always recognized that I needed to protect all information and communications at all times, whether classified at the time or not.

If I had created the type of security breach Mrs. Clinton has, I would have lost my clearance and been court-martialed and dishonorably discharged.

If Mrs. Clinton were being vetted for a security clearance today after this breach, she would never receive any level of clearance. She has committed the most significant violation of her clearance and access I can imagine.

I do not offer this letter related to a political agenda. Rather, I shudder to think that a person with such blatant disregard for a necessary process would be given access to any level of official or classified information.

Perhaps we should vet every candidate for a government position that requires a security clearance before they can be considered for, much less given or elected to, such positions.

And if anyone violates the policies and protocols that exist and are not ambiguous, that person should be held accountable by more than hollow rhetoric and excuses.

Jim Smith

North Yarmouth