Hacked? Did Russia try to influence the recent U.S. elections?

The Central Intelligence Agency is saying that Russia tried to sway the recent election for president of the United States in favor of Donald Trump.

Is the accusation accurate? Federal investigators are working to try to find out more about possible hacking of the U.S. election system by Russian computer experts.

Meanwhile, President-elect Trump is saying that the whole notion of Moscow interfering with the vote is nonsense and nothing more than a Democratic ploy to explain why Hillary Clinton lost.

We don't think it is wise to dismiss the allegations so quickly.

Russia is one of this country's biggest foes and would obviously like to exert some influence over who leads our nation. We must find out what, if anything, the Russian government did or did not do to interfere in our election process. It is a grave matter and one that should not be dismissed out of hand. Our election system must remain sacrosanct.

Trump's consideration of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of state only makes the situation more tense. Tillerson has close ties with the Russian government, and congressional leaders are rightfully concerned over his possible appointment to such a key post.

Trump says Tillerson's relationship with Moscow is a point in his favor. We aren't so sure.

Published in Editorials on December 12, 2016 9:42 AM