I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the findings of the Intelligence Community as stated in the report “Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections”. The report, conducted by our top intelligence agencies including the CIA, FBI, and NSA concluded “…Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election. Russian’s goals were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency. We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference of President Trump.”

The report is a declassified version of a highly classified assessment, meaning that the information presented to those investigating the matter is classified and not available for public view. However, we can get hints of the information the intelligence community reviewed and shared with the President and leading members of Congress by some of their responses after viewing the supporting classified materials:

“Every American should be alarmed by Russia’s attacks on our Nation. There is no national security interest more vital to the USA than the ability to hold free and fair elections without foreign interference. That’s why Congress must set partisanship aside, follow the facts and work together to devise comprehensive solutions to deter, defend against and, when necessary, respond to foreign cyber attacks.”–Senator John McCain.

“Don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out what Russia is up to–they’re trying to undermine democracies all over the world—I’m not challenging the outcome of the election, but very concerned about Russian interference/actions at home and throughout the world.”–Senator Lindsey Graham.

“This is a struggle for the soul of our democracy. We’re seeing all of our institutions being attacked–even our election system, the FBI, the CIA. There is a real crisis of legitimacy.”–Representative Elijah Cummings.

Since the report was issued, it came to the attention of the intelligence community that Michael Flynn, then national security advisor to President Trump, had discussed sanctions imposed by President Obama on Russia in retaliation for the interference into our elections and democratic process with the Russian ambassador, Sergei Kislyak. This would be undermining President Obama and diluting the ‘punishment’ imposed on Russia by him as sitting president.

Flynn insisted he had not discussed the sanctions with the Ambassador, told the FBI that he had not, and even told Vice President Pence the conversation regarding sanctions did not occur. However, transcripts of the conversation (taping the Ambassador as part of routine intelligence) proved he was not accurate. It begs the question, if it were not illegal, why did Flynn lie about it? He lied even to the FBI, which is a felony if pursued legally.

Why was no action taken after Trump was told of the communication between Flynn and Russia? Why was Pence not told? Is there any evidence, which has been alleged, of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia? Was money exchanged? Who paid for the attacks? Does Russian have any materials that could be used for blackmail? Many questions must be answered.

To me, all of this should demand an investigation by an independent special counsel, one granted full subpoena powers. We, the American people, have a need and right to know the truth. We must take this out of the political arena to ensure the continued sanctity of our Republic.

The full investigation could actually serve the current administration in clearing up all doubts many have on its connections with Russia. We need to restore faith in our system of democracy, which includes free and open elections that have not been tampered with by foreign entities. An independent investigation, divorced from partisan politics, and conducted in public view, is essential to restoring that faith. Call your Congress people and demand that such an investigation be approved. We, the American people, must know the answers.

Judi Lutz Woods is a Fredonia resident.