50 years ago Nixon resigned in disgrace, Gerald Ford took office- and pardoned Nixon. Ford argued that the pardon served the countrys best interests. He said Nixons circumstances reflect a tragedy in which we all have played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must. I was listening to the radio which talked about that sequence of events today- including the pardon. I can remember at the time being outraged by the pardon. Most Americans were. I think we all wanted our pound of flesh. But upon reflection, I came around and decided Ford did the right thing for our country. Prosecuting Nixon would have torn our country apart at a time when the country was already in turmoil. What I did think about is what if that happened today- whether this was a Bush or an Obama- if either of them(just to use as theoritical examples) resigned in disgrace similar to how Nixon did- what do you think would happen today? Clearly the new President- presumably of the same party- would have the same authority to pardon- but given the far more partisan atmosphere that exists now- would any pardon ever be acceptable to the other side? I think given the atmosphere today- that the extremes of each party would put judicial vengeance ahead of what is best for the U.S. I am hopeful that a real political discussion can be had rather than just attacking parties and politicians......
