Watergate

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Watergate Hotel

In my history class this week we had a very interesting discussion about the Watergate Scandal involving former President Nixon... Now I'm sure we have all in someway or another heard about this scandal but for those who have not, the Watergate Scandal was basically a burglary that took place in the democratic headquarters where files were tampered with and most people directed it back to the white house. Many individuals believed that President Nixon was fully aware of the matter but resigned before it got "too hot."

A student in my class made the point that although Nixon resigned from office before any truth could be proven to his involvement, federal charges against him were dropped by President Ford even though he deserved some type of punishment. My professor simply responded by saying that America was experiencing a lot at the time. They were going through the Vietnam War, and having to deal with Watergate was too much of a hassle.


The student in my class then posed the question of whether or not a president should not be held to the same level of responsibility. He questioned whether or not Nixon should have not been accused simply because he was president. The student felt that it was simply a double standard that has lead to the corrupt form of government in America today.

I agree 50% with the student. The fact that ethics and moral code were not involved in the decision being made on behalf of Nixon it does cause me to woner if the government just took the "Sell out" route to keep things cool. The fact that Nixon was not punished for this capital crime makes me wonder just how the government might be today if he had been convicted. Would it have made a difference? Or would we simply still be in the positions that we are in today? Could Nixon's prosecution during the Watergate Scandal have been an added bonus or hindrance to American government?