History Matters

Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon. The act, and the ludicrous contention of conservatives that it was the better part of "healing" the nation after Watergate, made George W. Bush's actions possible thirty years on.

The claims of executive privilege--a right, incidentally, not found in the Constitution--and the bald actions of an executive branch that holds itself above the law make clear that Ford paved the way for tyranny in this country. Nixon was not held accountable--he was let off the hook in a gentleman's agreement, "for our own good." Bush has never been called to account, either, and his entire life is one excusing gentleman's agreement after another. He fully expects, one can be sure, to either be left alone or to receive full pardon when he leaves office. By which time, our sad little nation may be beyond repair.

Rot in hell, President Ford.