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Happy Resignniversary!

Add comment August 8th, 2007at 05:45pm Posted by Eli

Today is the 33rd anniversary of one of the best and worst moments in American history: The resignation of Richard M. Nixon.

It was one of the best moments because it was a triumph of our constitutional system, as it successfully removed a corrupt and lawless president for power. It was also, dare I say it, a great moment for the congressional Republicans who told Nixon it was time for him to go, for the good of the country, or at least the party. And I even have to give Nixon some credit for ultimately yielding to the obvious.

But it was also one of the worst moments because of all that went before it, the dishonor cast upon our government in general, and the office of the president in particular. How could we have not just elected, but re-elected such an odious criminal? Why did it take so long to get rid of him?

And now, 33 years later, we find ourselves suffering through a presidency that makes Richard Nixon look like Jimmy Carter, and yet there is no impeachment or resignation in sight. A few Republicans are squirming privately, and an even smaller few are squirming more publicly, but the overwhelming majority of Republicans (and media) still act as though Dubya can do no wrong, and the overwhelming majority of Democrats want nothing to do with impeachment.

Where did we go astray? When did it become so hard to distinguish right from wrong? When did our media and elected representatives stop caring about the difference, even if only for the sake of appearances?

What has happened to us?

Entry Filed under: Bush, Impeachment, Politics, Republicans