Nearly forty years ago, in 1973 as a 12 year old, I became fascinated by the Watergate hearings. On a family vacation that summer in Northern Michigan I couldn’t keep my eyes off those hearings and watched each day as my siblings played in Lake Michigan. It was from that moment I decided I wanted to get involved in politics, and I have been ever since. Today in an interesting synchronicity I am back in Michigan watching the January 6th hearings, and am struck by the incredible import of what unfolded and is unfolding in America today.
Thank you, Matthew. I had just been wondering once again what was happening when that opinion that has spawned so much rot was written, and it makes perfect sense. Nixon thought he could ride out Watergate and had an opinion written that would protect him from legal accountability, at least as long as he was in office.
Thanks also for filling in my understanding of what happened after Lincoln’s assassination and how we’re still dealing with the consequences of an aborted truth and accountability project.
I’m afraid to hope, and afraid not to, that this time we might learn the lesson and not skip the necessary, painful steps that could lead to actually working through all this so we can move on without teeing up the next catastrophe. Hoping enough of us can see this to help bring it to pass.
I was so heartened to read todays commentary and I have posted this brief excerpt elsewhere;
"...but the path to reconciliation first has to go through discovery of the truth, and acceptance of responsibility for destructive actions, and a level of accountability for those who lead others astray".
Looking at the results of yesterday’s (6/14) elections and the apathy of Democratic voters, I fear we are just going to let our country devolve into a Putin-like state. Can’t blame Trump, can we?
Matthew, I agree with you on this and your powerful, important comments on Deadline today about the battle for the heart of soul of America. Please draft a campaign speech elaborating on that theme!
My suggested title, "A Clear and Present Danger."
I'd be glad to review and comment on a draft if you send it to me, or I could respond to a post here. BTW, some colleagues and I are working along this line at AmericansForHumanity.net.
I agree with 80% of your viewpoints. The above article was beyond expectations. Off topic, but it could be of importance is the political party donation system for small donors. Since the 2020 election period I (non-partisan donor) have monthly donated ($10.00 increments) to instate and out-of-state candidates in amounts ranging from $30.00 to $90.00. I realize perhaps that only the "FAT CATS" can deduct these $$$. I feel that it is important to put my money where my mouth is (besides just voting). There is no "sounding board" to contact. I am bombarded with "more, more, more". I prefer not to be on the "suckers" list. Only two Congressional women and you have been respectable and humbled by my support.
Great essay, Matthew. I pray that the Trump and his cronies are prosecuted for their crimes against our country. There is no other option to save the democracy.
After Nixon resigned, he and his wife purchased a townhome right up the street from me. I would occasionally see him and his wife in local restaurants and they were always lovely. It was so hard for me to reconcile the lovely, always friendly couple to the man involved with Watergate.
Thank you, Matthew. I had just been wondering once again what was happening when that opinion that has spawned so much rot was written, and it makes perfect sense. Nixon thought he could ride out Watergate and had an opinion written that would protect him from legal accountability, at least as long as he was in office.
Thanks also for filling in my understanding of what happened after Lincoln’s assassination and how we’re still dealing with the consequences of an aborted truth and accountability project.
I’m afraid to hope, and afraid not to, that this time we might learn the lesson and not skip the necessary, painful steps that could lead to actually working through all this so we can move on without teeing up the next catastrophe. Hoping enough of us can see this to help bring it to pass.
Great article….skillfully reasoned
Logic and common sense are missing human commodities in the current political marketplace
If the rule is “whatever I say it is”, then there can be no ordered society as the stronger shall always prevail
The American Experiment isn’t based on physical strength but rather the power of equity in ideas and common understanding
I was so heartened to read todays commentary and I have posted this brief excerpt elsewhere;
"...but the path to reconciliation first has to go through discovery of the truth, and acceptance of responsibility for destructive actions, and a level of accountability for those who lead others astray".
Thank you Matthew Dowd.
Looking at the results of yesterday’s (6/14) elections and the apathy of Democratic voters, I fear we are just going to let our country devolve into a Putin-like state. Can’t blame Trump, can we?
America won't have truth & accountability until the APA repents & takes the muzzle off psychology. https://samray.substack.com/p/psychiatry-and-psychology-are-failing
Matthew, I agree with you on this and your powerful, important comments on Deadline today about the battle for the heart of soul of America. Please draft a campaign speech elaborating on that theme!
My suggested title, "A Clear and Present Danger."
I'd be glad to review and comment on a draft if you send it to me, or I could respond to a post here. BTW, some colleagues and I are working along this line at AmericansForHumanity.net.
Carry on,
Wade
I agree with 80% of your viewpoints. The above article was beyond expectations. Off topic, but it could be of importance is the political party donation system for small donors. Since the 2020 election period I (non-partisan donor) have monthly donated ($10.00 increments) to instate and out-of-state candidates in amounts ranging from $30.00 to $90.00. I realize perhaps that only the "FAT CATS" can deduct these $$$. I feel that it is important to put my money where my mouth is (besides just voting). There is no "sounding board" to contact. I am bombarded with "more, more, more". I prefer not to be on the "suckers" list. Only two Congressional women and you have been respectable and humbled by my support.
Great essay, Matthew. I pray that the Trump and his cronies are prosecuted for their crimes against our country. There is no other option to save the democracy.
Thank you Mr. Dowd. Agreed, Former President Trump and his fellow conspirators, in my opinion, need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Must have accountability for those trying to destroy our democracy…Nixon needed to go to prison and so does Trump he’s such a liar
He is a traitor and led the insurrection!
After Nixon resigned, he and his wife purchased a townhome right up the street from me. I would occasionally see him and his wife in local restaurants and they were always lovely. It was so hard for me to reconcile the lovely, always friendly couple to the man involved with Watergate.