It’s Tricky Dick Day!

Why is this man laughing?

By Fred Mills

On this day, September 8, in 1974, President Gerald Ford granted an unconditional pardon to Richard Nixon - this despite the fact that the former President, though disgraced in the aftermath of his resignation stemming from the Watergate scandal, had never been formally charged or convicted of any crimes.

It was an unprecedented moment in U.S. history; in effect, no matter what subsequent revelations regarding the Watergate break-in and the ensuing coverup might be revealed, Nixon couldn't be charged. It was also a shameful moment in our history too. Because while Watergate, the Nixon pardon, etc. certainly ushered in an era where the American citizenry would keep a more watchful eye upon our lawmakers and elected officials, by some estimations the series of incidents also help give credence to the sort of groupthink that led to the rise of George W. Bush's imperial presidency.

As the saying goes - "never forget."

This has been a public service (with Hofner bass-shaped guitars).

(Why are these men laughing? Because they know that in a few years the Constitution will be a worthless piece of paper with which they can wipe their asses!)