"I gave my enemies a sword...and they ran me through."

On August 8th, 1974 a grave announcement was made, one that was never heard before in American history, the President of the United States was resigning from his office...

 Impeachment proceedings had been already underway, President Richard Millhouse Nixon was being linked to a scandal, one that became known as "The Watergate Scandal."
 On June17th, 1972, several burglars were arrested in the office of the Democratic National Committee, located in the " Watergate Building" in Washington D.C.
 The burglars were caught attempting to wiretap phones and steal classified secret documents.
President Nixon was never prosecuted or directly connected to that evening but it was further unveiled "hush money" had been raised for the burglars in an attempt to stop the FBI from investigating the crime. There was also evidence of much paper shredding and general noncooperation from Nixon staff members.
 In August of 1974 Nixon's role in the Watergate Scandal came to light, and the result of the investigation brought the President to his decision to resign. Gerald Ford, the vice-president of the United States, took the office of President at noon on August 9th, 1974.
 President Ford took immediate action on Nixon's behalf and pardoned Nixon for all the crimes "he committed or may have committed".
 The Watergate Scandal had a deep impact on Americans, particularly in regards to their loyalties and trusts in general to the whole political landscape of America. Criticism took on a new zeal with almost anyone venturing to run in the political forum.

 President Nixon had been one of the most experienced politicians in the presidential office. He had been a congressman, a U.S senator, and a vice president.
 He had been through the"hippie movement", the Chilean overthrow in South America, and many other social issues in the U.S. such as the "Black Panther" movement.
 President Nixon was known for his "paranoia", kept lists of those he thought were his enemies. Some thought Nixon's view of the presidency was a vehicle for punishing his enemies and promoting his friends.
 In regards to his comments on the Watergate Scandal, he replied:" I gave my enemies a sword...and they ran me through."

"Fear is the response of the human heart...when it's one thing is threatened."
                                                                                                   St. Augustine

 "Paranoia is the delusion that your enemies are organized and poised...to get you."
                                                                                                   Shane Masterson