It was a sad day, but it was the best solution to an agonizing, two-year-long struggle to find the truth and bring an end to what had become known simply as “Watergate.”

Trying to follow the Byzantine developments in a criminal conspiracy that began in June of 1972 with a break-in at Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington’s Watergate complex quickly became a daily pastime for the vast majority of adults around the world.

It was the worst scandal the U.S. government had ever seen, and it brought down the White House. Richard Nixon was impeached by Congress, and resigned shortly thereafter.

Speaking at the White House on August 8th, he addressed the American public:

“By taking this action, I hope that I will have hastened the start of the process of healing which is so desperately needed in America.” [“This Day In History,” History.com, August 8, 2025.]

For two years, Nixon had lied, tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to bully members of his administration into becoming part of the cover-up, and fought to maintain his credibility with the American people. But he failed, because the members of Congress and of the Justice Department did their jobs, and refused to be coerced.

In that respect, August 8, 1974, was a very good day for America . . . and for democracy.

Enough said.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/8/25