On this date 52 years ago — November 17, 1973 — in the midst of the biggest political scandal of the 20th century, a group of Associated Press editors asked then-President Richard Nixon about his role in the Watergate burglary and cover-up. He replied that:

“ . . . people have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook. I’ve earned everything I’ve got.” [“Today In History,” History.com, November 17, 2025.]

Less than a year later, on August 8, 1974, Nixon resigned the presidency to avoid impeachment for his crimes. He had earned that, too.

The riddle, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” originated from a Zen Buddhist koan: a paradoxical question meant to provoke insight and transcend logical thought. It might represent the idea of the sound of silence, the emptiness of the ego, or the nature of existence beyond dualistic thinking.

Such was the effect of Nixon’s disingenuous disclaimer half a century ago. And the echoes of that silent clapping resound today, drowning out the noise of the denials of yet another occupant of the Oval Office as to his administration’s “high crimes and misdemeanors.” *

* Article II, Section 4, U.S. Constitution.

Will the fallout be similar? History does tend to repeat itself; but times change, attitudes change, and reactions are not easily predicted. So, as always, time will tell.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/17/25