Presidents' Day.

I didn't think so at the time because I was a kid basically and believed in the "Nixon bad" propaganda. In retrospect: Richard Nixon - the greatest President of my lifetime...so far. Foreign Policy Genius. Decades ahead of his time. Interview videos are out there with him, search for them.

It wasn't until I watched interviews with him while he was still alive, read a couple of his books, read much of the transcripts of his Oval Office recordings that were released over the years, that I realized how great a president he was. The demonization of him by those who dislike, or outright despise him, is undeserved and just another tool the political opposition uses when it fits their narrative. 

The transcripts and recordings state Nixon didn't know about and played no part in planning the Watergate fiasco. Had he known, he'd wouldn't have allowed it to happen. Why would he approve or do this? He was miles ahead in the polls and sailing to a landslide victory.

Upon learning of the break-in, he was furious. He did participate in the attempted cover-up instead of going public with it. Would the public have accepted an explanation from him? 

Had Nixon said, "I didn't know about this. I had no knowledge of it and played no part in planning it. Those who planned and committed this have been fired, will face trial and if convicted face all consequences. I'm here to tell you this so there is full transparency," would he have been believed? I don't know. Nixon had his flaws, who doesn't? Still riding the election landslide, he might have made a case for himself and remained in office. 

Probably one of the very few Presidents of his era (other than Ford, Carter and maybe Reagan) who didn't cheat on his wife. He loved "Pat" so much. Total respect to this man. 

To my knowledge, the only President to forgo Secret Service protection after leaving office.

Two of his books I've read: "Six Crises" and "In The Arena." Both available online and free. Search for Archived PDF versions if interested.

Imagine being on the beach and you run into Nixon, walking alone, no Secret Service. Finding a place to sit down and just listening to him. 

Books authored by Nixon.

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Since it's Presidents' Day: FJB.

McCain Doing his Best to help Democrats

Sad John McCain

Pretend Republican John McCain said the so-called "Trump Scandals", are "reaching a Watergate size and scale." The Hill (so sorry, I try never to link to them):

McCain made the statement at an International Republican Institute dinner on Tuesday night. Multiple reporters said that during a speech at the event, McCain compared recent reports surrounding Trump's administration to Watergate, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Who needs Democrats when you have McCain?

McCain also said he thought talk of impeachment is not a rational approach. Washington Examiner:

Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, called for Trump's impeachment in a Wednesday floor speech. "This is where I stand," Green said. "I will not be moved. The president must be impeached."

That's not "rational," according to McCain[.]

Well, McCain can change his mind and be pro-impeachment in a matter of hours, if not minutes.

And as for Al Green...his accomplishments seem to be being LOUD and being arrested with play-date George cLooney.

It's times like this when Caligula made perfect sense: 

[Caligula] had an inherent dislike and contempt for the Senators, maintaining they were useless. [Little has changed. - DD]. To belittle them he most probably threatened to appoint his horse to the Senate as the horse would most probably do a better job.