Nixon's Secrets-a book report

The Rise, fall, and untold truth about the President, Watergate, and the Pardon By, Roger Stone I found this book at my local Library. I’m almost sorry I did. It is a 600 page book containing numerous references to people, some of whom I remembered but others not. With so many names it becomes confusing. Out of pure stubbornness I plowed my way thru, finally finishing it this morning. Although very well written, by a man who had a close relationship with Nixon: I cannot recommend reading. Most of it concerns the many years before becoming President. While interesting and informative, I would have preferred more input while Nixon was President. Contrary to most I believe he was a strong President. There were many achievements. He reduced the tension between us and Russia. He opened up China where before him, that was not to be done. He saved Israel during their 1973 Yon Kippur War by immediately sending everything Israel needed to continue fighting Egypt and Syria. In retaliation the Gulf States drastically increased the cost of oil which caused chaos in the U.S. and Europe. With the economy devastated he installed wage and price controls, released the dollar from gold, He pioneered the affirmative action program leading to an increase in Federal purchases from black firms. He believed that blacks had been treated unfairly in America and he worked energetically to rectify that mistake. He created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), halted dumping in the Great Lakes, passed the Clean Air Act, and opposed an amendment to protect school prayer. Other programs were accomplished; the Noise Control Act (1972), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), the Endangered Species Act (1973) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (1974). Aren’t you amazed that a so-called Conservative President could accomplish these goals? He tried other social initiatives which were not approved but he did try. Good for him. As to Watergate, that is such a jumbled mess that it is hard even after reading to understand. I think I accept that there were groups in the government out to get him and they did. There was absolutely no reason to burglarize the Democratic Party headquarters. Nixon was well ahead in the polls and easily won his second term. Nonetheless it was Watergate that brought him down. Just for the heck of it, I am going to include the author’s comments about Hillary’s involvement in Watergate. In 1974 she was a 27 year old staff lawyer for the House of Representatives Judicial Impeachment Inquiry Committee. It was a partisan project. She helped to manipulate the political process and strip Nixon of his constitutional rights to a fair hearing. She was fired after it was uncovered that she was working to impede the investigation and undermine Nixon’s defense. Her boss said “Hillary’s lies and unethical behavior goes back farther-and much deeper-than anyone realizes”. I decided to add this little tidbit for those of you who think she is worthy of being our President. Jack B. Walters May 18, 2015