Opening of Library-Museum Returns Nixon to Limelight

I suppose that I should not find it surprising that Reagan, whose Administration was involved in everything from illegal arms deals to supporting terrorists, is praising Nixon’s record.

While the activities of the Nixon Administration may seem somewhat tame by comparison, that makes them no less repugnant. Perhaps we are as a nation forgetting what responsible leadership means to such an extent that someday the appalling actions of Nixon will seem commonplace, and historians will indeed praise his achievements. However, if there is any justice (or indeed morality) in the world, it will be the moral failing of the Reagan Administration that will be recognized, not the dubious successes of the Nixon Administration.

JONATHAN KAPLAN

Irvine