Nixon Library’s ‘Manipulations’
It’s discouraging to see the apparent manipulations of the truth by those involved in operating the privately run Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda (“Nixon Library Delights All but Scholars,” July 18).
The article quotes a 12-year-old visitor as saying he had thought of Nixon as “a bad President, a cheat and a robber.” But, after seeing the exhibits, he’s quoted: “I thought it was cool. . . . I kinda think Nixon was made to retire because people didn’t like him, so they framed him.”
Obviously, the library operators are accomplishing their purposes, at least with some 12-year-olds and other naive and immature persons. But the historical records are clear as to the truth of the young visitor’s earlier words. The records, including Nixon’s own words, lean more in the direction that proved him to be “a bad President, a cheat and a robber,” regardless of the efforts by some to edit tapes and manipulate and change historical facts.
IRVING E. FRIEDMAN, Laguna Niguel
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
