Nixon Legacy Both Past and Prologue

I was keenly disappointed reading Robert Scheer’s March 5 commentary regarding former President Richard Nixon.

The new tapes simply confirm Nixon’s biases. Nixon hated many people. He disgraced the presidency and, as we all know, was obliged to resign. For Scheer to beat a dead horse may give pleasure to some, but we already knew Nixon’s character, and he earned his low esteem among historians. In spite of some achievements, such as opening a dialogue with China and Russia, his legacy is set in stone.

Likewise, Bill Clinton’s character has been established, and his legacy is at the bottom tier of past presidents. As new revelations come forward in 20 or 30 years, or sooner, it is hoped that right-wing opposites of Scheer will not pound away.

Both legacies are established. Let’s move on with our lives and print constructive columns rather than regurgitate the past.

Robert P. Abate

La Quinta

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Thank goodness for people like Scheer, who remind us that the U.S. has its share of narrow-minded zealots in powerful positions.

Such a reminder is especially important now, when too many Americans are prone to be sanctimonious and think evil resides only in other parts of the world.

Ben Kerkvliet

Canberra, Australia

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Well, it happened much sooner than I expected. Neither Scheer nor Paul Conrad (cartoon, Commentary, March 6) could make any of their mud attacks stick to Bush, so they’ve both refocused their liberal hate on their old standby, a deceased Nixon.

Bernard Peters

Placentia