The resignation of Richard Nixon

"Therefore, I shall resign the Presidency effective at noon tomorrow." These words were spoken by President Richard Nixon thirty-seven years ago today. With these words, Richard Nixon became the first  and only president in U.S. history to resign. As most people know, Nixon's resignation came in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. Following the break-in at the Watergate office complex, President Nixon denied any involvement, and claimed that he had no knowledge of what had taken place. President Nixon was eventually implicated in the scandal, and made the decision to resign on August 9, 1974. History has shown that President Nixon did not reach this decision easily. He was determined to stay in office despite all of the controversy surrounding him. Ultimately, the outside pressures became too much, and facing certain impeachment, the President did the only thing that he could. While I am disappointed in the actions of President Nixon, I commend him for his decision to resign. He knew the implications that impeachment would have on the nation, and he didn't want to put the American people through that. In his resignation speech, President Nixon stated that America needs a full time President. He knew he could not effectively govern the nation while facing impeachment. Presidents often speak about what their legacy will be. Almost every President wants history to remember them fondly. Unfortunately, Richard Nixon's legacy will forever be linked to the scandal that was simply known as Watergate.