Lessons from Watergate
Watergate was a time when Americans saw an absolute abuse of power; it represents how important it is to be weary of political leaders.
In recent years, patriotism has been confused with blind faith in the government. However, a true patriot loves the land and people that encompass this country. With that love comes skepticism of those who lead, ensuring that they won’t betray us like in 1972.
Being a patriot is wanting the best for all Americans no matter what your personal beliefs are. It is a privilege to be a citizen of a country that strives for liberty and justice for all, and to reach that justice, one must take great care in exercising their civic duty. This right to vote is something that has been fought for across generations and should be appreciated. There is nothing like learning the history of those who came before you and fully grasping how lucky we are to have the ability to make a difference.
A patriot understands the weight of the decision they make when stepping into the voting booth. Nobody is safe from having a bias, and it is normal to want to see someone who has similar views as you in office. However, it is important to take into consideration if they love the land and people in this country. Are they a true patriot? This applies to everyone in power, whether it be the president or the local county commissioner.
The Watergate Scandal uncovered what people in power are capable of manipulating. The downfall that led to Watergate stemmed from a feeling of political insecurity from President Nixon. He had an “us versus them” mentality, and that results in a country divided by party lines. It brings up the question, are we choosing people who hold respect for the opposing side? Too heavy of a focus on our differences results in believing that you need to destroy your opponents. Paranoia takes over and you start to think everyone is out to get you. You will then do whatever it takes to secure your position. These are the thoughts that drove the break in at the DNC, and the subsequent cover-up. This hatefulness drives the country and creates citizens that hate each other. Hate creates prejudice, the opposite of the American ideal: liberty and justice for all.
