Nixon Inspired at the Very End

Nixon. The name says much about corruption, anti-human ideology and fascism. [Bush, Rove and Cheney's type of government.]

At the last moments of his presidency, Nixon, in an apparent extemporaneous and clearly heart-felt address, left us (and the White House staff) the words below.

They remain inspiring.

One wonders if George W. Bush, facing mortality or the end of his presidency, has the intelligence and ability to reflect that made Nixon, literally at the last instant of his presidency, discover redemption and humanity.

Richard M. Nixon's Farewell Speech to the White House Staff

... We think that when someone dear to us dies, we think that when we lose an election, we think that when we suffer a defeat that all is ended. We think, as T.R. said, that the light had left his life forever.

Not true.

It is only a beginning, always. The young must know it; the old must know it. It must always sustain us, because the greatness comes not when things go always good for you, but the greatness comes and you are really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes, because only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.

Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself. ...

- Richard Nixon, August 8, 1974