Doug+W.+-+RN+-+FA11

Richard Nixon January 9, 1913- April 22, 1994 Republican 1969—1973, 1973—1974 (resigned) Vice Presidents: Spiro T. Agnew (first term), Gerald R. Ford (second term)'

Thematic Context: Religion In 1970, the Mormon church officially declared discrimination against black Americans. In a time where the Civil Rights battle was still fizzling, this was just another example of discrimination against blacks. While Richard Nixon tried to take strides toward equality, only little was truly done. In June of 1972, the first openly-gay minister ever involved in a Christian organization was ordained. This comes as a shock, as not only was the U.S. a nation that was not so accepting of homosexuals back then, but the church was downright abhorred by the homosexual community. But now that a openly-gay minister was ordained, the church of America was starting to change (whether for the good or bad).

While the presidency of Richard Nixon is remembered mostly by the scandal that ended it, one must look back at Nixon's body of work to justly judge the job he did. Much of his presidency was consumed by the tail end of the Vietnam War (or at least America's involvement). Economic troubles also plagued Nixon's time in office, as the ecnomy seemed to be constantly fluxuating. All things considered, Richard Nixon should be given the grade of a C.

One of Nixon's goals right out of the gate was to lower the already-high inflation rate in the United States. While struggling to both end the war to reduce the rate and to pass acts through Congress, Nixon eventually saw the inflation rate start to decrease... for awhile. Soon after, though, it began to rise again; perhaps even worse than when Nixon took over. Another goal Nixon had was to be a "peacemaker" for the country. Now, while this goal is vague and open to interpretation, he did eventually bring an end to many wartime protests by ending America's involvement in the Vietnam War a couple years into his time in office.

Nixon, a Republican, had a tough time working with a Congress in which both Houses were Democratic. This divide showed greatly while trying to improve the economy in the U.S. in the early 1970's. Whether it was trying to reduce inflation or implement government controls, acts proposed by Nixon took long periods of time to get through Congress; some to the point where the acts couldn't have the desired effect. When unable to get pieces of legislation passed through Congress when necessary, it reflects badly on the presidency.

The most positive decision made by Nixon was the eventual pulling out of American troops in Vietnam. While many Americans saw it as long overdue, they were very receptive to Nixon after he'd made this decision. And not only was he bringing troops back home, but he was also getting out of a war that could further harm foreign relations. Also, he could now focus on fixing the sinking economy and alter it now that he didn't have to factor in war costs. On the negative side of things, it's hard not to see the Watergate Scandal that abruptly ended Nixon's presidency as the most negative. While struggling to fix the economy in America, Nixon was accused of dirty politics involving sabotaging the Democrats. His cabinet was involved in activity that led back to Nixon, and cast him into a negative light. The American people lost trust in Nixon, and after that happens, he was all but ineffective. Ineffectiveness is not what the country needed at this time.

Nixon's sudden resignation led to a quick and unexpected changing of the guard, as Ford took office. Nixon's dirty doings now had politicians, officials, and citizens' eyes peeled; watching to make sure major officials weren't involved in any foul play. A time of anti-trust in officials started to fester as well. So, Nixon left a negative stench in the oval office for the future.

While it wasn't the best presidency this nation's seen, it wasn't the worst either. It was average: A few bright spots dulled by mistakes and wrondoings. He had no impact on an economy that needed change, and, although he appealed to the people by ending America's involvement in the Vietnam War, that approval soon went away with the allegations of Watergate. So, after all's said and done, Richard Nixon's presidency should be rated with a C.

"History of American Religion: Timeline 1600 - 2004." //Agnosticism / Atheism - Skepticism & Atheism for Atheists & Agnostics//. Web. 22 Dec. 2011. [].


 * "Richard Milhous Nixon: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." //Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and Hundreds More//. Web. 22 Dec. 2011. .

"Richard Nixon." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 22 Dec. 2011. [].