HAVE NOT CHANGED
I have given serious consideration to modifying my views concerning the role former FBI agent Felt chose to play as “Deep Throat” in the Watergate area. There are those among us who say I have spoken of the aging man without respect for his age, without compassion, “off the handle” and with undue haste.
I find that I am situated pretty much where I have been for many years concerning basic principles and I see no good reason for making changes.
My natural feeling surfaced when I first heard of his role and evidence is plentiful showing that he, as some say, deserves special treatment because he admits, and even brags about his actions in the “Deep Throat” role.
The very same feelings welled up again upon hearing his confessions concerning actions taken by him when he was an FBI man. He had sworn loyalty to that governmental section. He broke those vows which is simply not done. I find any indication of any special dispensations which give his type any right to simply disregard and such obligations. It remains strictly illegal for any member to simply pass information to outsiders. That which Felt did was wrong.
I can say I do not feel enmity toward the individual himself would feel the same about anyone who did such a thing -'ashamed" might be a better word for. It's something a bit stronger that being "disappointed". I felt ashamed,I suppose, in a way, wondering how it could be is that a fellow citizen of this fine land of ours could allow himself to ignore and ,in so doing, place other persons in jeopardy.
I understand the the conduct of the newspaper persons most often associated with the Watergate scandals. They work and live by what is often called a "news instinct" which urges informant protection to keep their supply of news materials flowing. In other fields of work it is called "If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." Once started, he or she will not reveal his or her source of information of material secure.
I find it rather odd that a main memory of mine of the Watergate doings, remains a remark made by a young man who's name I don't know., He was, at that time - that would be about the fall of '72, right? - pumping gasoline for motor cars at a petrol point in northwestern London. He was genuinely puzzled and concerned when he asked me: "What in the world are you Americans doing to your president?!"
...I know. I know. Using both a "?" and a "!" are improper.
A.L.M. June 17, 2005 [c443wds]
