Nixon on abortion

By Michael J.W. Stickings

I realize that Nixon improved his reputation somewhat during his post-presidential days -- and, with Watergate receding into history, friendly historians played along, as, of course, did Nixonian Republicans, many of whom rose once again under the Bushes -- but, a sensible policy here and there aside, he was still a terrible president and a rather reprehensible human being.

Take his views on abortion, for example.

As The New York Times reports, newly released tapes show that he was ambivalent on abortion, the legalization of which, under Roe, was one of the key developments during his presidency. Legalized abortion would lead to "permissiveness," in his view, and harm "the family," but -- and here's where it gets ugly:

There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.

That's right. Abortion is necessary, perhaps primarily necessary, when interracial procreation is involved. Because you don't want those mixed babies being born, do you? I mean, that would just destroy the American way, wouldn't it?

Sure, abortion's bad, but if it can keep the races pure, well...

We knew Nixon was a racist. This just adds a new twist to it, while providing yet another glimpse into the mind of a twisted man.