Night time, June 17, 1972, the "plumbers" have broken into the Watergate Hotel Democratic Committee headquarters in search of dirt against presidential candidate George McGovern.

The illegal operation was conceived by CREEP, the Committee to Reelect the President. That would be Richard Nixon.

The break-in was quickly discovered by a security guard, and for the next two years, the United States was thrown into turmoil as Nixon and his top aides tried to cover things up.

On August 8, 1974, Nixon resigned rather than be impeached and convicted, which he would have been. But, still, ferocious emotions enveloped the country as many Americans wanted the 37th President tried in a court of law and possibly put into prison.

Now, nearly 49 years later, America faces a similar situation but one that remains largely undefined; the legal attacks on former President Donald Trump.

Americans are starkly divided over the justice system punishing Mr. Trump, especially with so many political ramifications in play. Trump hatred has turned into a populist issue as some citizens turn on each other. Fair news coverage is rare; emotions rule.

The big picture is that every single American is hurt by the "get Trump" movement, whether they know it or not. And one dramatic moment in history proves that.

After Richard Nixon left office, Vice President Gerald Ford took over. He faced a difficult problem as law enforcement efforts against Nixon escalated.

So, on September 8, 1974, Ford pardoned his predecessor. His statement said: "The facts, as I see them, are that a former President of the United States, instead of enjoying equal treatment with any other citizen accused of violating the law, would be cruelly and excessively penalized either in preserving the presumption of his innocence or in obtaining a speedy determination of his guilt in order to repay a legal debt to society.

"During this long period of delay and potential litigation, ugly passions would again be aroused. And our people would again be polarized in their opinions. And the credibility of our free institutions of government would again be challenged at home and abroad."

Ford may have lost the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter because of the pardon. But he knew Richard Nixon and his family were being torn to pieces by vengeful opponents. He also knew Nixon could not afford the millions of dollars in legal fees that would accrue.

President Ford's pardon was humane and positive for the country.

Does President Biden have that kind of vision? The fact that Donald Trump is again running for President clouds the answer to that question. We also don't know exactly what the evidence is against Trump in multiple cases.

In addition, a Biden pardon of Trump would alienate his most rabid supporters and the corporate media that continues to back him. Thus, I don't see old Joe putting the welfare of the country above his personal situation. He's rarely done that in the past.

Therefore, America will continue to decline in civility and unity. No more "one nation under God." Now we are a country of bitterness and distrust.

Where's Gerald Ford when we need him?

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