Topic: Richard Nixon

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Briefing
IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal

The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.
17 stories from 'Undefeated: Inside the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ Perfect Season’

Writer Mike Freeman explores the undefeated season of the Florida team in his book.
Presidential libraries: from Boston to Honolulu ... or maybe Chicago

Presidential libraries can be found coast to coast, and may even go beyond that once a site is selected for President Obama's future repository of documents and artifacts. To quickly hopscotch around to the 13 official presidential libraries and museums overseen by the National Archives, plus that of Abraham Lincoln, check out this library list.
Inauguration 2013: 10 highlights from previous second-term addresses

Barack Obama will be the 17th American president to deliver two inaugural addresses. Here are 10 highlights from such speeches by previous two-term presidents, including the shortest one ever.

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Columbus Day: What's open, what's closed, what's happening?

On Columbus Day, many Americans observe Christopher Columbus's discovery of the New World, which the explorer himself mistakenly thought was India. True, it's not the most exciting holiday on the calendar. It's not even observed in every state, which means Columbus Day comes with a lot of gray area about practical matters, such as who's working and who's not. Here's your practical guide to Columbus Day.
What history says about President Obama's approval rating now

President Obama's approval rating hovers around 40 percent. Will he get reelected? It doesn't look good in the light of other presidents (since 1947) at this same point.
Former US Sen. Charles Percy of Illinois was 'fervently moderate'

Former US Sen. Charles Percy of Illinois, who passed on Saturday, was a moderate Republican whose views put him at odds with conservatives including former President Richard Nixon.
Rick Perry's 'Ponzi scheme' problem: new evidence it's real

Gov. Rick Perry's inflammatory language on Social Security doesn't sit well with independents, though it's a wash for Republican voters, a new Gallup poll shows.
Budget debate: What should be the role of government?

Voters will have a fundamental choice between reducing spending and getting the programs they want.
The one truly great – and truly humble – presidential memoir

Ulysses S. Grant may not be remembered as our best president, but his memoir is often cited as the best of all presidential writings.
Worried about the gold market? It's a test.

Bull market will be tested by lower gold market prices. Don't jump ship.
Could NATO's Libya mission be its last hurrah?

With the austerity gripping Europe and a new generation of leaders not shaped by cold-war politics, NATO's future is increasingly in question.
In Pictures: Presidential transport
Fiat money turns 40, the tragedy goes on

Forty years ago, on Aug.15, the US dollar became backed by a promise from the government instead of gold. It was a mistake that's not too late to remedy.
Our lost decade

America hasn't fared well in the last 10 years, and unless some changes are made, prosperity still won't be in the cards for America any time soon
An enduring, and emotional, allure

Gold is attractive to wear and look at, but even more attractive to own as a commodity these days.
From gold rush to gold standard: history's filigree

A timeline of the precious metal's effects on the world – from gold rush to gold standard.
Betty Ford fondly remembered at California memorial service(VIDEO)

Betty Ford, married to the late President Gerald R. Ford, was remembered Tuesday for her grace and being an advocate of women's rights.
On China, by Henry Kissinger

Kissinger is convinced that China must be dealt with through compromise.
Atlantis Day 2: Coldplay song evokes bittersweet moment for space shuttle

To NASA workers and shuttle fans, Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" as Atlantis's Saturday wakeup call was a wistful tribute to a vehicle that has been the leading symbol of America's space program.
Betty Ford: A free spirit who became an inspiration to millions

Former first lady Betty Ford's triumph over drug and alcohol addiction became a beacon of hope for addicts and the inspiration for her Betty Ford Center in California. Mrs. Ford passed on Friday.
Atlantis launch successful, historic final shuttle mission underway

Atlantis launch: Despite a bleak forecast of thunderstorms and clouds, the shuttle beat the weather in a stunning midday launch, sailing into the sky on one final voyage.
'Dramatic change' to marijuana laws? What bill before Congress would do.

A new bipartisan bill would remove marijuana from the company of heroin and cocaine in federal regulations, leaving it to the states to legalize pot – or not. Inter-state trafficking would remain a federal crime.
Something for Nothing

A poignantly dark comedy follows a 1970s Californian businessman who takes wing as a fledgling smuggler.
Brazil's high court OKs 'Marijuana Marches'

The court ruled in favor of 'Marijuana Marches' as an expression of free speech, overturning several state bans. A wide array of free-speech activists joined one such march this weekend.
'What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?'

An exhibit at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., featuring vitamin donuts and President Nixon's last White House breakfast shows the historic influence of the government on what we eat.
Is Obama following in Nixon's footsteps by going after WikiLeaks?

Julian Assange faces a US grand jury investigation for his releases of information through WikiLeaks. Are there parallels between RIchard Nixon's legal action against The New York Times for publishing the Pentagon Papers?
Pentagon Papers declassified today. Will we learn any shocking new secrets?

The release 40 years ago of the Pentagon Papers, which showed how several presidential administrations had misled Americans about their intentions in Vietnam, was a historic moment. Now, people can read the report just as government officials themselves saw it.
Obama in 2012: Who can challenge him?

Newsweek/Daily Beast columnist Jack W. Germond says Republicans don't have anyone yet who can challenge Barack Obama for the 2012 presidency.