In August Former President Donald Trump was booked at Fulton County Jail on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump had also been indicted in three other states (Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia) since August 15. He pleaded not guilty to all four charges, which included conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
On June 11, 1972, the Watergate scandal took place when President Nixon attempted to cover up his involvement in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Building in Washington, D.C. During this period, illegal findings and activities within the Nixon administration were exposed, leading to Nixon’s resignation. The Watergate break-in itself did not trigger his resignation, but the subsequent cover-up plunged him and his administration into a severe downward spiral.
As the public has often dubbed this as one of the worst political scandals in U.S. history, it is also generally acknowledged that the cover-up can get the defendant into more trouble than the initial crime itself. As we’ve witnessed, unethical behavior like this ultimately inflicts more damage than the crimes themselves. Many of us have lied, and this has resulted in more severe consequences than the original transgressions.
Going into this new school year all of our goals should include keeping our integrity, which holds our reputation as athletes, students, and learners.
Trump amplified doubts about the 2020 election’s legitimacy with statements such as “hoax,” “election fraud,” and “rigged election.” Over time, these statements and promises contributed to his downfall, although it could have been avoided.
Honor and Integrity fall into this theme of being able to back up what you say, and sportsmanship. If we lose a sports game the goal has to be to keep our heads up and get better, not trying to cover it up or simply not accept it, even if it’s out of our control. Going into this new school year all of our goals should include keeping our integrity, which holds our reputation as athletes, students, and learners.
