Anthony Lewis

Anthony Lewis is an award-winning columnist for the New York Times. In the following viewpoint, he argues that corruption in American politics was more common in the past than in the present. A more serious problem, he contends, is the tendency in American government to criminalize political differences and to be preoccupied with ethical appearances. Independent counsels (instituted by post-Watergate reforms to investigate government officials) have run amok in many instances in their zeal to prosecute government officials for relatively minor offenses, he asserts. In addition, the media highlights and exaggerates potential scandals as a way to attract audiences.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What examples of victims of overzealous investigations does Lewis describe?
2. How has the press changed since Watergate, according...