Spiro T. Agnew in His Own Words: 1973 and 1983

Abstract

In 1983, Spiro T. Agnew inscribed a copy of his autobiography to a young recipient, with “the fervent hope that he will acquire a profound suspicion of the news media. History is only the accumulated perceptions of those in control of the machinery for its dissemination.” Agnew knew what he was talking about, having participated deeply — and profitably — in the dissemination of his own history. Oddly, a complete and accurate transcript of the nolo contendere proceedings that were an important part of that history is difficult to find. And so here it is, presented in the hope that its dissemination in the lowly but readily accessible Green Bag will contribute to a more complete and accurate accumulation of perceptions about Spiro T. Agnew, his words, and his deeds.

Note: This work is (or will be) published by the Green Bag (www.greenbag.org), which hopes you will find it useful.

Keywords: Vice President, President, Nixon, Baltimore, Maryland, Elliot Richardson, Watergate, Attorney General, Supreme Court, bribery, extortion, celebrity, plea, guilty plea, plead guilty