"Deep Throat" Fesses Up

Ok, apparently I am not up on my American political history because a co-worker had to explain the origin of the name. Since I really focused my history study on ancient civilizations and up to the World War II era, it's not surprising. And, I can claim that the whole thing happened "before my time".

Anyway, W. Mark Felt fessed up in an article in Vanity Fair. He was the second in command at the FBI at the time and was on the "short list" of possible people who were "Deep Throat". The guy that wrote the article is a family friend, otherwise it just didn't seem to fit that the story is being broken in Vanity Fair. Granted, I'm sure this will do wonders for their circulation numbers this month and they'll probably pick up new subscribers in the process. When the story first broke at noon yesterday, Woodward and Bernstein refused to confirm Felt's statements. They were keeping their word of not giving up the name until after the informant had died. Granted, if this guy were to fess up and it not really be him, that would have been a serious egg on face situation. I guess the two reporters, along with the Washington Post, must have gotten approval to confirm the story. (Almost like waiving client-attorney privilege I guess). They kept their word all these years. Good for them. I was wondering if they died before the mystery was solved if the answer would die with them. My coworker assumed not and that it was written somewhere to be divulged once everyone passed on.

Before Felt made his announcement, there had been speculation in recent years that the person known as "Deep Throat" did not have much longer to live and the long-time mystery should soon be revealed. My first through when he fessed up was that he wanted to die with a clear conscience. His family is denying poor health (for a man of 91 years old) and that he still has a good few years in him.

So I wonder what the implications really are now? Book deals? New made-for-tv movies? It's something new to focus on, I guess, but I really do wonder what it all means.

about caradotcom

The personal website and blog of a 20-something web designer that works in a city by day and freelances by night (without a desk - long story). Continue reading