Thirty-two years ago, as I was about to publish the first issue of HUSTLER, President Richard Nixon was looking at the imminent demise of his Presidency. Soon after that July '74 issue hit the stands, Nixon resigned, saving the country from an impeachment trial over his efforts to subvert the Constitution.

Today the neocons are trying to sell us on the notion of a "unitary President." That's a fancy term for dictator. George W. Bush and his cronies apparently believe the President can assume dictatorial powers up to and including "crushing the testicles" of a detainee's child (stated by John Yoo, a Justice Department lawyer), as well as spying on the American people and engaging in any number of other criminal offenses. These are powers not given to him by the Constitution. This is the same level of power Nixon sought and was denied.

In 1974, when HUSTLER first came out, this country still had a vibrant press that willingly challenged the government. Today the press seems spineless. Those, like Mary Mapes, who attempt to rock the boat get quickly jettisoned. Even Woodward and Bernstein, the original press heroes of the Nixon era, have let us down, Woodward becoming a cheerleader for the Bush Administration.

I feel relatively certain that HUSTLER will still be around 32 years hence. As for our democracy, that will only survive if we the people once again stand up to tyranny.

Larry Flynt
Publisher,
HUSTLER Magazine