Integrity: Good People, Bad Choices, and Life Lessons from the White House, written by Egil Krogh, is a memoir that tells the story of his journey through the United States government, including his time as a member of the Nixon Administration, and his subsequent indictment and conviction for his role in the Watergate scandal.
The book starts with Krogh's childhood and early years, including his time at Harvard Law School, where he developed his interest in government and politics. After graduation, he worked as an attorney for the Department of Justice and eventually became involved in the Nixon Administration, where he served as a top aide to John Ehrlichman.
Krogh describes his role in the White House as primarily focused on national security matters. He writes extensively about his involvement in the administration's efforts to combat illegal drug use. He also discusses his involvement in creating the infamous "Plumbers" unit, a group of White House operatives tasked with stopping leaks of classified information.
However, Krogh's story takes a dramatic turn when he becomes involved in the Watergate scandal. He admits to ordering the break-in of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office to gather damaging information on the whistleblower who had leaked the Pentagon Papers. Krogh is eventually indicted and convicted for his role in the break-in, which he describes as a "terrible mistake."
The book details Krogh's time in prison, where he reflects on his actions and the lessons he learned from the experience. He discusses the importance of integrity, honesty, and accountability, encouraging readers to take responsibility for their actions and always strive to do the right thing.
The novel concludes with his release from prison after serving his sentence for involvement in the Watergate scandal. He reflects on his time in prison, where he developed a new appreciation for the importance of integrity and personal responsibility. Krogh also reflects on the lessons he learned from his experiences and emphasizes the importance of honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership in all aspects of life. He encourages readers to learn from his mistakes and always to strive to do the right thing, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
In the book's final pages, Krogh expresses his gratitude for the people who supported him throughout his ordeal, including his family and friends. He also expresses his hope that his story will warn future generations about the dangers of abusing power and betraying the public trust.
