The Ups and Downs of Katherine Graham

It may safely be said, by Katherine Graham, that few women had a greater influence on the 20th Century American history. When she died last year at the age of 84, people from all strata of the population were promptly and generously in their eulogies. Long time owner of the Washington Post, Graham was a pioneer in the female "Man's World" for serious journalism. Their decision to publish the controversial Pentagon Papers in 1971 to ensure that their names are always in conjunction with the ideals of freedom of the press. Katharina Meyer, born in 1917 into a wealthy and privileged family. Her father was a multi millionaire who gave up business and government to buy the ailing Washington Post in 1933. Katherine about his love for journalism and worked on paper editing desk for a few years before the marriage. Her husband, Phil Graham, was a young lawyer, took over at the post office in 1945. The couple became a popular part of the Washington Social Scene. Behind the facade, however, was another story. Phil was the wild mood swings and abusive behavior led to Katherine a great mental agony. He suffered from manic depression, which gradually worse, culminating in his suicide, when Katherine was 46th Suddenly she found herself in control of the post. Despite her personal tragedy, Graham was determined to continue the "Washington Post" in the family, and has throughout the day to day running of the paper itself. Skeptics who doubt on their ability to implement successful were speechless, as their enthusiasm and persistence proved them wrong. Graham was never afraid, a brave decision. Against the advice of the Post's lawyers, they have on the side of its editors and published the Pentagon Papers. The documents were top secret documents about the United States' involvement in the Vietnam war. They remained steadfast in the face later, the government pressure not to pursue the Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Graham surrender of control over the post to her son in 1991, when she 74 years old. At this time, she was often seen as the most powerful woman in America. Whether or not this is true, few would not with the evaluation of one of her many admirers, that without her, Washington "would be a much less civilized place." Avid readers who are inspired by the story could be worse than a copy of Katherine Graham's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Personal History." There is a rich chronicle of significant events and the people who play their part in them. It is also the fascinating story of a person of character and values which many would like to emulate.