"The most famous anonymous source in American history" passed away yesterday, ending one of journalism's finest chapters.

Mark Felt, better known as "Deep Throat," died at the age of 95.

Until a few years ago, Felt was only known to the country as the former No. 2 man in the FBI. Deep Throat, on the other hand, is in many more history books. His anonymous tips to Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward helped uncover the Watergate scandal and eventually unseat the president.

Felt is the example many newspaper editors look to when deciding whether to use an anonymous source. Some papers have more strict policies than others regarding anonymity, but all respect the power of it. To have an anonymous source is to tell your readers, "We can't tell you who it is, but we promise he's legit." It's a power that can be powerful, but it can also be easily abused.

Felt recognized this power when he spoke on the record anonymously. And in doing so, he declared that everyone, even the president, must be held accountable, even if by the press.

For that, Mark Felt, I (and I think I speak for most newspaper editors) thank you. Rest in peace.