In the news this week is the retirement of a late night TV comedy host and a quote from President Ford used for comic effect. I thought it proper to draw attention to a fuller statement from President Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. in his inauguration speech. Even a President such as he was, for better or worse, makes me wonder where the statesmen and men of principle and conviction are today in our political landscape.
"I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many... If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman—my dear wife, Betty—as I begin this very difficult job...
"My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over... Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy. ... let us restore the golden rule to our political process, and let brotherly love purge our hearts of suspicion and hate."
President Ford also stated:
"I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it. Those who nominated and confirmed me as Vice President were my friends and are my friends. They were of both parties, elected by all the people and acting under the Constitution in their name. It is only fitting then that I should pledge to them and to you that I will be the President of all the people."
Gerald Ford was long known as a man of scruples. When Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned under scandal, Nixon consulted Congressional leaders of both parties for suggestions of a replacement and they gave him no choice but Ford. He was easily confirmed by overwhelming votes in both congressional houses, on both sides of the aisle.
Commenting on his pardon of President Nixon, Ford stated:
"[It] is a tragedy in which we all have played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must."
Many opposed to the pardon at the time have concluded that history proved it to be the correct decision. Ford had to know it would cost his political future, but his convictions and scruples forced him to do what he believed was the right and proper thing.
Where are such men today? Such men are out there, but they are rarely placed in office. I don't believe many of the American people can stomach such a man today. Instead we are ready to vote in four more (or eight more) years of Clintonian scandals.
God help us!
VM
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