Wow. The day I can watch that without crying is the day I’ll know I’m dead inside. Thank you, President Ford, for your service to our country and to your university. Rest In Peace.
He was the last US president who was a statesman. He cared more for our country than he cared about his own political ambitions. He knew that pardoning Nixon meant that he was unlikely to get elected and serve a full term as President of the United States. He choose to do this because he believed that it was in the country's best interest to move on, to focus on the issues of the day, such as inflation, the Viet Nam War, the Arab Oil Embargo, etc. He had much on his plate. The press skewered President Ford unmercifully. I am a lifelong Democrat (and politically active). President Ford was courageous. I don't think he could have predicted the rise of The Donald. In hindsight, if he knew about The Donald and his utter contempt for the rule of law and our Constitution, he might have thought better of pardoning Nixon , making it clear that no man, not even a president, is above the law and allow the courts to do their work. This still brings tears to my eyes, especially "Hail to the Victors".
My dad knew "Jerry" - he used to "hang out" at the Ford dealer parts counter, and talk to dad (he was the parts manager). I wish I could have been a fly on the wall - being they were both WW II vets, and my dad was a POW in Germany, I am sure there were many interesting conversations.
My great grandparents were part of his campaign, them being Grand Rapids natives. The letters sent from Gerald Ford personally are likely the most prized possession of my family.
Following The Yellow and the Blue. Here in September, 2018, just discovered this video for the first time. On the tarmac, of my home town airport, Gerald R Ford Kent County International Airport. Go Blue. Go Jerry. Go Betty.
Only President to play against-and tackle a Heisman winner when Michigan played against their first archival between 1890-1945, The University of Chicago.
