One President Honors Another

In 2006, as the nation mourned the death of President Gerald Ford, his friend and colleague, President George H.W. Bush (the elder of the two Bush presidents) spoke to the nation, explaining that it was Ford's honesty, trustworthiness, and promise-keeping which not only made Ford a great president, but also preserved the republic in a time at which political scandal threatened to destroy our government:

Well, as the story goes, Gerald Ford was a newly minted candidate for the United States House of Representatives in June of 1948 when he made plans with a reporter to visit the dairy farmers in western Michigan's Fifth Congressional District. It was pouring rain that particular day and neither the journalist nor the farmers had expected the upstart candidate to keep his appointment. And yet he showed up on time because, as he explained to the journalist, "they milk cows every day and, besides that, I promised."

Long before he arrived in Washington, Gerald Ford's word was good. During the three decades of public service that followed his arrival in our nation's capital, time and again he would step forward and keep his promise even when the dark clouds of political crisis gathered over America.

Ford lent his personal honor to the office of the presidency, at a moment in which that office had little left, and in manner of Cincinnatus, embodied virtues which can benefit the republic:

A decade later, when scandal forced a vice president from office, President Nixon turned to the minority leader in the House to stabilize his administration because of Jerry Ford's sterling reputation for integrity within the Congress. To political ally and adversary alike, Jerry Ford's word was always good.

And, of course, when the lie that was Watergate was finally laid bare, once again we entrusted our future and our hopes to this good man. The very sight of Chief Justice Berger administering the oath of office to our 38th president instantly restored the honor of the Oval Office and helped America begin to turn the page on one of our saddest chapters.

As Americans we generally eschew notions of the indispensable man, and yet during those traumatic times, few if any of our public leaders could have stepped into the breach and rekindled our national faith as did President Gerald R. Ford.

History has its long stretches of 'status quo' and its decisive moments. A precise Providence supplies the human being with the proper qualities to match a decisive moment: Ford was an example of this. President George H.W. Bush, who had worked for Ford - first as a diplomat to China, then as director of the CIA - explains Ford's place in American history:

History has a way of matching man and moment. And just as President Lincoln's stubborn devotion to our Constitution kept the Union together during the Civil War, and just as F.D.R.'s optimism was the perfect antidote to the despair of the Great Depression, so too can we say that Jerry Ford's decency was the ideal remedy for the deception of Watergate.

For this and for so much more, his presidency will be remembered as a time of healing in our land. In fact, when President Ford was choosing a title for his memoirs, he chose words from the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ford's autobiography was entitled A Time to Heal, and the word 'heal' appeared many times in the different speeches, essays, and books written about him. The presidency of Gerald Ford, in the consensus of a diverse group of texts, was about healing the nation from the wounds of Vietnam and Watergate. The providence which guided Ford into the Oval Office preserved his life in the midst of assassination attempts. Perhaps no president had so many attempts against his life when measured against his relatively short stint in the office (James Garfield comes to mind).

It is plain to see how the hand of providence spared Jerry in World War II and later against two assassination attempts. And for that we give thanks. It is just as plain to see how the same hand directed this good man to lead a life of noble purpose, a life filled with challenge and accomplishment, a life indelibly marked by honor and integrity. And today we give thanks for that, too.

As the nation mourned the loss of a great leader, speeches by President George H.W. Bush and many other leaders gave us material for meditation on the topic of what we can learn from President Gerald Ford.

One VP Honors Another

As Vice President of the United States, Richard ("Dick") Cheney had occasion to give a speech in honor of President, and former Vice President, Gerald R. Ford. In addition to both having been vice presidents, Cheney and Ford had worked together on a number of occasions; Cheney began working for Ford when Ford became Vice President in 1973. Ford had been a member of the House of Representatives for over twenty years when he was tapped to be VP. Cheney recalled:

In his congressional career, he passed through this Rotunda so many times—never once imagining all the honors that life would bring. He was an unassuming man, our 38th President, and few have ever risen so high with so little guile or calculation. Even in the three decades since he left this city, he was not the sort to ponder his legacy, to brood over his place in history. And so in these days of remembrance, as Gerald R. Ford, goes to his rest, it is for us to take the measure of the man.

Cheney explained that Ford moved forward through life by working, not by getting lucky:

Jerry Ford was always a striver — never working an angle, just working. He was a believer in the saying that in life you make your own luck. That's how the Boy Scout became an Eagle Scout; and the football center, a college all-star; and the sailor in war, a lieutenant commander. That's how the student who waited tables and washed dishes earned a law degree, and how the young lawyer became a member of the United States Congress, class of 1948. The achievements added up all his life.

Of Ford's many achievements, the earliest ones were perhaps the most telling: he was an Eagle Scout, and he played football for the University of Michigan. Both required focus, self-discipline, and effort. He

belonged to a generation that came early to great duties, and took up responsibilities readily, and shared a confidence in their country and its purposes in the world.

Most of the men who have served as President of the United States wanted the job, and worked hard to get it. Gerald Ford never wanted the job, and made no effort to get it. His goal was to serve in Congress, and he

aspired only to be Speaker of the House, and by general agreement he would have made a fine one. Good judgment, fair dealing, and the manners of a gentleman go a long way around here, and these were the mark of Jerry Ford for a quarter century in the House. It was a Democrat, the late Martha Griffiths, who said, "I never knew him to make a dishonest statement nor a statement part-true and part-false, and I never heard him utter an unkind word."

The fact that President Ford frequently earned praise from members of the opposing political party demonstrates the strength of his character. Being forcing into the presidency without having been elected to it, he was keenly aware that no political power was his permanent possession, but rather that it had temporarily been entrusted to him. Desiring to show himself a good caretaker of that which did not belong to him, he rose above the angry political phrases which - then and now - people hurl at each other:

Sometimes in our political affairs, kindness and candor are only more prized for their scarcity. And sometimes even the most careful designs of men cannot improve upon history's accident. This was the case in the 62nd year of Gerald Ford's life, a bitter season in the life of our country.

It was a time of false words and ill will. There was great malice, and great hurt, and a taste for more. And it all began to pass away on a Friday in August, when Gerald Ford laid his hand on the Bible and swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. He said, "You have not elected me as your President by your ballot, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers."

Perhaps the most controversial decision Ford ever made was to pardon Richard Nixon. At the time, many wondered if Ford had bad motives for issuing the pardon: if it was the price he paid to become president. But historians have discovered, in the following decades, that what seemed like a bad move at the time was probably a great benefit to the nation, and perhaps an action which preserved the republic. Had Ford not pardoned Nixon, the ensuing impeachment trial would have dragged that nation through even more pain and scandal, and potentially destroyed our form of government. Ford endured the withering criticism, and paid an additional price by being rejected at the polls in 1976. He knew that sacrificing his personal political career might be the necessary price to preserve America's honor. Cheney said:

What followed was a presidency lasting 895 days, and filled with testing and trial enough for a much longer stay. Even then, amid troubles not of his own making, President Ford proved as worthy of that office as any who had ever come before. He was modest and manful; there was confidence and courage in his bearing. In judgment, he was sober and serious, unafraid of decisions, calm and steady by nature, always the still point in the turning wheel. He assumed power without assuming airs; he knew how to treat people. He answered courtesy with courtesy; he answered discourtesy with courtesy.

This President's hardest decision was also among his first. And in September of 1974, Gerald Ford was almost alone in understanding that there can be no healing without pardon. The consensus holds that this decision cost him an election. That is very likely so. The criticism was fierce. But President Ford had larger concerns at heart. And it is far from the worst fate that a man should be remembered for his capacity to forgive.

Ford lived long enough to hear both historians and former political opponents reassess the decision to pardon Nixon. He lived to be thanked and honored by the people who rejected him:

In politics it can take a generation or more for a matter to settle, for tempers to cool. The distance of time has clarified many things about President Gerald Ford. And now death has done its part to reveal this man and the President for what he was.

Cheney made these remarks at one of several funerals given for Ford, who died in December 2006. Cheney noted that it was more than Ford's approachable personality which made him great:

He was not just a cheerful and pleasant man — although these virtues are rare enough at the commanding heights. He was not just a nice guy, the next-door neighbor whose luck landed him in the White House. It was this man, Gerald R. Ford, who led our republic safely through a crisis that could have turned to catastrophe. We will never know what further unravelings, what greater malevolence might have come in that time of furies turned loose and hearts turned cold. But we do know this: America was spared the worst. And this was the doing of an American President. For all the grief that never came, for all the wounds that were never inflicted, the people of the United States will forever stand in debt to the good man and faithful servant we mourn tonight.

In the end, it was more than Gerald Ford's friendly, humble manner which made him a great leader: it was his courageous determination to do the right thing, and the inner moral compass which directed him toward what is good, right, and noble.

Ted Kennedy Looks Back

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, better known as "Teddy", near the end of his life, was able to see the historic moments in his life from the vantage point of many years later. It is a good thing, to be given a life long enough to allow one to look back and have the luxury of revising one's views or statements. Senator Kennedy did exactly that, following a long line of both politicians and historians who revised their estimates of President Gerald R. Ford, and specifically of his controversial decision to pardon former President Richard M. Nixon.

Although Ford's 1974 decision to pardon Nixon was criticized at the time, and its unpopularity cost both Ford and his political party dearly, it has since been seen as an act which strengthened the government and the public's view of it. Had Ford not pardoned Nixon, the nation would have been dragged through a painful impeachment process, which could have only resulted in less confidence in our Constitution. At the time, some saw potential impropriety in the pardon, but in hindsight, it was very appropriate. Kennedy commented:

At a time of national turmoil, America was fortunate that it was Gerald Ford who took the helm of the storm-tossed ship of state. Unlike many of us at the time, President Ford recognized that the nation had to move forward, and could not do so if there was a continuing effort to prosecute former President Nixon. So President Ford made a courageous decision, one that historians now say cost him his office, and he pardoned Richard Nixon.

I was one of those who spoke out against his action then. But time has a way of clarifying past events, and now we see that President Ford was right. His courage and dedication to our country made it possible for us to begin the process of healing and put the tragedy of Watergate behind us. He eminently deserves this award, and we are proud of his achievement.

Both Ford and Kennedy are now dead, but Kennedy earned respect by finally acknowledging the greatness of Ford's action.

Harry Reid Honors a Noble Leader

Nevada Senator Harry Reid has had more than his share of trouble. Criticized for shaping a federal road project in way which enhanced his personal real estate investments, discovered as having improperly used campaign funds, exposed as engaging in cronyism while assisting the development of golf resort, receiving tainted contributions from Indian tribes related to casino business and Jack Abramoff, shocking the African-American community by evaluating President Obama as being fit for office because he is a "light-skinned" Black who speaks with "no Negro dialect", and finally saying "I don't know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican" - Reid has gotten himself into trouble over and over again.

The last two instances are worth closer examination - Reid's analysis of Obama is startling because of its blatant racism: by any reasonable standards, it is a transgression to evaluate a President of the United States by his skin color. Reid's comment about Hispanic voters and their party affiliations reveals a thickheadedness almost beyond comprehension: Reid is the Senate Majority Leader, and to either not know, or not care, that some of his fellow Senators are Hispanic Republicans, is moronic beyond calculation.

To Reid's credit, however, he does some things well. On January 8, 2007, he spoke words which attracted unanimous concurrence. On the floor of the Senate, he said, concerning President Gerald Ford, that

as a Member of Congress, he was outstanding. He was praised by people who served with him. He served for about 25 years in the Congress and became the Republican leader. He, of course, was Commander in Chief as President of the United States.

Reid noted that it was Ford's character which earned such praise:

Gerald Ford was, above all, a man of integrity, a man of honesty, and, ultimately, a role model for all of us who serve in Government.

President Ford was a role model because history has proven the salutary effects of his actions:

time and time again, he proved himself the right man at the right time, healing the Nation after the scars of Watergate and moving our country forward.

Harry Reid saw in Gerald Ford's personal life the same noble character which the nation saw in Ford's presidency:

World War II veteran, star athlete, even an Eagle Scout - Gerald Ford was the core of what America is all about, a shining example of what we hold best in America. He took office at a dark time in our country's history and shepherded this Nation through the trials of Vietnam and Watergate, with a bipartisan spirit of reconciliation and grace, a shining example to us all. He reminded a wounded Nation of the honesty and decency of its leaders.

Reid concluded by noting that whatever amount of honor is left in this nation, it is here due in part to President Ford:

This Government, this Nation, this world are better from Gerald Ford's life and service to our country.

History may well see to it that Reid's words about Ford outlast the memory of Reid's scandal and missteps.

Even Criminals Recognize Honor

History provides us ironic examples of scoundrels who acknowledge the greatness which they not only lack, but even oppose. Nixon campaigning for Eisenhower, the corrupt Cicero praising the virtues of Roman Republican gravitas and humility, or President Bill Clinton appreciating both Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II. Noble character can be recognized even by those without it.

Such was the case when Rahm Emanuel rose to speak in the House of Representatives in January 2007. Emanuel is widely-known for questionable and unethical behavior. But 'questionable' and 'unethical' are not words with great precision and clarity, and are subject interpretation. More clearly, Rahm Emanuel is a criminal: someone who violates laws. Beyond the actual text of legislation and statute, Emanuel also violated the written ethical guidelines of the various positions he has held in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government.

But even a miscreant like Rahm Emanuel can recognize both goodness and greatness, perhaps all the more, given the contrast of these qualities to his own nature. He spoke to honor President Ford:

I am honored to rise with my colleagues today in support of House Resolution 15, honoring the late Honorable Gerald Rudolph Ford, the 38th President of the United States.

Here in this Chamber, President Ford served dutifully for 24 years, representing the people of the Fifth District of Michigan from 1949 until his ascension to the Oval Office. As a Congressman, Gerald Ford's warmth, approachability, and affability made him one of the most highly regarded Members of his day.

It was these qualities which would shape Gerald Ford into an excellent House floor leader for his party, a position he held for 8 years until his appointment as the 40th Vice President. During his tenure as minority leader, Gerald Ford set a standard of fairness, diplomacy, and cooperation to which all of us can aspire.

As both Vice President and President, Gerald Ford was called to serve in positions of great responsibility during a troubled time in our Nation's history. Ford accepted his powers and responsibilities with the same steadfast composure and patience for which he had became known as a Congressman.

As a man known for his ability to create consensus, compromise, and conciliation, he was well suited to take the helm of America and navigate the turbulent storm it faced. President Ford's gentle nature helped soothe the deep scars America faced after an arduous period of strife at home and abroad.

Emanuel's speech about President Ford was accurate and fitting. It is a lesson that even a villain like Rahm Emanuel can rise to the occasion to honor nobility. He concluded his speech:

Gerald Ford served our country with a patient hand, an understanding mind, and a reassuring voice. His time in Congress and in the White House leave behind a legacy of commitment, passion, and comity that we will all remember.

History may yet smile more kindly upon Rahm Emanuel. A rogue who humbles himself to honor greatness cannot be dismissed as pure evil.

What Pelosi Said About Ford

History is constantly evaluating the individuals of the past; news media and ordinary conversation are constantly evaluating the individuals of the present. The difference is that history can sometime - but not always - make these evaluations in calmer tone.

Current events have cast House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in dim light: removed from her position as Speaker of the House by the voters, her party and her ideologies are rejected by the majority of educated voters, even if her partisans retain a significant degree of damaging control over the American economy.

But history may judge Pelosi in a kinder light. Historians, more than contemporary analysts, are capable of acknowledging that Pelosi may have had benign intentions and an honest desire to help the country, whatever the devastating effects of her incompetence. Further, historians are more careful in their analysis of text than are news media, and more able to appreciate the products of Pelosi's speechwriters. In her speech praising "the character, courage, and civility of a former Member of this House, President Ford," Pelosi gave a serious appraisal to Ford's achievements:

He healed the country when it needed healing. This is another time, another war, and another trial of American will, imagination, and spirit. Let us honor his memory.

Historians will readily agree with Pelosi's estimation of Ford. In perceiving Ford's pivotal role in U.S. history, Pelosi earns agreement. She continued:

I have great respect for the fair and reliable leadership that President Ford displayed throughout his service in the House. He was effective and respected on both sides of the aisle. He recognized that however much we may disagree on political questions, we serve the people of the Nation, the great institution, the House of Representatives.

Pelosi pointed out that the characteristics which made Ford honorable in the Congress also made him honorable in the White House. Indeed, although the word 'honor' is used frequently, a serious meditation on honor is rare, but is likely to include Gerald Ford:

He assumed office during one of the greatest times of challenge for our Nation and provided the American people with the steady leadership and optimism that was his signature.

Almost fifty years after he left office, "President Ford's character, courage, and civility" are still foundational to whatever amount of decency is left in this country.

The Violent 1960's

A variety of radical groups dominated the attention of the nation in the 1960's - the Weathermen, the Black Panthers, the SDS, and the ADA, among others. But the situation on the campuses of America's colleges and universities was more complex: a majority of students simply wanted to get their educations and move on; another segment of the student body was interested in socially liberal politics, but not interested in bombing and violence like the radical groups; a third group was conservative, and refused to be intimidated by the radicals, instead creating the student-fueled political career of Barry Goldwater; and finally, the fourth group was indeed a violent and radical fringe.

There were many famous leaders of campus terrorism: Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, and dozens of others who advocated rioting and murdering as a legitimate path to political power. Although they mentioned equality, their goal was not civil rights, but rather killing and terrorizing. They did not like Martin Luther King, because he advocated non-violence, and worked for truly civil rights and social harmony.

In 1969, a group of leaders from Washington wanted to learn more about the violence on America's campuses; they toured several universities. Dick Cheney recalls what happened when they arrived in Madison, Wisconsin:

On the night the congressmen arrived, Students for a Democratic Society was holding a campus rally with a the controversial Black Panther firebrand Fred Hampton as the guest speaker.

Hampton had been connected with thefts and the murders of policemen. The congressmen attended the rally, and although some of the students there at first threatened to attack them,

Everyone was too busy shouting support for the increasingly inflammatory rhetoric of the speakers leading up to the guest of honor.

Oblivious to the congressmen because of their violent frenzy, the radicals were rewarded by the main speaker:

Hampton turned out to be a skillful orator and a very charismatic individual. He distanced himself from the students who wanted a black studies department, declaring that revolution had to be the goal - and violence the means. He worked the crowd into a frenzy by shouting about how satisfying it was to "kill pigs" and how much more satisfying it was to kill a lot of them.

Rejecting the peaceful ways of the true civil rights movement, Hampton was an example of those whose goal was violence and murder - for any reason or for no reason. Although they were a very small percentage of the total population, they attracted much media attention, and their existence explains why the the 1960's weren't merely about "peace and love and flower power"!