Not words I'd associate with our current Commander in Chief. But I certainly appreciate his words today about the late President.
Now only if he'd take a lesson of his own and follow in Ford's example.
There were several points throughout the speech that I found surprising, particularly considering the speaker.
He (Ford) belonged to a generation that measured men by their honesty and their courage.
Has that generation left us? Is it a generation that we willingly walked away from or did it simply disappear? Who took us away from that generation and why aren't we walking back to it instead of just referencing it as a historical event?
In President Ford, the world saw the best of America -- and America found a man whose character and leadership would bring calm and healing to one of the most divisive moments in our nation's history.
Today the world seems to see the worst of America. From Jakarta to Mexico to Iraq and Afghanistan, we're known as the big schoolyard bully, that one that everyone allies with out of sheer fear and desperation.
And why is that?
Because of our leader. Where is that man/woman who can lead us back to a time of calm and healing? Think about our country today and you think of war, economic slumps, living in a constant state of panic and anxiety.
Gerald Ford showed his character in public office. As a young congressman, he earned a reputation for an ability to get along with others without compromising his principles. He was greatly admired by his colleagues and they trusted him a lot. And so when President Nixon needed to replace a vice president who had resigned in scandal, he naturally turned to a man whose name was a synonym for integrity: Gerald R. Ford. And eight months later, when he was elevated to the presidency, it was because America needed him, not because he needed the office.Integrity?
Dick Cheney, Tom DeLay, Haliburton, Karl Rove, Bush v. Gore, Mark Foley - what integrity is left in today's politics? America longs for it back at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Do we really have to wait till 2008 to see it again?
Gerald Ford assumed the presidency when the nation needed a leader of character and humility -- and we found it in the man from Grand Rapids. President Ford's time in office was brief, but history will long remember the courage and common sense that helped restore trust in the workings of our democracy.
What will Bush be remembered for? (Hint - see above.)
Typically in times of reflection and grief, one is able to find pride and admiration. That seems to be the reoccurring theme for our country (for the most part) up until 2000. Now all that comes to mind is strife and scandal, fear and death.
Where is the courage and the common sense?
Where is the integrity and stewardship?
Where have all the Gerald Ford's gone?
