A Tribute to President Ford

[Twisterdog]

I don't necesarily think that "great" should always be equated with gregarious, bold or dramatic. Sometimes exactly the opposite - calm, thoughtful and exacting - are the qualties that the situation or times demand.

President Ford was the first president I actually remember as a child.

I think he did exactly what was needed at the time to heal the wounds of a bitter, bleeding nation.

[Logan]

I am ashamed to say that I have learned more about Gerald Ford in the last week than I knew before. But I do love the way that he lived his life and loved his wife and family, first, and did the right things for his country, regardless of political issues.

Rest in peace, President Ford.

Logan

[ramanth]

Carter was in office when I was born. Reagan is the first president I truly remember being in office.

It wasn't until school that I learned about Ford. I agree we need more presidents like him. I'd really like to visit his museum in Grand Rapids some day. I believe he'll be buried near there.

[Barbara]

Of course this is non of my business- but the first president I remember was Eisenhower He sounded similar to our chancellor Adenauer and I thought politician's must be called like that

One of the first political situations I remember was the election of Kennedy. I was about 6. I think he competed with Nixon on the republican side- and I thought he and his wife Jackie were the most beautiful and charming people I'd ever seen. I still have some feelings for Jackie Kennedy- her style, her beauty. (And I was very sad for her when I learned more about the story).
At that time I hoped badly that Nixon would lose.

So I was disappointed years later when he still became a president. So I guess I'm on Ford's side

Please forgive me my very personal view of US presidents.

[Logan]

Barbara, your observations are very important!!!! Never feel "sorry" for expressing your opinion!!!

JFK was killed when I was an infant, so I have no memory of him. I was born in late 1962. I do remember Nixon and his resignation and all of the US Presidents that followed, although until my adult life, I really didn't understand the importance of this office.

[cyber-sibes]

I don't really recall too much of Ford's presidency except for Nixon's pardon. But I listened to the speeches at the funeral, and I must say that Henry Kissinger was eloquent! After hearing him run down a "behind the scenes" account of Ford's quiet diplomacy, I have a much deeper appreciation of the importance of President Ford's efforts. I have always admired Betty Ford, for her candid and unapologetic advocacy of issues "you just don't talk about" -- breast cancer, alcoholism, and addiction. The world is a better place for us all. God Bless you, President Gerald Ford, and your family. RIP.

[Pam]

Sara, you and I often differ but on this we think alike. Unfortunately I am old enough to remember everything about that time and I agree with you completely.