Merry Xmas Gerry Ford...RIP.

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Ancient only by those colonials' standards.

 

America has had its share of bad presidents, but I don't think (and it's my opinion) that we have ever had one this bad. Bush is probably the worst we have ever suffered - maybe Calvin Coolidge was as bad as this one.

There is a reason I have mostly high regard for the "ancient presidents," besides being brilliant and capable men. If you guessed because we have not had many good presidents lately, then it was a good guess....

 

I don't think I ever said that Ford was a good President...clearly that wasn't the case as he was a part of the dynamics that set up a lot of economic issues that weren't resolved for almost 10 years after his Presidency..

President Ford was a good man before he became President and he remained one during and after...something exceedingly rare in recent history.

 

I'm old enough to remember Ford's presidency clearly and, oddly enough, have a lifesaving award from the American Red Cross, earned during my police days, with his signature as the honorary chairman of the organization.

At the time of his presidency I didn't much like most of what he did, though I sympathized with his situation. He did not ask to be President and probably didn't expect that would happen when he agreed to be appointed vice president after that snake Spiro Agnew resigned. Like many who knew Nixon he didn't really believe Nixon could have broken the law in his political machinations. As for his pardon, I was furious at the time, but my feelings have moderated over the years. I am less inclined to condemn him for a difficult judgment call, though I'm not sure I would have voted to give him that award for it.

However, I do believe his overall character and style would be welcome in an American leader today. What a pity the political scene here has become so degraded and vilely rude!

And whatever history's judgment of him, as for anyone who dies, I say, rest in peace, and may those who love you find comfort in their memories of shared devotion.

For an interesting contrast, read the posts on the death of James Brown in The Sensorium.

 

As the Republic goes further and further astray, the presidents get worse. Therefore, by extension, the "ancient" presidents really were better (in most cases) because they were more inclined to feel bound to uphold their Constitutional responsibilities as president. As the Constitution weakens, the hubris of the presidents (and politicians in general) grows. It is a vicious cycle. President Ford's term in office was pretty ineffectual overall, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In general, governmental gridlock is a good thing since it limits the government's capacity for mischief.

I, too, believe that he was a good man which, as has been said before, is a refreshing change in a politician.

 

Quite interesting to contrast the Capitol observances for Ford with the ones a couple of years ago for Reagan. Same office, same place, but the Ford family did not seem to need or want the pageantry offered to Reagan. And I don't recall seeing Reagan's family turn up to shake hands with the public coming to pass by the casket - though I may be wrong about that.

 

I think that has more to do with that Reagan was a beloved President by many. Ford may have been a nice guy, but he never instilled the passion the way Reagan did.

 

It probably also has to do with the fact that a lot of people remember the turn around in the national attitude and economy under President Reagan...the main things people remember President Ford for was the pardon of President Nixon, the fact he was the only President who wasn't elected, and the fact he got beat by President Carter.