Thursday, December 28, 2006

He was not a crook

It occurred to me today that Ford was president when I was born - an interesting connection, and of course, one that made me feel a bit old.

But anyway - my dad lived near Washington, D.C. during 1973-1974. Apparently, right after Ford was sworn in as president, he was still living in his Virginia home. And his first day "in office," he invited the reporters who were camped outside of his house inside for pancakes.

Amazing, no?

He was the subject of many a cheap shot, but proved more intelligent, and certainly more human, than many leaders since. Can you imagine Bush inviting anyone in for pancakes? (Maybe if they were going to profit Halliburton.)

What strikes me the most, the more I read about Ford, was that he was straightforward, humble, and approachable. Wouldn't it be great to have more leaders like that? For that matter, more people in general?

And unlike many presidents before and hence, Ford was not a crook.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not only that, but he differered from today's crop of politicians in that he did what he thought was right as opposed to what was politically expedient.

Darth Weasel said...

it is interesting to note he neither wanted nor was elected to the office. A wise man once said something along the lines of "Anyone who seeks political office should automatically be disqualified from holding it" and, while I still largely hold the idea that he was aptly described as one of the most bland presidents...and have never been a fan...the more I reevaluate him, the more I prefer him to the destructiveness of a Bush, Clinton, Johnson, Eisenhower, Truman, FDR, and yes...perhaps even Lincoln. Definitely to a Jackson or Jefferson. Scary...the more bland they are...the more I like them. Bring back the days of the 3 day Presidents!!!!!!!!!