Not much has been said about Gerald Ford. He was not the most entertaining president. He will be most remembered for pardoning Richard Nixon. You young people on the site who think Bush is hated have no idea how much Nixon was vilified in his day in the time of Watergate.
But there was another aspect of his presidency that deserves some attention. The fall of Saigon. As president , he could have sent more troops in, bombed Hanoi, and extended the war. But for what purpose. I think he showed wisdom in knowing when it was over. Saigon fell in a matter of weeks and what do we have today. A bruised national ego perhaps, but southeast Asia did not become a row of dominos that became communist as was feared. In fact, our greatest weapon was never realized until after the war. Trade and business. Vietnam is no threat for us today. They do not export ideology or violence. They are becoming trading partners with us and over time reconciliation has taken place. Many Vietnam vets return to visit.
Perhaps this story is a timely one for our current president.
Originally posted by SiskinWasn't he simply famous for not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time?
The only man to become president without winning a direct election to the presidency or vice-presidency ... he also survived two assination attempts in office and became the longest lived president ever ... truly the force was with him! respect
Originally posted by kirksey957Even though a Quail is not a duck(lame that is) weren't the secret service on closed orders to shoot Dan the Man if something ever happened to the Ford?
Yes that and being able to clear a golf course of spectators.
Edit: Whoops inanity strikes again. I could have sworn they were together. I think what it was is that people remarked at the time that if anything ever happened to the Bush Snr ( Now there was a steely eyed Commander in Chief that regardless of your political persuasion you would have to agree he put a lot of backbone back into the Presidency), the Secret Service should do the free world a 'service' and make sure the 'potatoe' never made it to the White House couch.
Originally posted by kirksey957It's not timely since Gerald Ford's passing was easily eclipsed by the death of the Godfather of soul, Mr. James Brown. However, Ford will be remembered as a likable, honorable, team player, unlike his successor.
Not much has been said about Gerald Ford. He was not the most entertaining president. He will be most remembered for pardoning Richard Nixon. You young people on the site who think Bush is hated have no idea how much Nixon was vilified in his day in the time of Watergate.
But there was another aspect of his presidency that deserves some attention. ...[text shortened]... Vietnam vets return to visit.
Perhaps this story is a timely one for our current president.
Originally posted by der schwarze RitterDidn't realize he had left the building. James Brown's passing was not what I would have called the best Boxing Day present, and I suppose the brief snippets of news I did see of the holidays were more interested in him. I know other people have mentioned it, but I did find that GRF bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain golfing legend, one Jack Nicklaus.
It's not timely since Gerald Ford's passing was easily eclipsed by the death of the Godfather of soul, Mr. James Brown. However, Ford will be remembered as a likable, honorable, team player, unlike his successor.
I didn't know much about the man because he did his thing long before I was born. I am happy to have him a bit in the spotlight so that I can learn about him.
Having said that, I refuse to spend any time mourning a person that I do not now nor ever will know. Our nation did this whole little ritual of mourning when Reagan died and now it is happening with Ford. Perhaps I am calloused, but I just don't care for all of the media surrounding his death.
Originally posted by DraxusYou know they plant a bug right in the coffin.
Having said that, I refuse to spend any time mourning a person that I do not now nor ever will know. Our nation did this whole little ritual of mourning when Reagan died and now it is happening with Ford. Perhaps I am calloused, but I just don't care for all of the media surrounding his death.
Originally posted by kirksey957i thought laos and cambodia fell also.
Not much has been said about Gerald Ford. He was not the most entertaining president. He will be most remembered for pardoning Richard Nixon. You young people on the site who think Bush is hated have no idea how much Nixon was vilified in his day in the time of Watergate.
But there was another aspect of his presidency that deserves some attention. ...[text shortened]... Vietnam vets return to visit.
Perhaps this story is a timely one for our current president.