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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: CAF51 on December 26, 2006, 10:55:39 PM

Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: CAF51 on December 26, 2006, 10:55:39 PM
he will be missed, he did alot.  what do you old people remember of him?
Title: President Ford
Post by: icemaw on December 26, 2006, 11:04:29 PM
Dead at 93
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Black Sheep on December 26, 2006, 11:07:25 PM
Just read it - sad -
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: rpm on December 26, 2006, 11:16:40 PM
to the office.


Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Black Sheep on December 26, 2006, 11:20:00 PM
Agnew was his stooge - if you have nothing good to say - well you know the rest.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Mr No Name on December 26, 2006, 11:21:11 PM
G.R. Ford!
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: rpm on December 26, 2006, 11:28:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Black Sheep
Agnew was his stooge - if you have nothing good to say - well you know the rest.
I can respect the office.



Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: DREDIOCK on December 26, 2006, 11:33:23 PM
Difference between Nixon and everyone else in Washington before or since

Nixon got caught

:p
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Golfer on December 26, 2006, 11:39:45 PM
My father had the opportunity to meet and work with President Ford on numerous occasions working his position prior to us moving from Maryland to Ohio when I was a (very) youngin'.

He has nothing but the highest respect and praise for what he calls a "tremendously smart and capable man."  I have that respect as well.  He pointed out that it was rather intimidating to have secret service agents sitting in on private meetings.  Moreso than working with the former leader of the free world.

I will say I've experienced the secret service ruining my plans (not my nefarious ones!) on several occasions.  John Edwards had a campaign stop at Burke Lakefront airport for a speech (Cleveland) back in 2004 and his arrival in a BBJ put a halt to everything on the ground.  Unfortunately I just happened to be in the terminal as the Secret Service (I'm hesitant to abbreviate that:p ) swept through and locked down the east side of the terminal.

My car just happened to be parked in a locked gated area not accessible from any way except through the closed wing.  I approached a tall (this guy had to be 7' in the vertical) man in a gray suit packing a glock in his pocket and another on his ankle.  I pointed out that my car was in the lot down the corridor and asked to pass.  "No." was his reply.  I asked for an escort to my vehicle.  "No."  I how long this speech was going to be.  "That is not something I can disclose, sir." was the reply.

So there I was...

stuck in Cleveland's BKL airport after a meeting trapped by a friggin lawyer who was so high on his horse thinking he deserved more protection than the Queen of England because he was a candidate in a political race.

I didn't vote for em.
Title: President Ford
Post by: rogwar on December 26, 2006, 11:44:07 PM
President Ford,

Thank you for your service to the country.

Regardless of personal opinion, you "salute the rank and not the person".

No need to dishonor the memory of a recently passed away CoC by a politcal discussion.


PS: I used "the person" not because of being PC but rather I have an 8 year old daughter and no telling what path that little fireball is ever gonna take.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: LTARokit on December 26, 2006, 11:49:46 PM
WOW!! didn't know till I saw this post.

What I know...........media beat on him too much during his time.  Man did what he could to pull a nation back together (imo).

Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: CAF51 on December 26, 2006, 11:55:19 PM
yep.  Interrupted Jay Leno at around 10:30, and they announced his death and a brief history of his life.  One of our better presidents.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: cav58d on December 27, 2006, 12:03:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by rpm
Agnew was Nixon's flunky, Ford was his stooge. I can respect the office and not the man.


Very true.  But during a mans death there is a big difference between respectful disagreement and just being tacky.

President Ford.  Much football, beer and nacho's waiting for you in Heaven =)  
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: storch on December 27, 2006, 12:04:50 AM
President Ford
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: MIShill on December 27, 2006, 12:06:16 AM
An honest man. No posturing, no pretense, no playing to the media- I don't see many, ifany, like that now.
-MI-
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: storch on December 27, 2006, 12:14:37 AM
yup was handed a basket case nation, politically speaking.  he was crucified in the media.  chevy chase made a name for himself with his pratfalls at the expense of this less than agile old man.  he did what he could with no pretense and with dignity during a very difficult period in our history.  I had an opportunity to meet him, a hello sir and a hand shake really, at the grand plaza hotel in grand rapids michigan in 1987.

President Ford
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Grits on December 27, 2006, 12:46:18 AM
President Ford played football in college and was a very good athlete, he could easily pwn Chevy Chases sorry bellybutton in anything physical.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Mr No Name on December 27, 2006, 12:55:21 AM
very true Grits, he was quite athletic even when he got older... just happened to have a few unfortunate incidents... and when you're in the limelight, no-one forgets.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: BaldEagl on December 27, 2006, 01:11:35 AM
I remember him tripping getting off Air Force 1 and not accomplishing much while in office but he was in an unenviable position and seemed to be a decent, honest man.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: AWMac on December 27, 2006, 01:16:40 AM
G. R. Ford  <<>>

Very Respectfully,

Mac
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: MWL on December 27, 2006, 02:18:38 AM
Greetings,

  Next to Mr. Reagan, he is one of the Presidents I admired the most.  He  made lemonaid out of lemons.  In many ways he laid the foundations that saved us from ourselves.  To bad, Mr. Carter beat him in the general elections.  He was one of the few that actually put the needs of the country before his political advancement.

Regards,
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: JB88 on December 27, 2006, 02:29:48 AM
he was born in my hometown of omaha, NE.

jerry ford.  you were a good man.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Roscoroo on December 27, 2006, 02:45:11 AM
R.I.P,

Ford was a get by Pres  ,  He lost favor and winning the election due to the fact he pardoned "i am not a crook" Nixon.

A memorable mention needs to be said Of his WW2 service , In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and served as an aviation operations officer in the Pacific, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander and winning 10 battle stars.

and thanks .
Title: President Ford
Post by: Mulligan on December 27, 2006, 03:17:59 AM
I admired him personally.   I was a guard for him for a time on HMX-1.   I  also resided in his home district where he was repeatedly re-elected.  A very good solid man with very high moral backbone!   The nation needed these traits when he  became President  at a time of great turmoil.
   

Mulligan
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Hajo on December 27, 2006, 03:25:42 AM
President Ford was handed the Presidents job at the worst possible time.

If I were him at that time I don't know if I would have wanted to be President under the circumstances he was appointed.  The division in the country pertaining to the War in Viet Nam, and the Watergate Scandal.

At least half the country, probably more were upset with our Government for quite some time because of our involvement in Viet Nam and the Watergate Scandal finally tipped the cart.  A lot of us at the time said to ourselves...great....what next?  What can be done to make matters worse.  And who the heck is this Guy Jerry Ford that has just been given the job to right the ship?

We found out......he quietly restored our faith in the Govt. His job in foreign affairs (Helsinki Pact) gave us some confidence in him.  His good and kind nature helped sooth the country.  He didn't run roughshod over anyone or anybody UNLESS it benefitted the people of the United States.

Yes...many people made fun of his sometimes awkwardness.  LOL I remember him falling down the steps from an airplane......and at a major Golf Tounament from the Tee sending a liner into the crowd near the Tee.  But he was the best fit for our President at the time.  He did well.

In his younger years he was a standout Football Player for the Maize and Blue.  (Ohio State fan here so this is going to be hard)  He was an all american I believe at Center and Linebacker and was offered contracts to play for the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions.  He refused them to attend Yale Law School.  I think this Country should be eternally greatfull that he did.

He served his Country very well.....was a TRUE Public Servant!

I shall miss him.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Pei on December 27, 2006, 04:15:04 AM
Quote
Originally posted by DREDIOCK

Nixon got caught
:p


But was pardoned by...
Title: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: Ack-Ack on December 27, 2006, 04:54:38 AM
Quote
Originally posted by CAF51
what do you old people remember of him?



Him tripping while walking off Air Force One.


ack-ack
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Shuckins on December 27, 2006, 06:25:46 AM
And the pardon was an acknowledgement of Nixon's guilt.

Let it go.

to a decent man in a difficult position.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Eagler on December 27, 2006, 06:48:55 AM
President Ford
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Nilsen on December 27, 2006, 06:54:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Golfer
leader of the free world


tihi... that always makes me giggle :D
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Ripsnort on December 27, 2006, 07:28:00 AM
Ford had a personality that just about everyone could relate to. Very down home.

RIP Gerald.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: DREDIOCK on December 27, 2006, 07:43:24 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Pei
But was pardoned by...


True.
Probably so all the rest wouldnt get caught too;)
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: DREDIOCK on December 27, 2006, 07:44:38 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Shuckins

to a decent man in a difficult position.


Agreed
and Ford
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: midnight Target on December 27, 2006, 08:24:11 AM
Always liked Ford.

The 1st vote I ever cast was for Ford in 1976. I thought Carter was unqualified. This started a streak of voting for losers in Presidential elecions that lasted until 1992.

I went to college with Steve Ford. He was a pretty nice guy, always had the guys with the aviator glasses nearby.
Title: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: indy007 on December 27, 2006, 08:26:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by CAF51
what do you old people remember of him?


I'm not old, but I do know he was never actually elected.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Oldman731 on December 27, 2006, 08:26:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by storch
yup was handed a basket case nation, politically speaking.  he was crucified in the media.  chevy chase made a name for himself with his pratfalls at the expense of this less than agile old man.  he did what he could with no pretense and with dignity during a very difficult period in our history.

Agreed.  Odd that his pardoning of Nixxon is what's remembered now.  At the time, his simultaneously-announced amnesty for the draft dodgers got equal attention.

Pathetic victory that it was, he did restore some of the country's pride with the recapture of the Mayaguez.

- oldman
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Eagler on December 27, 2006, 09:32:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
...This started a streak of voting for losers in Presidential elecions that lasted until 1992...


me thinks your streak did not stop in 92, just that your loser won :)
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: sluggish on December 27, 2006, 09:38:10 AM
He was the last living member of the Warren Commission.  Now we'll never know what happened in Dallas that day...

When I was a kid I remember thinking it was cool to have the president from my home state.  I also remember being a little embarrassed about the way the media portrayed him as a baboon.  I understand now that they were just angry that he pardoned Nixon.

The man sacrificed any political ambitions he could have ever had to heal our country during a very divisive time.  He was a truly great American.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Maverick on December 27, 2006, 11:12:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by storch
yup was handed a basket case nation, politically speaking.  he was crucified in the media.  chevy chase made a name for himself with his pratfalls at the expense of this less than agile old man.  he did what he could with no pretense and with dignity during a very difficult period in our history.  I had an opportunity to meet him, a hello sir and a hand shake really, at the grand plaza hotel in grand rapids michigan in 1987.

President Ford


+1 here. Well said Storch. Ford was in a position where he could do no right and nothing but wrong given the situation and media. He was a good and gracious man.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Shamus on December 27, 2006, 12:19:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Eagler
me thinks your streak did not stop in 92, just that your loser won :)


hehe that was a good one:rofl

shamus
Title: Marvel of the public school system
Post by: sluggish on December 27, 2006, 01:14:19 PM
I casually mentioned Ford's passing to my fourteen year old stepson.  I said "I bet you don't even know who Gerald Ford is," to which he confidently replied, "of course I do.  He made cars."

God help us all.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Traveler on December 27, 2006, 02:04:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Black Sheep
Agnew was his stooge - if you have nothing good to say - well you know the rest.


You got that wrong, Nixon / Agnew/ Ford.  Ford became VP after Agnew was indited for taking bribs while Govnor of Maryland.  Ford had Hubert Humpry and then Nelson Rockafeller as his VP.  Ford pardoned Nixon for any and all crimes committed against the United States. The pardon was Fords first offical act as President.    

Ford was the only person (so far) elected to the office of President by a two thirds vote of Congress, who had never received one vote for President in the popular election and up to his election had never run for that office.

Rockafeller would die within years of leaving office of a massave hart attack while being serviced by two hookers in his office in Manhattan at the RCA Building (now the GE Building)  That's  a true story.  The hookers paniced and instead of calling EMS they first took the time to dress him.  Which took 20 minutes.  Because he was a former VP and died suddenly,
an autopsy was required.  The Coroner's findings showed that his underwear was on inside out and his socks were never found and that he had just had intercourse.  

After Nixon-Ford we had Jimmy Carter.  Politicians  what a joke.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: 68Ripper on December 27, 2006, 02:04:56 PM
Actually I think Betty Ford did more for this country

Betty Ford and the Betty Ford clinic

:rofl
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: storch on December 27, 2006, 02:13:59 PM
I don't believe hubert humphrey was President Ford's vice president.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Masherbrum on December 27, 2006, 02:35:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Traveler
You got that wrong, Nixon / Agnew/ Ford.  Ford became VP after Agnew was indited for taking bribs while Govnor of Maryland.  Ford had Hubert Humpry and then Nelson Rockafeller as his VP.  Ford pardoned Nixon for any and all crimes committed against the United States. The pardon was Fords first offical act as President.    

Ford was the only person (so far) elected to the office of President by a two thirds vote of Congress, who had never received one vote for President in the popular election and up to his election had never run for that office.

Rockafeller would die within years of leaving office of a massave hart attack while being serviced by two hookers in his office in Manhattan at the RCA Building (now the GE Building)  That's  a true story.  The hookers paniced and instead of calling EMS they first took the time to dress him.  Which took 20 minutes.  Because he was a former VP and died suddenly,
an autopsy was required.  The Coroner's findings showed that his underwear was on inside out and his socks were never found and that he had just had intercourse.  

After Nixon-Ford we had Jimmy Carter.  Politicians  what a joke.


Good thing you're perfect then eh?     :aok
Title: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: Irwink! on December 27, 2006, 02:36:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by CAF51
he will be missed, he did alot.  what do you old people remember of him?


Old people? What are you, twelve? Whatever...

I held the Nixon pardon against him for a long time but have come to realize that it was probably best for the country in order to start healing. As it is he was probably one the most decent, stand-up guys to hold the office of President during the 20th century.

Mr. Ford
Title: Re: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: Traveler on December 27, 2006, 04:30:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Irwink!
Old people? What are you, twelve? Whatever...

I held the Nixon pardon against him for a long time but have come to realize that it was probably best for the country in order to start healing. As it is he was probably one the most decent, stand-up guys to hold the office of President during the 20th century.

Mr. Ford


What part of "he pardoned Nixon", don't you understand.  He sold out.  Equal Justice.  If he hadn't pardoned Nixon, the nation would have what???I'd really like to know.  That "helped the nation start healing" is a crock.

Politicians are a joke.  In the last Congress 9 junior congressman (elected every two years) went to congress the only now millionaires of the 400.  Today, just two years later, there all millionaires. Go figure.  yea, they got your interests at hart.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: Vudak on December 27, 2006, 04:34:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Traveler

Politicians are a joke.  In the last Congress 9 junior congressman (elected every two years) went to congress the only now millionaires of the 400.  Today, just two years later, there all millionaires. Go figure.  yea, they got your interests at hart.


Well, misguided as I feel it is, many are for NCLB... ;)
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: SELECTOR on December 27, 2006, 05:45:05 PM
wasn't he the left boob to nixons right?
Title: Re: Re: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: BTMe62 on December 28, 2006, 09:46:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Traveler
What part of "he pardoned Nixon", don't you understand.  He sold out.  Equal Justice.  If he hadn't pardoned Nixon, the nation would have what???I'd really like to know.  That "helped the nation start healing" is a crock.

Politicians are a joke.  In the last Congress 9 junior congressman (elected every two years) went to congress the only now millionaires of the 400.  Today, just two years later, there all millionaires. Go figure.  yea, they got your interests at hart.


Ok, Politicians are a joke.  I agree (in most cases) but what does your second
paragraph have to do with the first?

Any after the fact trial of Richard Nixon would have turned into something akin to the "witch trial" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Just what this contry needed.  Not!  The pardon was the right thing to do.
Maybe not politically for Ford, because it screwed him out of getting elected
and stuck us with Jimmy (I've lusted in my heart) Carter.

to an Honorable man and Brother Mason

Mike Callahan
aka BTMe62
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Hap on December 28, 2006, 10:05:04 AM
"The State of the Union is not good" from his 1975 State of the Union address.  When was the last time you heard something as honest as that when it was called for?

hap
Title: Re: Re: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: Irwink! on December 28, 2006, 10:18:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Traveler
What part of "he pardoned Nixon", don't you understand.  He sold out.  Equal Justice.  If he hadn't pardoned Nixon, the nation would have what???I'd really like to know.  That "helped the nation start healing" is a crock.

Politicians are a joke.  In the last Congress 9 junior congressman (elected every two years) went to congress the only now millionaires of the 400.  Today, just two years later, there all millionaires. Go figure.  yea, they got your interests at hart.


I get every bit of "he pardoned Nixon". I hated him for it at the time. I gleefully voted against him when I had the chance because of it. What I have come to realize over the years though is that the nation was coming apart during those days. All we needed then was the circus atmosphere of a protracted trial to finish the job of splintering us, perhaps irreperably. I personally was ready for a revolution in this country and was by no means alone. I remember those days very well. The Nixon affair was only the last straw in a big bale.

Do I think Nixon should have gone to jail? Yes. But the benefit of hindsight tells me that his pardon put the whole affair to bed quickly so that we could move on.

Do I think all politicians are crooks? HELL yes, the vast majority of them! If they aren't corrupt to begin with they are shortly corrupted by "the machine", are absorbed by it and then become just another corrupt cog in it. At this time I will forgo what would be a very lengthy diatribe on my view of U.S politics.

All that aside, I don't know and will never know Ford's motive for pardoning Nixon. All that I do know is that at this point I'd prefer to look back and see that the whole matter was ended sooner rather than later viewing the consequences that might have been.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: P0G0 on December 28, 2006, 11:16:50 AM
To A better man than I, no way in heck woulld I have wanted to pick up the pieces after Nixon pulled all his baddness.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Traveler on December 28, 2006, 05:34:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hap
"The State of the Union is not good" from his 1975 State of the Union address.  When was the last time you heard something as honest as that when it was called for?

hap


He had no choice, you couldn't buy a gallon of gasoline even if you could afford it.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Gerald Ford
Post by: Mr No Name on December 28, 2006, 06:02:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Irwink!
I get every bit of "he pardoned Nixon". I hated him for it at the time. I gleefully voted against him when I had the chance because of it. What I have come to realize over the years though is that the nation was coming apart during those days. All we needed then was the circus atmosphere of a protracted trial to finish the job of splintering us, perhaps irreperably. I personally was ready for a revolution in this country and was by no means alone. I remember those days very well. The Nixon affair was only the last straw in a big bale.

Do I think Nixon should have gone to jail? Yes. But the benefit of hindsight tells me that his pardon put the whole affair to bed quickly so that we could move on.

Do I think all politicians are crooks? HELL yes, the vast majority of them! If they aren't corrupt to begin with they are shortly corrupted by "the machine", are absorbed by it and then become just another corrupt cog in it. At this time I will forgo what would be a very lengthy diatribe on my view of U.S politics.

All that aside, I don't know and will never know Ford's motive for pardoning Nixon. All that I do know is that at this point I'd prefer to look back and see that the whole matter was ended sooner rather than later viewing the consequences that might have been.


I'll add to that as well... Remember the USSR???  They were looking at all of this going on... Our friends around the globe were already nervous about the US and its resolve to back our allies.

The pardon was the only thing to do.  Nixons only mistake was participating in the cover-up to protect his idiot chief of staff anyway.

Ford, ya made the right call.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: blutic on December 28, 2006, 07:32:45 PM
Lets see.
He pardoned Nixon, for his lies, cover up and crimanal actions.
No chance for empeachmnet, or to account for his crimes.
But we empeach Bill Clinton for infidelity?
I'm sorry the man is dead, but he was 90.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: Maverick on December 28, 2006, 08:14:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by blutic
Lets see.
He pardoned Nixon, for his lies, cover up and crimanal actions.
No chance for empeachmnet, or to account for his crimes.
But we empeach Bill Clinton for infidelity?
I'm sorry the man is dead, but he was 90.


Actually I believe the impeachment was a moot point before the pardon. The difference between Nixon and clinton is that Nixon resigned the office knowing he would face impeachment. You can't impeach someone who is not in office.
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: blutic on December 28, 2006, 08:18:44 PM
Actually I believe the impeachment was a moot point before the pardon. The difference between Nixon and clinton is that Nixon resigned the office knowing he would face impeachment. You can't impeach someone who is not in office.

What about accountability for his crimes?
Title: Gerald Ford
Post by: BTMe62 on December 28, 2006, 11:37:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by blutic
Lets see.
He pardoned Nixon, for his lies, cover up and crimanal actions.
No chance for empeachmnet, or to account for his crimes.
But we empeach Bill Clinton for infidelity?
I'm sorry the man is dead, but he was 90.


Bill Clinton's empeachment was not about "infidelity".
It was over a little thing called lying under oath.
You know, put your left hand on the bible, raise your right
hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, so help you God...........then lie through your teeth.

Mike Callahan
aka BTMe62