Gerald Ford passed away at 93
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From: West Deptford NJ
Originally Posted by Matt_in_VA,Dec 27 2006, 08:15 PM
One of the decisions that I now regret was not voting for Gerald Ford for President in 1976. In retrospect, with the benefit of hindsight I regret it for two reasons.
I recall how "pissed" I was that he Pardoned Nixon at the time. I thought then that it was a classic case of "the old boy network". I did not vote for him because of that. In retrospect, IMO if he had not pardoned Nixon. Nixon perhaps would have served a few years in some "country club" type prison, done his time and that would have been that. In an interview in 2004 he explained his action in this way: He felt that he had to "clear the deck" and move on as he was spending one quarter of his time as President dealing with the aftermath of Watergate. Looking back on all of the ridicule that Nixon faced after the Pardon, on just about every late night talk show including Carson and SNL. IMHO I sense that it was a worse punishment for Nixon than going to jail would have been, as his name was drug through the mud countless times over the years. I believe that this humiliation was worse than jail time for Nixon. So in the long run, the Pardon worked out.
I recall how "pissed" I was that he Pardoned Nixon at the time. I thought then that it was a classic case of "the old boy network". I did not vote for him because of that. In retrospect, IMO if he had not pardoned Nixon. Nixon perhaps would have served a few years in some "country club" type prison, done his time and that would have been that. In an interview in 2004 he explained his action in this way: He felt that he had to "clear the deck" and move on as he was spending one quarter of his time as President dealing with the aftermath of Watergate. Looking back on all of the ridicule that Nixon faced after the Pardon, on just about every late night talk show including Carson and SNL. IMHO I sense that it was a worse punishment for Nixon than going to jail would have been, as his name was drug through the mud countless times over the years. I believe that this humiliation was worse than jail time for Nixon. So in the long run, the Pardon worked out.
You said very well. But I still don't like Nixon.
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From: Wilmington, NC
R.I.P. Pres. Ford.
I've always thought that as one of the youngest on the Warren Commission, Gerald Ford was probably completely "in the know" about the Kennedy Assasination.
Looks like he took any secrets to his grave.
I've always thought that as one of the youngest on the Warren Commission, Gerald Ford was probably completely "in the know" about the Kennedy Assasination.
Looks like he took any secrets to his grave.
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From: MoCo
Originally Posted by RC - Ryder,Dec 27 2006, 10:17 PM
I admired his civility, midwestern values, and the fact that he never wanted to be President.
He was the second President that I met (Nixon was the 1st) and the one that spoke to me the most. Super nice guy who took on what was a thankless job at the time. He wouldn't even fit in to the current Republican party with a lot of his views, especially being Pro Choice.
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From: Randolph, NJ
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From: Clifton, VA
Originally Posted by RedY2KS2k,Jan 1 2007, 12:48 PM
Saw a History Channel show about his presidency: I remembered Lynette "Squeeky" Fromme (spelling?) but had completely forgotten Sarah Jane Moore.
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From: Clifton, VA
Thinking about it again it does seem very "strange" that the only person that was never elected to the Office of Vice President or President had not one, but two assasination attempts on him. And, both by females?
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From: Randolph, NJ
Originally Posted by Matt_in_VA,Jan 1 2007, 11:12 PM
Thinking about it again it does seem very "strange" that the only person that was never elected to the Office of Vice President or President had not one, but two assasination attempts on him. And, both by females?
Why? Those were very strange and difficult times. Much of what went on, both within and outside of government made very little sense. What makes you feel that way?
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From: Clifton, VA
I rarely "feel" that way about anything. As I seem to be more analytical in my thinking.
With that stated: I will agree with you that those were turbulent times in the history of our nation. IMO I guess that one would have to ask Lynette "Squeeky" Fromme or Sarah Jane Moore about why they tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford?
So with that stated: Given the time line when these events happened and coupling it with the early years of the Women
With that stated: I will agree with you that those were turbulent times in the history of our nation. IMO I guess that one would have to ask Lynette "Squeeky" Fromme or Sarah Jane Moore about why they tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford?
So with that stated: Given the time line when these events happened and coupling it with the early years of the Women
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As I recall, the motivations had little to do with Ford himself. Fromme was motivated by her concern for the plight of the redwood forests. Sarah Jane Moore was simply a nutcase who was attempting to make a name for herself. Neither of them were motivated by female angst.
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