Gerald Ford quotes - page 5

The founding of our Nation was more than a political event; it was an act of faith, a promise to Americans and to the entire world. The Declaration of Independence declared that people can govern themselves, that they can live in freedom with equal rights, that they can respect the rights of others. (Gerald Ford)
My conscience tells me it is my duty, not merely to proclaim domestic tranquillity but to use every means that I have to insure it. View quote
Gerald Ford
I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it. View quote
Gerald Ford
It is not the ultimate fate of Richard Nixon that most concerns me. View quote
Gerald Ford
If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. View quote
Gerald Ford
There can be only one Commander in Chief. In these times crises cannot be managed and wars cannot be waged by committee, nor can peace be pursued solely by parliamentary debate. View quote
Gerald Ford
We can be extremely proud of what they have accomplished. Today, we are the world's oldest republic. We are at peace. Our Nation and our way of life endure. We are free. View quote
Gerald Ford
Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule. View quote
Gerald Ford
If I went back to college again, I'd concentrate on two areas learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively. View quote
Gerald Ford
I have had a lot of adversaries in my political life, but no enemies that I can remember. View quote
Gerald Ford
Too often critics seem more intent on seeking new ways to alter Congress than to truly learn how it functions. They might well profit from the advice of Thomas Huxley, who said a century ago: "Sit down before facts as a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion - or you shall learn nothing." (Gerald Ford)
We have come tardily to the tremendous task of cleaning up our environment. We should have moved with similar zeal at least a decade ago. But no purpose is served by post-mortems. With visionary zeal but the greatest realism, we must now address ourselves to the vast problems that confront us. View quote
Gerald Ford
Let us put an end to self-inflicted wounds. Let us remember that our national unity is a most priceless asset. Let us deny our adversaries the satisfaction of using Vietnam to pit Americans against Americans. View quote
Gerald Ford
There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe - and there never will be under a Ford administration... The United States does not concede that those countries are under the domination of the Soviet Union. View quote
Gerald Ford
A strong defense is the surest way to peace. Strength makes détente attainable. Weakness invites war, as my generation-my generation-knows from four very bitter experiences. Just as America's will for peace is second to none, so will America's strength be second to none. We cannot rely on the forbearance of others to protect this Nation. The power and diversity of the Armed Forces, active Guard and Reserve, the resolve of our fellow citizens, the flexibility in our command to navigate international waters that remain troubled are all essential to our security. View quote
Gerald Ford
An American tragedy in which we all have played a part. View quote
Gerald Ford
I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many. If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman - my dear wife - as I begin this very difficult job. View quote
Gerald Ford
I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our Government but civilization itself. That bond, though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad. In all my public and private acts as your President, I expect to follow my instincts of openness and candor with full confidence that honesty is always the best policy in the end. View quote
Gerald Ford
I deeply believe in equal justice for all Americans, whatever their station or former station. The law, whether human or divine, is no respecter of persons; but the law is a respecter of reality. The facts, as I see them, are that a former President of the United States, instead of enjoying equal treatment with any other citizen accused of violating the law, would be cruelly and excessively penalized either in preserving the presumption of his innocence or in obtaining a speedy determination of his guilt in order to repay a legal debt to society. During this long period of delay and potential litigation, ugly passions would again be aroused. And our people would again be polarized in their opinions. And the credibility of our free institutions of government would again be challenged at home and abroad. View quote
Gerald Ford
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of the 94th Congress, and distinguished guests:. View quote
Gerald Ford