Yesterday on the news I saw a clip of Mrs. Ford’s funeral service. There was a procession of former First Ladies walking up the aisle of the church. Mrs. Reagan on the arm of former President George W. Bush, followed by Mrs. Obama, and Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Carter spoke, as did Cokie Roberts, daughter of the late Representative Hale Boggs, a former Democratic Majority Leader.
Photo Courtesy of Reuthers
The camera panned slowly across the congregation and many faces, familiar from newspapers and television were glimpsed, though I could not always attach names to them.
What impressed me was the serious and respectful silence of so many prominent people, sitting side by side, Republicans and Democrats with no aisle between them. They were remembering a friend, ally, comrade, leader, challenger and a shining example to all of them – to all of us.
A hostility toward those whose point of view differs from one’s own, seems to have infiltrated the United States government, and has brought our country toward the brink of disaster. Frustration and hopelessness seem to suffocate the will of the people. Why are we allowing this to happen?
Mrs. Ford’s honesty and courage to speak the truth about her own problems, with cancer and substance abuse, has saved the lives of countless of her countrymen and women. Her ability to reach out to others, regardless of their political affiliation was both helpful and healing, to us all, as Mrs.Carter said in her eulogy.
What a memorial to her it would be if Congress could have the courage to follow her example and work together toward solving our country’s problems.
Mary Wood
Chestertown
Catty One says
Yes, Betty Ford was an inspiration, a remarkable woman for her times.
She truly symbolized everything good about a Midwestern upbringing. I’m a little biased, being born a wolverine myself. Honesty, integrity, strong work ethic, and a sense of real family values. She was just a genuine person, no phoniness or pretense about her. So was Gerald.
There hasn’t been another First Lady equal to her since. And probably never will be.
Yes, it would be a great memorial for Washington to regain some civility. Obama can start.
Scaring the beejeezus out of sr. citizens with his remark yesterday about August social security checks!
Uncalled for! Have been hoping someone here would start a thread about THAT. so guess i will.
Keith Thompson says
“A hostility toward those whose point of view differs from one’s own, seems to have infiltrated the United States government, and has brought our country toward the brink of disaster. Frustration and hopelessness seem to suffocate the will of the people. Why are we allowing this to happen?”
I’ll have a stab at that question, Mary. I think its because we’ve raised a generation of people who are too lazy to think for themselves and instead rely on using other people’s talking points. I think it’s because we’ve raised a generation of people who have replaced work ethic with a sense of entitlement. I think it’s because we’ve raised a generation of people who have replaced responsibility with greed. Finally, in order to not be hostile to another point of view, one must allow criticism of their own point of view. We would all be better off if we could lead this country back to many of the values of Betty Ford’s generation.
MBTroup says
“Uncalled for! Have been hoping someone here would start a thread about THAT. so guess i will.”
Probably falls under the heading of false dilemmas.
Stephan Sonn says
Interesting that this forum is used to single out and blame Obama.
You all start out praising Betty Ford and end up doing
exactly what she would not condone.
Grow up and show some respect.
I mourn the demise of what Betty Ford stood for
in a more reasonable era
Stephan Sonn says
Mary Wood got it right She not only honored a great first lady
but she spoke to the dignity of humanity.
It was like some of you were doing political grandstanding
at a funeral
MBTroup says
“You all…”
?
If I am part of “all” then what I was doing was redirecting someone to a place where such a thread existed.
Stephan Sonn says
My Dear Fellow
You are Mr Interlockitor.
Not only do you direct but you script as well….
“False dilemma”….come on get real!
Catty One says
In no way was I “using this forum to single out and blame Obama”! Far from it.
Betty Ford would not have approved of Obama’s scare tactics. Especially since saying the money might not be in the coffer is dead wrong.
Had he said checks might not go out due to the gov’t being shutdown……But he didn’t.
Anyone, including the president, can google the soc. sec. trustees May 2011 report and readily learn there is a substantial balance in the $2.6 trilliion trust fund. Al Gore’s famous “lockbox”.
I can’t believe Obama is that poorly informed of how the soc security system operates. Therefore, I have to conclude that his remarks were deliberate, calculated to throw a scare into vulnerable people.
Don’t we already have enough real dilemmas going on – we don’t need any fake ones, do we
Stephan Sonn says
Your all off Betty.
There is NO Social Security lock box;
It is simply a credit on a ledger.
Republicans have complained about that for years until recently.
Do your homework.
You just don’t like Obama, admit it.
And show some respect for Mrs Ford by not taking her name
as your license.
Stephan Sonn says
Excuse me the name is CATTY, So sorry.
StellaL says
Of course, lets look at the real reason that the SS checks could be delayed…..a new bunch of idealists on
the Hill. If I were the President I probably would not remain as composed as he has. These new crop of
Representatives are the dregs…
Keith Thompson says
“A hostility toward those whose point of view differs from one’s own, seems to have infiltrated the United States government, and has brought our country toward the brink of disaster. Frustration and hopelessness seem to suffocate the will of the people. Why are we allowing this to happen?
Sadly, Mary’s plea has already descended into snipes against both Obama and the Tea Party. Sigh.
Carla Massoni says
Oh, please. Thank you Mary.
Catty One says
Apparently he isn’t remaining so composed anymore.
Time dot com is reporting that after Cantor “rudely interrupted” the president 3 times, Obama shoved back his chair and “stormed” out of the room this morning.
StellaL says
Catty One- that is, actually, what I was refering to. I would expect a bigger response so I commend
his poise. I’m glad I don’t have to directly deal with this group on the Hill
jenifer says
Mary, what a lovely tribute you’ve written.
Betty Ford was a class act.
Thank you.
Carla Massoni says
Betty Ford….anyone? “Work TOGETHER toward solving our countries problems.”
Carla Massoni says
All this “sniping” at one another reminded me of a favorite childhood game. The “snipe hunt” so I visited Wilipedia and saw this definition:
“A snipe hunt, a form of wild-goose chase that is also known as a fool’s errand, is a type of practical joke that involves experienced people making fun of credulous newcomers by giving them an impossible or imaginary task.”
Keith Thompson says
Carla, it all comes down to my contention that before we can expect the government to clean its house, everyone has to clean their own house first. Otherwise expecting change through politics is akin to a snipe hunt.
StellaL says
Carla: The point is that the President has been trying to do what Mrs. Ford advocates. The tradition of
moderate Republicans has been abandoned for idealism. Too bad.
Mary Wood says
I am astonished that my letter commenting on the shining example shown by Mrs. Ford, even in her funeral arrangements,should have resulted in such an outpouring of comments. Three cheers for the Freedom of the Press, for the red,white and blue, and for the Spy for giving us this outlet.
Stephan Sonn says
Mary Woods you are a lovely woman and
that is what it takes to appreciate another kind spirit like Betty Ford.
She reached for solutions without rancor and offered herself as an example
with no thought of self praise.
I hope to live to see time of hatred pass.
Stephan Sonn says
Carla
At summer camp when I was six a snipe was looking like a kiwi.
I was supposed to catch it and put it in a brown paper bag.
rcg says
Mrs. Ford gave so many men and women the strength to ask for help from a disease that is chronic, progressive and fatal. Many do not seek treatment due to the stigma glaringly attached to alcoholism and addiction.
I consider her a hero.
I feel it is important for those in recovery, those who chose to be open about their disease, to stand tall and help others see that treatment and recovery are reasons for which people should be proud and not ashamed. I, also, feel it is just as important for the friends and loved ones of those brave people to help fight the stigma whenever possible.
********** **********
Self~righteous anger isn,t pretty, but we are human…awareness and the ability to learn to agree to disagree are gifts we are given thru age and experience.
I am guilty of pointing fingers and trying to change opinions of others. I find this thread a healthy reminder that other people,s opinions are neither right nor wrong, just different from mine.
Steve Payne says
I’m with Carla. Take it somewhere else children.
Steve Payne says
I think Rosalynn Carter just get a mention here too.
Stephan Sonn says
The most interesting thing about Betty ford is that that
the lesson of her own flaws struck a universal note.