Gerald R. Ford Quotes

The political lesson of Watergate is this: Never again must America allow an arrogant, elite guard of political adolescents to by-pass the regular party organization and dictate the terms of a national election.

A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.

Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you'll still 'beat the pack.'

America now is stumbling through the darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Our values, our principles, and our determination to succeed as a free and democratic people will give us a torch to light the way. And we will survive and become the stronger - not only because of a patriotism that stands for love of country, but a patriotism that stands for love of people.

An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history.

I had pro offers from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, who were pretty hard up for linemen in those days. If I had gone into professional football the name Jerry Ford might have been a household word today.

Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them - a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.

There is an old saying, The harder you try the luckier you get. I kind of like that definition of luck.

I hope never to see the day that I cannot admit having made a mistake.

Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.

The spirit of seeking understanding through personal contact with people of other nations and other cultures deserves the respect and support of all.

Teddy Roosevelt... once said, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.' Jimmy Carter wants to speak loudly and carry a fly swatter.

I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our government, but civilization itself.

There is no undertaking more challenging, no responsibility more awesome, than that of being a mother.

History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion.

My goal is for a cooperative world at peace, using its resources to build, not to destroy.

If compassion and mercy are not compatible with politics then something is the matter with politics.

I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, so I ask you to confirm me with your prayers.

Real assistance is to help people to help themselves. We can't do everything for everybody, but there is room for all who try to make it.

Richard Nixon... was just offered $2 million by Schick to do a television commercial - for Gillette.

Ronald Regan doesn't dye his hair - he's just prematurely orange.

For nearly two hundred years, our nation has derived its strength from the diversity of its people and of their beliefs. That strength has been greatly enhanced by [the Islamic] religious heritage.

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.

Let us remember that our national unity is a most priceless asset.

In the age-old contest between popularity and principle, only those willing to lose for their convictions are deserving of posterity's approval.

The three-martini lunch is the epitome of American efficiency.

I believe that prayer in public schools should be voluntary. It is difficult for me to see how religious exercises can be a requirement in public schools, given our Constitutional requirement of separation of church and state. I feel that the highly desirable goal of religious education must be principally the responsibility of church and home. I do not believe that public education should show any hostility toward religion, and neither should it inhibit voluntary participation, if it does not interfere with the educational process.

There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.

For millions of men and women, the church has been the hospital for the soul, the school for the mind and the safe depository for moral ideas.

The three-martini lunch is the epitome of American efficiency. Where else can you get an earful, a bellyful and a snootful at the same time?

My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.

A great nation cannot abandon its responsibilities. Responsibilities abandoned today return as more acute crises tomorrow.

I strongly support the feeding of children.

A strong defense is the surest way to peace. Strength makes detente 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.

In a democracy, the public has a right to know not only what the government decides, but why and by what process.

Our Nation has a diverse and extremely rich cultural heritage. It is a source of pride and strength to millions of Americans who look to the arts for inspiration, communication and the opportunity for creative self-expression.

The American dream does not come to those who fall asleep.

The veto is a President's Constitutional right, given to him by the drafters of the Constitution because they wanted it as a checkagainst irresponsible Congressional action. The veto forces Congress to take another look at legislation that has been passed. I think this is a responsible tool for a president of the United States, and I have sought to use it responsibly.

Humor can help you to disagree without being disagreeable. The key in democracy is not necessarily that we agree, but that we participate....Despite all the heavy problems- domestic and international- there is humor. Humor transcends partisanship.

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.

Can a free people restrain crime without sacrificing fundamental liberties and a heritage of compassion?... Let us show that we can temper together those opposite elements of liberty and restraint into one consistent whole. Let us set an example for the world of a law-abiding America glorying in its freedom as well as its respect for law.

I don't know what the future may hold for me-or for any of us. But I want you to know that I am a man who likes having critics who are not enemies.

Personal excellence can be achieved by a visionary goal, through planning, dedicated execution, and total follow-through.

We must proceed with our own energy development. Exploitation of domestic petroleum and natural gas potentialities, along with nuclear, solar, geothermal, and non-fossil fuels is vital. We will never again permit any foreign nation to have Uncle Sam over a barrel of oil.

Even though this is late in an election year, there is no way we can go forward except together and no way anybody can win except by serving the people's urgent needs. We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together.

A coalition of groups is waging a massive propaganda campaign against the president of the United States. an all-out attack. Their aim is total victory for themselves and total defeat for him.

All my children have spoken for themselves since they first learned to speak, and not always with my advance approval, and I expect that to continue in the future.

I have always felt that the real purpose of government is to enhance the lives of people and that a leader can best do that by restraining government in most cases instead of enlarging it at every opportunity.

We came from many roots, and we have many branches.

My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.