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Fifth District Weekly Radio Reports, July-October 1965
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Fifth District Weekly Radio Reports, July-October 1965
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Weekly Radio Reports
subjects
United Nations
Agriculture
Budget deficits
Crime
Economics
Executive-Legislative relations
Inflation (Finance)
Insurance
Legislation
Military pay
Poverty programs
Roadside improvement
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975
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1965
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1965-07-01
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1965
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The original documents are located in Box D35, folder "Fifth District Weekly Radio
Reports, July-October 1965" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and
Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D35 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Fifth District Radio Tape
(for recording July 7, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington on
the condition of the Nation's bank-roll...our money...our income..our
financial condition.
How healthy is the Nation's economy?!!.. Why has the stock market jumped
up and down like a yo-yo?/....Are we going broke? Are conditions today
similar to those of 1929 just before the Depression struck a devastating blow?
These questions are debated in many places. Chances are, you and your friends
discuss them.
Recall that William McChesney Martin, a highly respected and top financial
expert, recently warned of some danger signals. The
Reserve Board
raises some basic and very important questions. And
yet,
President Johnson suggests that anything wrong in the economy results f rom
fright# caused by Mr. Martin's speech.
The President's reaction is puzzling.
You see, Mr. Martin rightly fo focuses attention on a situation of vital concern
to every American. His documented observations cannot be blamed for
disrupting the economy as the President claims. For the Administration to
ignore Mr. Martin's conclusions is
short-sighted,
-more-
GERALD FORD LIBRARI
Fifth District tape July 7
Page 2
Certain strategic imbalances have developed in the domestic economy.
More than 42 percent of the Nation's labor force remains out of work...
The cost of living goes up and up, threatening the catastrophe of wildfire
inflation. Recent labor contracts provide 4 percent annual wage increases,
substantially higher than guide-lines set by the Administration.
There are other disturbing danger signals.
The federal government is deep in the red and going deeper. Deficits
pile up--averaging six billion dollars annually for the past five years
The interest charge on the public debt grows larger and larger International
trade is disrupted as more nations lose their faith in the value of our
currency. total debt of the average family is a staggering 60 percent
of its yearly earnings---and employable young people who could help ease
the family burden can't find work.
Despite the ominous signs, the Democrat-controlled Congress rubber-stamps
one big spending program after another.
Meanwhile, the Administration proclaims golden times of prosperity. Yet,
the
Democrat may be Administration in great d anger
of pushing the Nation into the tragic position
of inflation and close to the point of no return.
A balanced economy is needed as quickly as possible. A balanced economy
prevents inflation. A balanced economy keeps our Nation strong.
I endorse the establishment of a Congressional economic committee to explore
LIBRARY
basic financial issues being
debated almost everywhere today in the Nation.
-more-
Fifth District radio tape July 7
Page 3
The danger signals are obvious. They cannot be ignored. Neither can they
be blamed as the cause of our growing financial troubles. The time for
preventative action is right now.
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from the Nation's Capitol.
Thank you for listening.
# #
1 GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
Fifth District radio message
(For taping July 14, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
The so-called war on poverty--thrown together in a hurry last year to
get votes for the Democrat party--- is moving into its second and most
expensive phase so far.
Despite growing criticism from both political sides of the fence in
Bengress, the Administration pushes its alleged poverty program at of Reckless,
expensive rate.
The entire legislative act is the least coordinated, the most confused
tangle in recent memory. It will get worse the way things are going.
Big city machines A WITH the anti-poverty program to be profiteers in
human misery. They exploit the poor, not help them.
The nations news media has documented serious charges including unreasonab le
and unrealistic salaries paid Administration commissars to command the
alleged war on poverty effort.
A
comprehensive
survey discloses that most of the anti-poverty
war's 10 major programs fail to even come close to achieveing their
original objectives.
A woman quits her staff job at the first Women's Job Corps Training Center
in Florida charging the place is run like a country club. Young girls brought
there for job training get instead paid vacations. The same woman describes
FORD
the
training center as a "mess."
LIBRAR
-more-
5th "istrict radio tape July 14, 1965
page 2
There are many other documented instances of the alleged war on poverty
failing to achieve the lofty goals set by the Administration.
The so-called Domestic Peace Corps-originally supposed to enroll
5,000 volunteers to help the poor---recently had only 203 such volunteers
working in the field.
autumn
The Job Corps, which Congress was told last
would have up to
40,000 teenage drop-outs in 75 camps by June 20, has less than 9,000
in 48 camps a few days ago.
In recent weeks, Administration officials worked day and night to allocate
funds for anti-poverty projects and thus use up all the $793 million
Con
appropriated
Congress last year for the program. This feverish spending spree
cleared the way to ask for $2 billion in tax funds to continue
the project this fiscal year.
who
Many Republicans, including myself voted against the alleged anti-poverty
program foresaw the current difficulties. We will continue to seek w ays
that will correct serious and admitted defects in the program.
I strongly endorse the suggestion of Representative Emanuel Celler, Democrat
dean of the House, that a bipartisan committee be appointed by the Speaker
to investigate the entire operation of the program.
-more-
Fifth District radio tape
page 3
A full-time administrator of the poverty program is needed to bring
some semblance of order to the present chaotic situation. A capable,
business-like administmator should correct the present situation in
which a fantastic number of highly-paid, casually-selected amateurs
frantically attempt to patch together programs that will reflect a
favorable image to the public and to Congress.
Thank you for listening. This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting
to you from the Nation's Capitol.
# #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping July 21, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
This past week there was an indication of a return of a balance of
power in the legislative and executive branches of government.
President Johnson's tight grip on Congress showed signs of slipping
The House of Representatives refused to follow the dictates of the
White House on the militart pay bill.
The House has taken a major step toward having a mind of its own. In
adopting a pay raise for all the Nation's servicemen, the House voted
a sound and reasonable way to compensate men and women in uniform.
While the President favored a smaller pay increase, the House approved an
average 10.7 percent raise.
The Committee on Armed Services thoroughly studied the pay scales of our
military establishment, conducted extensive hearings and determined the
need of military pay raises. Unlike some other legislation, this bill
was considered without the President controlling House Democrats with an
iron fist.
The bill has
several major features
It essentially equalizes
the overall pay treatment of military and Federal civilian employes
It considers grade and length of service It permits the military
establishment to be generally competitive with other governmental agencies
It encourages enlistment of more personnel and encourages skilled,
experienced career military people to stay in service.
GERALD FORD WERRARY
-more-
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5th District tape
page 2
The House faced reality in adopting a military pay raise.
Military departments are unable to attract and retain a dequatem numbers
of qualified career personnel . House action is aimed at correcting
this situation.
monthly
m 1964
The average ^ wage in the United States 1 was $445 in for example.
recruit
Yet an Air Force gets only $78 a month.
A large number of military personnel hold extra jobs to meet financial
needs. This bill helps abolish the necessity of moonlightings by
the 34 percent of enlisted personnel in this country who are forced to find
added income because of low military pay.
From 1952 to 1964 military pay raises fell far behind increases in
civilian occupations. For example, truck drivers' pay jumped 70 percent,
clerical workers 62 percent, professional and technical personnel 56 percent,
production workers 52 percent. Yet, our military personnel serving in the
defense of the Nation received only a a 36 serenh compensation. mcrease.
Action of the House in snubbing the President's demand for a lower pay
increase for our military personnel is encouraging. In voting on this
in The House
important bill, Democrats for a change V. failed to be rubber stamps for
N
2 might add were not
the White House. as a result the G. I in Vist ham x drewhere have
a better opportunity to provide for Their families of bit the same time strangther
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington. The
Thanks for listening.
# # #
This is everyort
Yay t
Many,
to all american
Caria July 21, 1965
NBC NEWS Radio
The vast majority of Americans know that the defense of freedom is
the highest calling of a great Nation. We believe that the time we help
protect a free people from Communist aggression we are meeting our
responsibilities at the right time--in the right place.
This does not mean--- as some cynical spokesmen claim it does----- that
we must undertake a "holy war" against Communism. But it does mean that
we must respond to Communism's own "unholy war" against human freedom.
If we are to defeat this enemy objective, we too must define our
goals in Viet Nam. Our military commitment has increased. Now the President
must detail the vital interests we are fighting for in that part of the world.
FORD & LIBRARI GERALD
Circa July 21,1965
FOR NBC RADIO NEWS
The Communist leaders in Moscow, Peiping and Hanoi must fully understand
that the United States considers the freedom of South Viet Nam vital to our
interests. And they must know that we are not bluffing in our determination
to defend those interests.
Our power is known to the enemy. The Communist enemy must be convinced
of the fact that we will use that power to meet the threat of aggression.
Here at home, the President need not fear that the opposition party
will ever undercut his e fforts to be firm against Communist aggression in
Viet Nam, or elsehwre. We will always put national interest above narrow
partisan interest.
The free world will win peace by resistance to evil. We will not
buy it by compromise with evil. That will remain our purpose in Viet Nam
resist
and throughout the world wherever brave men X tyranny and long for
freedom.
RADIO-TELEVISION
MEMO
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
312 CONGRÉSSIONAL HOTEL WASHINGTON 3,D.C.
111
LINCOLN 4-3010
Script No. 30
July 26, 1965
THE FARM PROBLEM
This is Congressmon
reporting to you from Washington.
Today, I would like to discuss with you a problem that affects every American - in some
way or other -- our farm problem. It is more far-reaching than most people realize. It affects
not only the farmer, but the consumer -- and that means it affects US all, whether we live in the
city or on the form. On the success or failure of our farm policies depends the price we have to
pay for farm products and the taxes we have to pay to support these policies.
As the House of Representatives approaches begins debate on the new form bill proposed by the
Administration,l want to take a few moments of your time to talk about it. I am greatly concerned
about this bill because -- although it has much to recommend it - it does not in my opinion
move towards a sound solution of the problems of American agriculture. And the urgency of a
sound solution is daily made apparent by the rising price of food and by the increasing number
of farmers who are leaving their farms and migrating to the cities.
The Republican report on the proposed legislation put it this way -- and I quote --
"Everyone should recognize that our present commodity programs are not meeting the needs of
formers, taxpayers or consumers. A substantial improvement on these programs is required, but
H.R. 9811 the new farm bill -- is neither a solution nor an effective attempt to move towards
a solution." End of quote.
To begin with, the proposed farm bill merely calls for continuing "as is" several of our
most Important commodity programs for another four years -- and this in spite of the fact that
these programs have proven themselves inadequate and ineffective.
For example, ten years ago, the farmer received 42 cents of every dollar Americans spent
for food. Today, he receives only 37 cents -- less than he received in the depression days of
1935! And, in spite of the fact that retail food prices have increased as much as 29 per cent in
the past sixteen years, the former himself has not benefited. He has actually suffered a big
decline in Income. The net income from agriculture has gone down 29 per cent. It becomes
obvious that something is very wrong, when you take into consideration the fact that during
these years both farm production and the number of consumers have risen.
GERALD LIBRARY
- more -
- 2 -
And the cost of our farm program has become almost prohibitive. The Federal Government
now spends almost eight billion dollars a year on running the Agriculture Department.
And, of course, the number of employees in the Department of Agriculture has mush-
roomed. In 1933 for Instance, there was one department employee for every 203 forms in the
country. Today -- believe it or not -- there is one employee for every 32 forms!
Perhaps the most controversial section of the present bill is the section that deals with
wheat. If this section of the bill becomes law, the price of all wheat products will he
considerably increased. The price of bread will go up as much as two cents, perhaps three
cents a loaf.
This "bread tax" - as It has been called -- will especially hurt the low income families
which normally use more wheat products. At a time when we are supposedly waging a war to
help the poor, we are also about to enact legislation to hurt the poor -- to force them to pay
still more for their food.
Of course, there are many Government farm programs which ae σ necessary -- programs
which benefit the general public as well CS the farmer. Yet, many of our costlyfarm programs
have failed to help the farmer at all; many have even hurt him.
President Johnson's
I believe enactment of the Administration's farm bill would be another step into the costly
tangle of confusion which has plagued the Government's farm policies for many years.
This is Congressman
reporting from Washington.
(A copy of this script is avallable on Teleprompter in the House TV Studio)
####
GERALD R.FORD VIBRARY
Fifth District Radio Tape
(for recording Aug. 4, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
While the Nation was possibly preoccupied with the critical situation
in Viet Nam, the House approved two bills dealing with criminals and
crime.
By a unanimous roll call the House voted to allow some of the 22,000
Federal prisoners to participate in a humane rehabilitation program.
The bill sent to the Senate for action applies to an estimated
1,000 to 1,500 trustworthy prisoners approved by the Attorney General.
These inmates could work in paid outside jobs and return to their
homes for emergency leaves not exceeding 30 days. They would be transferred
to community training centers known as half-way houses where they would
be helped in obtaining jobs.
Under the emergency leave provision, prisoners would be allowed to
visit dying relatives, attend funerals, and obtain medical services not
otherwise available. Also, they could contact prospective employers.
Furloughs would be given prisoners to work at paid employment or on
volunteer jobs, but not in competition with free labor. Their pay would be
deposited depositied in a special account for support of dependents or for other
designated purposes.
-more-
GERALD R.FORD. LIBRARY
Fifth District tape
Aug 4
page 2
rehabilitation
I emphasize that the prisoners taking part in this
tx program would be carefully selected after thorough study and
investigation.
This type of program, I believe, is needed to allow many persons capable
of returning to society as useful citizens to begin new lives. There is a
great need in our country to help salvage the good qualities in men and women
trouble
who have strayed into 1 or rim have been pushed outside the law by
circumstances beyond their control. The action taken by the House is
a positive approach to growing greending
a problem.
The other bill sent to the Senate would authorise appropriations up to
$10 million annually. The money would help finance local training
programs for law enforcement and to provide new training programs.
increase
This action also is a positive attempt to halt the alarming- wise in the
crime rates. It is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. It would
give local police agencies much-needed help in training skilled personnel
crime
law
in the area of prevention and enforcement.
its concern with the rising crime rate and its
The House showed its compassion for people in trouble and basic
hope for an bettergurgram I rehabilition
understanding of the problem posses of in our seciety W hen
the two bills were approved without dissent.
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from the Nation's Capitol.
Thanks for listening.
GERALD
LIBRARY
#
RADIO-TELEVISION
MEMO
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
312 CONGRESSIONA HOTEL WASHINGTON 3.D.C.
⑉
LINCOLN 4-3010
Script No. 32
August 9, 1965
THE PRICE RISE SPIRAL
This is Congressman
reporting to you from Washington.
Today, let's look at a major problem facing the housewives of this country -- the problem
of rising food prices.
Some time ago, I warned that the Administration's policy of borrow, borrow, spend and
spend, would inevitably help to run up the cost of living and run down the value of the dollar.
This has now happened. And we haven't seen the end of it.
We are in the midst of one of the worst price rise spirals in recent American history -- and
the Administration seems unconcerned about it. In fact, Administration spokesmen brush off the
disquieting signs, saying they are not worried about the recent surge in prices. This, I might add,
is a complete turn about in Administration thinking. In the President's State of the Union message
last January, he expressed just the opposite sentiments. He said -- and I quote - that "Our
continued prosperity demands continued price stability." Unquote.
But this has hardly been the case. Let US look at some alarming figures. For the past five
years, there has been a steadily rising increase in living costs. Food prices, for example, are now
four per cent above a year ago and eight per cent higher than five years ago. Although the rising
prices across the Nation may not worry the Administration, they are certainly bothering the
consumer. The angry comments I have heard from shoppers in the local food stores show more than
a passing concern. They are deeply troubled.
Take the food price increases in the Washington, D.C., area. Since June, 1964, the cost
The price of pork chops has jumped 50 cents a pound.
of rib steak has increased 22 cents a pound./ Bacon has nearly doubled in price. But meat is not
the only commodity to be struck with sharp price increases.
Prices of fruits and vegetables across the Nation are on the rise. In Washington, the cost
of a 10-pound sack of potatoes has jumped 30 cents in just a year. Tomatoes and lettuce prices
are way up.
Perhaps the most significant fact in the cost of living picture is the sudden rise in wholesale
prices. After six years of stability, wholesale prices this year have already risen two per cent.
- more -
-2-
And a rise in wholesale prices, of course, portends future increases at the retail level. There
are, of course, many factors contributing to inflation and the wave of increased prices for
consumer goods. But the Administration -- which claims it isn't worried --- must share much of the
blame. Its farm labor policies -- in addition to big spending schemes -- are at the root of much
of the trouble.
The sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices, for example, can be traced to some of the
Government's labor decisions which caused a shortage of harvesters followed by the rotting of crops
in the fields. Farm policies are hardly helping the farmer, let alone the consumer. Consumer
prices are going up while farm income is going down.
And, of course, big government spending -- particularly red ink spending -- is inflation's
biggest ally. We haven't had a balanced budget since this administration came into power and
there isn't one in sight.
If the Administration would concentrate more on finding ways to end this inflation spiral and
less on programs which encourage it, we'd be better off. It's a sad state of affairs when the only
product which hasn't risen in price is the "pork" in the political pork barrol.
This is Congressman
reporting from Washington.
(A copy of this script is available on the Teleprompter in the House TV Studio)
####
Fifth District radio
(for taping Wednesday Aug. 11, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
Today, let's look at a major problem facing the housewives of this
country- the problem of skyrocketing food prices.
Some time ago, I warned that the Administration's policy of borrow
and spend would inevitably help to run up the cost of living and run down
the value of the dollar. This has now happened. And we haven't seen the
end of it.
We are in the midst of one of the worst price rise spirals in recent
American history---and the Johnson Administration seems unconcerned about
it. Administration spokesmen shrug off the disquieting signs. They blandly
sand say they're not worried about the recent surge in prices.
This attitude is a complete turn-around in Administration thinking. Recall
what the President said in his State of the Union messaage. Mr. Johnson
told the Nation "our continued prosperity demands continued price stability."
But-this has hardly been the case.
Let's look at some alarming figures. Food prices are now four percent above
a year ago and eight percent higher than five years ago. Although the
Administration appears unconcerned, rising prices certainly bother
consumers. The angry comments I have heard from shoppers in local food
stores show more than a mementary concern. People are deeply troubled.
R.FORD
-more-
GERALD
Fifth District radio tape
Aug. 11, 1965
Page 2
Here in Washington, for example, the cost of rib steak has increased 22
cents a pound since June last year. The price of pork chops has jumped
50 cents a pound. Bacon is nearly double in price.
Across the Nation,prices of fruits and vegetables are on the upswing.
Housewives think twice before buying tomatoes, lettuce and potatoes.
Perhaps the most significant fact in the cost of living picture is the
sudden rise in wholesale prices. After six years of stability, wholesale
prices this year have spurted upward two percent.
A rise in wholesale prices, of course, portends future increases at
the retail level. There are many factors contributing to inflation and
the wave of increased prices for consumer goods. The farm labor policies
and the big spending schemes of the Administration are at the root of
much of the trouble.
The sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices, for example, can be traced
to some of the Government These caused a shortage of
President Johnson's refusal to permit This our farmer to use needed Mexican labor,
harvesters resulting in crops rotting in the fields.
Administration farm policies hardly help the farmer, let alone the consumer.
Food prices go up while farm income goes down.
If the Administration would concentrate more on seeking ways to end the
big
spiral of inflation and less on spending programs to encourage it, we'd be
better off.
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from
Washington. Thanks for listening.
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping Aug. 18, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from Washington.
A decision by the Johnson Administration to abandon a year-old United
vote
States effort to deny a 4 in the United Nations General Assembly
to 12 countries for failing to pay their peace-keeping debts is a
serious set-back for the Naider, our country
Former President Eisenhower, with whom House Republican Leadership
met this week, expressed his dismay with the t action. I join General
Eisenhower's sentiment of being puzzled by the Presidential ecision.
By taking the present course of action, President Johnson is virtually
writing off $52.6 million owed by the Soviet Union, $16 million owed
by France and Tenners other amounts owed by 10 other countries. The total
debt is approximately #108 million.
Although the new development will permit the General Assembly to
start normal working procedures, it does have possible far-reaching
consequences.
I believe that the United Nations has been seriously weakened by is
President Johnson's failure to enforce debt payments by delinquent
countries.
Unfortunately, the position of the United States as a world leader
is overshadowed by this puzzling display of weakness on the part of
the Johnson Administration.
GERALD R.FORD LIBRAR,
-more-
Fifth District radio tape Aug. 28
page 2
the
A year ago by unanimous vote House asked the President to demand
payment of debts by delinquent U.N. countries.
support
At that time I said in sprazt of the recommendation "there is no
room for compromise" and I insisted that payments should be made...
or else,
The President again flannts the will of Congress. He ignores the
unanimous advice given a year ago by Republicans and Democrats
in the House.
I am dismayed that President Johnson-whe insists on a firm policy
against Communist aggression would back down in this situation
allowing the Soviet Union and other countries to have a free ride.
Our enemies understand strength and power. They are quick to move against
us when they miscalculate our determination. I believe we should have
faced up to a showdown with delinquent members of the United Nations.
No problem is solved by running from it.
The United States has paid more than $1.2 billion in voluntary contributions
to the U.N. since its founding. Insidition, American taxpayers have paid
32 percent of the organization's regular budget. All other member nations
should share the financial burden.
This is the fair and honorable way to conduct the United Nations. Any
other method should not be condoned.
GERALD LIBRARY
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from Washington. Thanks
for listening.
#
#
used
RADIO-TELEVISION
8-25-45
MEMO
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
312 CONGRESSIONAL HOTEL WASHINGTON 3, D.C.
111
LINCOLN 4-3010
Script No. 34
August 23, 1965
THE "LITTLE WAR" DANGER
Note: As a visual aid with this week's script, the Congressional
Committee will have available in the House TV Studios a large map of
Southeast Asia which you may wish to refer to from time to time during
the filming of the following script.)
This is Congressman
reporting to you from Washington.
To Americans today, there is only one war that is constantly on their minds the war in
Vietnam. One hundred and twenty-five thousand Americans are -- or will soon be -- involved in
it. Perhaps more later. Families across the country live in constant anxiety because a brother or
a son or a husband is fighting in that far-off country of jungle and rice paddies and rain. And on
top of this is the added anxiety that from this war a third major conflict of worldwide proportions
could develop.
Naturally, our national anxieties are focused on Vietnam. But Vietnam is only one of many,
many trouble spots. In more than a dozen countries, there is constant, if intermittent, warfare.
Even while the fighting goes on in Vietnam, we must be watchful for a dangerous flareup in these
other areas.
For example, Cambodia, which borders on South Vietnam, is supposedly a neutral country.
However, Cambodian troops have already clashed with U.S. and South Vietnam forces. Cambodia
has been getting arms from Communist China and anything could happen.
Thailand. Communist-trained guerrillas are infiltrating this country. Police posts have
been attacked. Thailand has asked America to increase its dëfense aid or there may be serious
trouble.
And, committed as we are in South Vietnam, we could hardly let the rest of Laos fall to the
Communists. Fortunately, the fighting in Laos has tapered off. There is reason to believe that
the Communists there are no longer getting arms from North Vietnam. But this is still a hot-spot.
Malaysia,is, of course, having continual problems with Communist infiltration.
How Singapore's secession is going to change the picture is anyone's guess. But Indonesian
President Sukarno is obviously determined to keep the war pot boiling and do his best to bring
about the downfall of the Malaysian commonwealth. I doubt if we could sit idly by should this
LIBRARY
happen.
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- 2 -
China -- Communist China and Nationalist China, based on Formosa, are, of course, deadly
enemies. Sporadic outbursts flare up between the two as they seemingly continue to test each
other. It is the U.S. Seventh Fleet stationed between these two which helps keep an uneasy
sort of semi-peace.
Korea -- I do not believe that it is generally realized that, officially, South Korea and
North Korea are still at war. Border incidents are frequent. And did you know that there are some
50,000 American troops still stationed in Korea?
India is another country where almost anything could happen. She is already engaged in a
fighting war with Pakistan. And Red China occupies a large slice of her frontier territory. India
is a real danger spot.
Israel, to whom we are deeply committed, suffers almost daily from border incidents. The
United Arab Republic is pledged to bring about Israel's downfall. I don't see how it would be
possible for US to stand by idly if Israel were attacked by Nasser.
At the moment, of course, these are so-called "little wars." But there is a danger inherent
in every one of them -- a danger that they may be the spark that lights a thire worldwide
conflagration. An assassination in Serbia started World War 1. The take-over of the Sudtenland
started World War II. The start of World War III could well be a little war in Loos or a border
incident in Yemen.
These, then, are some of the problems we face in the months ahead. These are some of the
reasons we must keep up our military strength -- at the expense, perhaps, of some of the
President's wide-ranging domestic programs which could be postponed.
This is Congressman
reporting from Washington.
(A copy of this script is available on Teleprompter in the House TV Studio)
###
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping Sept. 1, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from Washington.
The meaning of President Johnson's words that this is really war
in Viet Nam is grimly and starkly clear. By order
of the Commander in Chief, combat Marines and American infantrymen
are attacking the enemy in the swamps and jungles. Artillery pounds
Viet Cong
positions. United States aerial attacks
are increasing. There are strong indications that the war in
Viet Nam is growing in size and scope.
Despite this clear cut recognition that the Viet Nam conflict is
Regulation
really war, The President is opposed to providing indemnity insurance
protection for our combat troops.
White House
The Congress should ignore President Johnson's objections and
enact legislation to provide $10,000 insurance without cost to
all American servicemen in Viet Nam.
By an executive order, the President has designated Viet Nam and
adjacent waters as a combat zone for purposes of income tax exemption.
Yet, he fails to support insurance protection for our fighting men.
This opposition was expressed by his Administrator of Veterans
Affairs in recent hearings on a bill to provide these benefits.
-more-
BERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
radio message (5th District-Sept. 11
Page 2
At the present time, a wife, a child, or a dependent parent of a
serviceman is entitled to benefits when death results from a
service-connected disease or injury. But the plight of the
unmarried serviceman killed in action and his parents is especially
noteworthy.
Unless the parents have a combined income of less than $2,400 a year,
they are not entitled to any survivor benefit payments from the
Veterans Administration....And there would be no government insurance
and no compensation payable to the parents of the young man who died
in the service of his country. This is a shameful situation.,which situation must be
corrected.
Comgress should ignore the objections of President Johnson by
acting promptly to provide some form of life insurance-or
indemnigaty protection without cost to American combat servicement,
including those unmarried with non-dependent parents.
There should be no further delay. The war, as the President
has said, is a real one. I hope the Congress will take action very
soon to provide this vital protection for American servicemen.
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from the
Nation's Capitol. Thanks for listening.
BERWLD FORD LIBRARY
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping Sept. 15, 1965)
Govel
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
Highway beautification legislation has been given high priority for
action by Congress this year. At the same time, a package of anti-crime
stoomly
bills has been put aside and will not be taken up until 1966. I question
the timing. The listing I pronters is out of biller
Certainly, I am all in favor of beautifying our highways. Like you, I
enjoy seeing shrubbery in bloom and the bright color of flowers. But,
shouldn't first thingse come first?
A study of the growing crime wave perhaps resulting in legislation
aimed at protecting the lives of decent, law-abiding citizens.
The accederation of
should, in my opinion, come ahead of legislation to plant trees
and do away with automobile salvage clumps, yorks.
F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover and Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach
recently stated that a crash program to combat crime and make U.S.
cities safe is a must. They cited the alarming increase in organized
and random crime. 2 fully agree. But, we mul action - not wanto.
Let me quote some truly terrifying figures on America's zooming crime
rate. These figures are particularly tragic where our young people
are involved. In five years, arrests of persons under eighteen for assault
are up 79 percent; for drunkenness, up 52 percent; for disorderly
conduct, up 18 percent. The rate of serious crime is increasing six
FORD LIBRARY
times faster than our population growth!
-more-
Fifth District tape Sept. 15, 1965
Page 2
This week Mr. Hoover expanded his comments on young people in trouble
with the law. He recommended stiffer penalities for teen-age
criminals saying this would help reduce rioting in resort cities and
street assaults.
Mr. Hoover said that young thugs and teenage-criminals may be pressing
their luck by increasing their violent escapades while blaming society
for their faults.
Mr. Hoover concluded and I quote "It appears that the public is
beginning to gag on the steady sociological diet of excusing the
"
conduct of teenage hoodlums on the grounds that society has failed them,
These law breakers must te held personally reiponsible their
I cannot understand the Administration's casual attitude toward what I misleharion
can only call this deepening tide of crime. Every effort should be made.
This Smoklem and the
and at once, not next year
to combat it. Certainly, planting more
solution shrubbery along should our higheays be given is NOT periouty the answer, allentim by the President
and all other chief Faw enforcement officers.
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from the Nation's capital.
Thanks for listening.
#
#
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Used 9-22-65
Radio message for Fifth District
(Taping Wed. Sept. 22, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
There are three topics to discuss with you in this special message from
the Nation's Capital. One involved action taken by the House
on a bill proposing to provide life insurance for all persons in
the armed services. The second is a House approved proposal to
improve rivers and harbors, including flood control for the Grand River.
And, the third is what's possibly ahead in the House early next week.
Legislation unanimously passed by the House would permit all
servicemen and women to buy $10,000 group life insurance policies
at ap cost of $2 per person per month.
The bill now goes to the Senate, and possibly on top House-Senate
to iron out differences in the lenate and
conference committee, -25 a probable substitute for a bill passed carlier
House bills
by the Senate.
haspourla
The Senate 1 bill calls for $10,000 in free insurance to men killed in combat
zones as defined by the President.
Sponsors of the House measure argue that the Senate bill, while protecting
GIs killed in auto accidents in Saigon for example, would provide
NO benefits for survivors of those killed in plane crashes or training
accidents in the United States.
-more-
GERALD LIBRARY
Sept. 22District radio message
-2-
Under the House bill, coverage would be automatic for all members of
the armed services, wherever located.
Only by a written request could a serviceman waive the group coverage.
Beneficiaries unlimated and policies be convertible to
ordinary physical examination upon discharge to
civilian life. * pool of private insurance firms would handle the coverag on
home solutions to
1
Grand River flood problems, particularly in the Grandville area, are
the items
public works
lash Tweslay
teRms
among those included in the bill passed by the House Under of
will comperate with the Lederal graernment in a
the bill, Grandville would be required to financially partickator
which
The project 1 calls for nearly 10,000 feet of levee and associated engineering
developments. Estimated total cost is $1 and 1/3 million dollars.
wh afferen that the Districty Columbia homember
Looking ahead, I see e pessibility bills may be taken from
they of the
the Rules Committee and brought to the House. One bill provides a
minimum wage increase of so cents an hour over the next four years
reaching a total wage of $1.75 75 por hour in 1968. Extended coverage
would farm workers and 1,300,000 persons employed
in
A bill calling for home rule in the District of Columbia also may be
telenne the Rul Committee. This is a controversial issue. I oppose then
provisions
call
thakspast of the Reside bill which calls for automatic appropriations
which callfor local
to a home rule district without Congressional control; s candidates
with
office running as political partisans) and permission for federal
employes to actively participate in partisan elections.
Imamal Ime.
Radio tape
-3-
Such a privilege is denied federal employees elsewhere. To
make an exception in the District of Columbia is neither fair
nor condusive to good government. The Refublican Policy
will be to make every effort to remove these groveins from
the bill
Thanks for listening. This is your Congressman Jerry Ford
reporting to you from Washington.
# # #
RADIO-TELEVISION
MEMO
Nothal
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
312 CONGRESSIONAL HOTEL WASHINGTON 3,D.C.
⑉
LINCOLN 4-3010
Script No. 39
September 27, 1965
FIRMNESS AT THE UN
This is Congressman
reporting from Washington.
This month the United Nations enters its third decade. The 20th General Assembly convened
in New York with proper ceremony.
It was, all in all, an auspicious enough start for the UN's 1965 session: India and Pakistan
had agreed to a cease-fire and three new nations were added to the roster of the organization --
bringing the total number of member-nations to 117.
Yet, the United Nations delegates -- as if in the eye of a hurricane - are looking out
at an uneasy world.
While the UN could feel gratified over the cessation of the India-Pakistan fighting,
elsewhere in Southeast Asia -- in Vietnam - men were locked in a deadly conflict. UN efforts
to resolve that war have been futile.
For that matter, the India-Pakistan cease-fire could be brief indeed. In fact, Pakistan
has threatened to leave the United Nations unless the Kashmir question is resolved in its favor.
As for the growth in membership -- though many find it a good and healthy sign -- this hardly
means a lessening of America's financial burden in supporting the UN almost singly-handedly.
It does not necessarily mean a strengthening of America's position in its battle for world freedom
and world peace, in other words. For we must not forget that, vote-wise, we are no better off
than the latest, newly-elected member, the Maldive Islands. America, for all its military
strength and its open-handed generosity has just one vote. We must face the fact that we can be
outvoted -- plainly and simply -- on any major issue.
For this reason, if no other, it is essential that the United States continue to exercise a
firm and consistent leadership in the U.N. As you know, the Administration has already backed
down on one important stand -- the stand that any nation which did not pay up its back dues would
lose its vote. I believe we should have stood up for principle on this issue. After all, Article 19
of the U.N. Charter flatly declares a member nation should lose its vote if it does not meet its
assessments. Even the World Court upheld the validity of this section of the charter.
GERALD LIBRARY
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B
- 2 -
Quite frankly, I am beginning to wonder if sooner or later we are not going to back down
on the issue of seating Communist China, another important problem which will face the UN
again this year. Only a few days ago, U Thant, the UN's Secretary General, came out in favor
of giving Red China a seat in the world body. He was supported by eleven Afro-Asian and
Communist states which also urged the seating of Peking. They said - and this is incredible I --
Quote - "The facts prove that China earnestly desires peace and peaceful co-existence with
all countries." Unquote. Min d you, each of these nations has one vote just like the
United States.
So, you can see, this new decade for the United Nations marks an important time for the
United States as well. As these old, baffling problems face the delegates, we must stand up and
be counted for traditional American foreign policy positions.
I feel it is important, particularly, that the United States use every effort in establishing
a reasonable, but firm, method for financing UN operations by all members, that we encourage
better machinery for UN peacekeeping efforts and perhaps most important -- that we hold firm
on opposing membership for Communist China.
This is Congressman
reporting from Washington.
(A copy of this script is available on Teleprompter in the House TV Studio.)
####
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping Sept. 29, 3965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
You have been hearing a great deal, I'm sure, about a proposal to
have the Federal government control outdoor advertising billboards
and junk-yards along the highways.
Formally, this is the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. Its goal
is commendable. Certainly, we all want to insure that the highways
of our land be avenues to the true beauty of America.
which was approved by the Committee on Public
However, the bill the White HouseVeent to the Congress is fficients
Works infull y defects.
The Minority views on the bill that debated in the Committee
points our the
include - basic weaknesses in the Administration's
plan.
The bill is described by the minority committee members as being not
the product of careful, independent congressional deliberation. Rather,
it is a poorly thought-out proposal forced on the Committee by White House
power and influence.
The committee's minority members see the bill as unjustly penalizing
States, which in good faith, may attempt to control outdoor advertising
and junkyards without being able to do so within the short time allowed.
They see is as having a destructive impact upon small businesses, such as
motels, restaurants, service stations, and the like.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-more-
Fifth District radio tape
-2-
9/29/65
These segments of private enterprise depend upon *** patronage by the
motoring public. The outlawing of billboards deprives the motoring public
of needed travel information.
The bill provides broad and inconsistent powers to be vested in the
Secretary of Commerce giving him the authority to exercise almost
complete control, instead of leaving such decisions to each State.
The minority committee members also see the bill as delivering into the
hands of the Executive branch powers which do not belong there... giving
the White House control of issues vital to the rights of large numbers
of individuals and specific segments of the national economy.
The matter of highway beautification is very important and desirable.
But simply because it is so important, legislation estælishing
programs for highway beautification should not be enacted carelessly,
hastily, or under the direction **** of the Executive branch without
opportunity for the Congress to work its will.
If Congress abdicates the functions and duties vested in it by the Constitun,
we will not have invited dictatorship, we will have created it.
Thanks for listening. This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to
you from the Nation's Capital.
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping October 6, 1965)
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
A familiar product used by all families has been the subject of debate,
study, and proposed legislation in the House. It is sugar.... the
sweetening used in hundreds of ways for cooking and preparing foods.
the sugar program of the United States was first stablished in 1934
to accomplish three things.
One-to make it possible, as a matter of national security, to produce
sugar a substantial portion of our sugar r equirements withins within the
continental United States without the consumer-penalizing device of a
high protect tariff.
Second---to assure U,S. consumers of a plentiful and stable supply of
sugar at reasonable prices.
And, third---to permit friendly countries to participate equitably in
with
supply the U.S. sugar market Yes the double purpose of expanding
international trade and assuring a nearby adequate and stable stanage supply of
sugar athome. at home.
these major objectives have been achieved.
A number of complicated amendments to the sugar act have faced House action.
There are many views on the issues involved.
more
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
District radio tape Oct. 6
page 2
I will give you my views on one important segment involved in the
amendments to the sugar act. They have to do with the influence
of lobbyists.
Because this legislation is such a sugar plum for foreign interests,
lobbying has developed to an extraordinary level.
Lobbying in behalf of sugar legislation has appeared to me to be more
costly and more extensive that that in behalf of any other proposed
legislation on Capitol Hill.
Some of the fees paid to lobbyists are shockingly high. They are so
grave
high they raise questions.
An iwestigation of fees paid to sugar lobbyists reveals retainers
up tp $50,000-with several in the $20,000 to $25,000 a year bracket.
Most of the lobbyists either represent foreign governments directly or
governmment-controlled sugar enterprises.
Public money is involved in sugar legislation. And, the lobbyists have
the clear objective of getting as much of the sugar pie as possible.
I agree with my colleague Congressman Bakk Paul Findley that sugar
lobbyists should have the opportunity to explain why they are paid such
high fees to promote the interests of foreign governments. American
taxpayers should have the answers.
GERALD
Thank you for listening. This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting
to you from the Nation's Capital.
Fifth District Radio Message
October 10, 1965
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
A familiar product used by all families has been the subject of Debate, study,
and proposed legislation in the House. It is sugar -- the sweetening used in
hundreds of ways for cooking and preparing foods.
The sugar program of the United States was first established in 1934 to accomplish
three things.
One -- to make it possible, as a matter of national security, to produce a sub-
stanial portion of our sugar requirements within the continental United States
without the consumer-pemalizing device of a high protect tariff.
Second -- to assure U.S. consumers of a plentiful and stable supply of sugar at
reasonable prices.
And, third -- to permit friendly countries to participate equitably in supplying
the U.S. sugar market with the double purpose of expanding international trade
and assuring a nearby adequate and stable supply of sugar at home.
These major objectives have been chieved.
A number of complicated amendments to the Sugar Act have faced House action.
There are many views on the issues involved. I will give you my views on one
important segment involved in the amendments to the Sugar Act. They have to do
with the influence of lobbyists.
Because this legislation is such a sugar plum for foreign interests, lobbying
has developed to an extraordinary level.
Lobbying in behalf of sugar legislation has appeared to me to be more costly and
more extensive than that in behalf of any other proposed legislation on Capitol
Hill.
Some of the fees paid to lobbyists are shockingly high. They are so high they
raise grave questions. An investigation of fees paid to sugar lobbyists reveals
retainers up to $50,000 -- with several in the $20,000 to $25,000 a year bracket.
Most of the lobbyists wither represent foreign governments directly or government-
controlled sugar enterprises. Public money is involved in sugar legislation. And,
the lobbyists have the clear objective of getting as much of the sugar pie as
possible.
I agree with my colleague Congressman Paul Findley that sugar lobbyists should
have the opportunity to explain why they are paid such high fees to promote the
interests of foreign governments. American taxpayers should have the answers.
Thank you for listening. This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you
from the Nation's Capital.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Fifth District Radio Message
(For taping Oct. 13, 1965)
Wednesday
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington
where Congressional adjournment fever is spreading rapidly.
Perhaps next week I will have an appraisal of the accomplishments
during this first 8 ession of the 89th Congress.
Now, I have some recommendations for the next session, which will start
January.
In evaluating what I think should be the goals for the second session,
I refer to statements made by the Democrat leader of the Senate--Mike
Mansfield.
The Majority Leader said: "We have passed a lot of major bills this
session, some of them very hastily, and they stand in extreme need of
going over for loopholes, rough corners, and particularly for an
assessment of current and ultimate cost in the framework of our
capacity to meet it."
Senator Mansfield proposed that the Congress next year "spend less time
on new legislation and more time correcting oversights in legislation
we have just passed."
The Democrat leader plans to set up committess whose functions it would
be to tighten pp what he called hasty enactments in general...and to
evaluate the degree of efficiency with which they are being administered
GERA FORD LIBRARY
by the executive branch.
-more-
Radio tape 10/13/65
page 2
I wholeheartedly agree with Senator Mansfield in his observations as
to what jobs the Congress should tackle in the next session.
I believe we should conduct an extensive search for possible loopholes
in the aid to education act, which can lead to almost I unlimited
spending.
Perhaps the Congress should polish rough edges on the Appalachia
bill that covers only 11 states, ignoring other economically-distressed
communities.
Certainly there has been more than enough adverse publicity connected
with the poverty program project to warrant a thorough re-evaluation of that
program.
I can see a strong need to study the highway beautification program
seeking ways to improve it, or to change it.
Yes, Congress has its work defined for the next session. The Democrat
Senate leadership may be assured of our complete cooperation in an effort
to correct the errors and redeem the mistakes in what Vice President
Humphrey has described as the "tonnage of legislation" adopted
this year.
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting from the Nation's Capitol.
Thank you for listening.
# # #
GERALD LIDERAY
should he done today
Fifth District Radio Message
(for taping Tues, Oct. 19, 1965)
Wel 20
This is your Congressman Jerry Ford reporting to you from Washington.
In this last regular weekly radio message for this session of the 89th
discuss
by the House
Congress, I will outside 1 major actions taken and what I believe we
face in the second session. next year.
There are many opinions as to the quality of legislation adopted by
this Congress so far. Some experts claim that the White House completely
controlled the House and Senate. Others describe this as the
fighting 89th Congress, which refused to go along with the President on
all of his sponsored legislation. I believe the true profile of this
Congress includes immide parts of both views.
Speaking for the minority party in the House, I believe that the loyal
opposition was successful in improving many bills before they were
voted by the House. Augusts Portions of what we call our constructive
alternatives were incopporated in some legislation.
Unfortunately for the Nation, too often debate in the House was gagged
by rules imposed under orders of the Executive arm of our government.
Without discussing the specific merits or lack of merits of any bill,
I can say that responsible criticism and intelligent dialogue
should be an important phase of the Congressional routine.
pmore-
GERALD LIDRARY
Fifth District tape
page 2
The Congress passed many bills for the so-called Great Society plan.
additional
conservatively estimated ob
The cost of the legislation this year. is $7 billion dollars. Four years
from now these programs, which will have expanded, IN the cost will
ah bash
be an estimated $19
There is bi-partisan concern about the way things have gone in this
Congress in regard to authorization of Great Society spending.
Vice President Humphrey has referred to the huge legislative tonnage
dropped on our doorstep.
Senator Mansfield, the distinguished majority leader, has described
in his words "a lot of bills passed in this session---some of them
very hastily."
It seems to me that with few exceptions the legislation adopted by this
Congress is long on quartity and short on quality. With one party
holding overwhelming control, we were forced to act too swiftly without
adequate debate in many instances.
In the next session of this Congress, I expect there will be less haste
in adopting legislation. I believe the House and Senate will take long
looks at some of the bills approved this year, particularly in the area
of current and ultimate cost to taxpayers.
Thank you for listening. I intend to resume these weekly reports early
next year when Congress begins its work for 1966. This is your Congressman
Jerry Ford reporting to you from the Nation's Capitol.
$
#