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Michigan State University Commencement Address, March 14, 1965
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Michigan State University Commencement Address, March 14, 1965
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The original documents are located in Box D19, folder "Michigan State University
Commencement Address, March 14, 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D17 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Michigan State University Commencement Address
by Rep. Gerald R, Ford
March 14, 1965
For delivery at 4 p.m. EST, March 14, 1965
Today you cherish this point in time as you face wide horizons of opportunity.
In reaching your present achievements, you have proved yourselves, and have
demonstrated qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn, willingness to sacrifice,
and a readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter, nor to fear in accepting the
responsibilities of citizenship with the task of leading the way to strengthened
moral, esthetic, cultural, and scientific values,
The challenges are many in this age of space and speed, changing events and
perplexing problems.
Recall that Emerson, the American philosopher, said, "They conquer who believe
they can." You, with your sharpened skills, will help conquer the massive problems
of this century, and at the same time help your fellowmen, whose lives must be
balanced in an unbalanced world.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their plans,
prepared to assume the risks and willing to accept the burden of responsibility.
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West to explora-
tion, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their covered wagons through the
wilderness into the setting sun with self-confidence and pride in achievement.
Freedom to them was a great adventure, not something handed down from another genera-
tion.
The challenges of today are linked with new technology, the achievements of
science, and the task of filling jobs demanding skills unheard of even a decade ago.
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till, social ills to
cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to rehabilitate, public money to
invest and to spend wisely.
Seeking solutions with measured, calculated, intelligent, and technical steps,
each person must have a choice without being crowded into the position of accepting
one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred alternatives. This in a word is---
freedom.
Individual freedom of action and choice, within the framework of the law, was
built into the Constitution by the founding fathers.
In the area of government, freedom must be maintained through a bi-partisan
effort which receives widespread support from all Americans.
*more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep, Gerald R, Ford
-2-
Two major goals must be achieved if the American Democracy is to continue to
exist and to be strengthened throughout subsequent generations,
First, we must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government as established by our Constitution.
The parallel task is to preserve the two-party system the genius of our
Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal, that of keeping the three branches of government
in balance, I believe that if any one of them becomes too strong or too weak, the
foundations of our government will crack and our freedom will be threatened.
There are disturbing signs of slow erosion in the power of the Legislative
brench, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive arm, and a change from the
intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
Congress, the legislative branch, has been criticized as being too slow to
react in an age of speed. Critics have described the House and Senate as being too
cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Those critics perhaps are unaware that in Congress a system of checks and
balances is provided by the Constitution.
When speed is essential, Congress has proved many times that it can react with
dispatch to meet a crisis in war or in peacetime, in days of economic depression or
in times of glowing prosperity.
It has been said that Congress frequently makes haste slowly. However, the act
of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against racing to the brink of decision. It
prevents a dangerous plunge. Congress should reach its major decisions only after
adequate research, thought, and exhaustive discussion.
When the balance of power in Congress is steeply tilted by an overwhelming
majority in one political party, the system of checks and balances is endangered.
This becomes even more serious when the executive branch is dominated by the same
party.
Although the President is the chief executive and head of state for all of us,
he does represent especially the views of the people who voted for him. Members of
Congress, and particularly those in the House of Representatives, are closer to the
Nation's citizens because they are chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
Members of the House are elected every two years, a fact which in itself places
Representatives closer to the people. Every two years a Representative must go to his
constituents for a mandate to continue in office. His record is placed on the line
and he must be endorsed by a majority of the voters in his district.
-more
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
--3-
As in the Senate, the House is represented by nearly every major profession,
national origin, and religion. Congress is a cross-section of the American people,
This is your strength. It should not be lessened by an over-balance of power in the
executive and judicial branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the Constitution, and
include the making of all laws which are necessary and proper for carrying out the
duties and powers of government.
Under the Constitution, every statute requiring concurrence of Congress must
be presented to the President before taking effect. If the chief executive rejects a
proposed act, he can be over-ruled by a two-third majority vote of the Senate and
the House,
It is quickly obvious that a crushing over-balance of political power in both
houses of Congress and in the executive branch weakens the safeguards of the
Constitution.
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of government, it
can be said that the Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret the Constitution
and the laws.
There is evidence that the Judicial Branch is arbitrarily elbowing its way to
new positions of authority, disregarding the wise suggestions of judicial restraint
made by the late Justice Frankfurter and others.
When the Supreme Court ordered states to reapportion on the "one-man, one vote"
concept, Justice Frankfurter in a dissenting opinion was critical of an assumption
by the Court of "destructively novel judicial power."
"In this situation, as in others of like nature, appeal for relief does not
belong here," Justice Frankfurter said. "Appeal must be made to an informed,
civically militant electorate. In a democratic society like ours, relief must come
through an aroused public conscience that sears the conscience of the people's
representatives."
Justice Frankfurter emphasized that the Supreme "Court's suthority--possessed
neither of the purse nor the sword--ultimately rests on sustained public confidence
in its moral sanction."
I have stressed the need to preserve the two-party system as among the major
areas of concern in maintaining our structure of government.
Without any indulgence in partisanship, I am sure we can agree that a strong
two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy will survive, prosper, grow,
and help others in the world to accept their role in the society of free nations.
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
-4-
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party for too long a time makes a
mockery of our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice of the
people, and places control in the hands of a comparatively small majority.
These it seems to me are currently the major goals to be sought in the area of
government: a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive and judicial branches,
and a strong two-party system,
What is your role in seeking these goals? Where do you start? What might be
your guidelines for action?
First, you must have the mental and moral courage to become involved in the
political world as voters, as taxpayers, as partisans, as candidates for office, as
office-holders---yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to strengthen
the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator, you
develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and your
Nation. This loyalty is basic to personal service and community improvement.
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfurter described as an
"informed, civically militant electorate," you will discover the meaning of service
and true citizenship.
Patriotism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a set of ideas, to
our Nation. It begins at home in your local environment.
Give purpose and direction to your role as a citizen by chosing a political
party, after careful study of the philosophies of each, Perhaps you will switch
your alliances. This is a choice under freedom. This, too, will require mental
courage, which conquers fear and builds healthful, buoyant attitudes,
Good citizenship, it seems to me, is directly linked with the "aroused public
conscience," which Justice Frankfurter said "sears the conscience of the people's
representatives."
The question is how should an aroused public conscience manifest itself?
Is the rioting of colloge students protesting an alleged breach of freedom of
speech a proper interpretetion? Does a demonstration by more than 100 singing,
chanting young men and women in the Department of Justice building in Washington in
behalf of federal intervention in one of our states, constitute a meaningful
representation of public conscience?
Would you say that the 700 persons picketing the White House with cries of
"freedom now" or demanding peace at any price were examples of good citizenship in
action?
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
-5-
Compare these exemples with the actions of citizens in a community who band
together to win an election to raise money at the local level for a new high school
or with the coordinated civic effort to conduct an educational campaign on a
local issue dealing with more taxes for a better park and recreation area.
Certainly, police brutality anywhere is disgraceful, as is unbridled,
uncontrolled, savage and senseless mob action which scoffs at legitimate authority
and the orderly processes.
The growth and prosperity, the state and strength, of our Nation is the result
of free citizens conducting their personal lives and careers within the constituted
framework of authority, law and order. This is not to say that changes in our laws
or governmental practices is not necessary or essential.
For example, our present Civil Rights laws need strengthening to give
statutory backing to the general provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment, which
provides that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged because of race,
color, or previous condition of servitude. This is the orderly process.
There is a fine line of distinction between an aroused public conscience and
demonstrations of social revolution,
I seriously question the social merit of flamboyant, irresponsible mob action
to focus attention on a public issue. We have procedures in our units of government,
in the courts of the land, by which controversies can be settled with dignity and
justice. This should be the path taken by an aroused citizenry in search of
righting a wrong or in seeking a civic goal.
At the same time, public officials have the duty to see that laws are properly
enforced. Those who are slow to act in fulfilling the obligations of their office,
or who deliberately turn their faces from issues and controversies are indeed
delinquents.
An informed voting public has the power of the ballot to replace those who
fail in their duties, who fall short of their qualifications, who forsake the
people for political gain. Appeals to the courts may be taken when that appears
necessary.
The rules of an orderly society may at times be subject to interpretation by
government, by the courts, and by the people themselves, but only in a manner which
insures "due process of law."
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral and spirit-
ual values, which are translated into nobility of character, social justice,
national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
-6-
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation of our
personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something of permanence
and substance in finding direction in our lives.
A wealth of permanence and substance is found in being active, loyal citizens
dedicated to maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity of free nations.
I have mentioned today several desirable qualities: imagination, eagerness to
learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds,
self-confidence, and finally, loyalty.
The blending of these qualities is the equation of the total ultimate in
personal development needed in our Nation. It is to come mainly from the ranks of
mature young men and women.
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences, created
government and law, made cities of settlements founded in the wilderness, built
skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins, invented covered wagons that gave way to
railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling progress in several thousand
directions leading us to the present.
Arnold Toynbee, scholar and historian, has said: "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its horrifying crimes nor its astonishing inventions, but
because it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which mankind dared
to believe it practical to make the benefits of civilization available to the whole
human race."
You have the power of knowledge; you have proved a willingness to give more of
yourselves than you receive in order to make this a better Nation and a better
world for others and yourselves.
The United States of America needs you. It needs your knowledge and your
readiness to accept challenges as loyal citizens of a free society. It needs
you as scholars, as knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call. Your presence here
today and the documents you receive for achievement in education are strong reflect-
ions of your desire to accept responsibilities in an exciting, turbulent, demanding,
and changing world.
Congratulations, I salute you with faith an d thanksgiving.
4
MSU COMMENCENMENT SPEECH
1st Draft
March 14
This is a day with special meaning for more than a thousand of you,
who are receiving degrees from Michigan State University.
Each of you has reached a new plateau in your life. You
have worked hard to reach it. I congratulate you and salute you.
will
higher
When this day has passed, you face new challenges, NEW goals,
greater duties and broader responsibilities.
By now,you know that there are no e asy ways to achieve a
goal. It takes has taken imagination, talent and the will to work. You have proven
yourselves as having those human qualities, and others. You have been
eager to learn, willing to sacrifice, ready to accept new ideas with open
minds.
At this point in time, the nation and the world needs you, your
knowledge and your readiness to accept responsibility.
problems in all areas of the Nation
Look in any direction and you see
and the world.
You find them in government, business, labor, commerce,
industry, education and here
as elsewhee, in the home.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
more
MSU
2-2
This is no time to falter or stumble. We need crusaders, who
will lead the way to strength and austerity, here and abroad.
give of themselves and their knowledge,
Without men and women who are willing to
we will be witness to a requiem for our Nation.
There are those who question whether our civilization is dying,
that z preserving * it is an impossible job. I disagree,
with some reservations.
S
an
Unless the people our major resource
become more
A
aware
of
The Declaration of Indianiz Independence , take
an active interest in
governments at all levels and halt the
could
decline of patriotism, this Nation w fail.
How have we used the liberty the men at Valley Forge won for
us
with almost Indescribable sacrifices?
Have we responded with plain living and pinnacle thinking, or
selfishness
have we instead been guilty of weakness, and immorality?
These are questions to be asked of each of us. The
collective an swers will indicate whether we are watching the fall of the
American Republic and the crumbling of the free world.
GERALDY
BRARY
more
MSU
-3-
There seems to be too much half-heartedness in our country today.
It seems to me that we have drifted far from the philosophies of our founding
fathers, who established this Nation on a relatively simple set of rules.
hand
As a government, which is the people, we have attempted
to buy friendship and trust in many places of the world. Instead, we should
earn the respect of our
neighbors
abroad. We
should strive to be as great in peace as we were strong in war.
begins
Leadership
with the leader, who should consider the people
first. You, with your knowledge and skills, have the greatest opportunity
of your lives to be leaders. In that position you can help people. whose
lives must be balanced in an unbalanced world. The size and S cope of the
challenge is obvious.
We cannot think in terms of groups, classes and economic
segments. Equal opportunity means equal opportunity for everyone. Public
problems must be considered in the enlightenmed self-interest of all citizens.
America
This is the time to build the base
for the
of
the 1970s and far beyond. We must not fail through division andronfusion,
which stifle the initiative of action.
GERALD
more
MSU
-4-
National progress depends on men and women making and carrying
out their plans, prepared to run the risks and to take the responsibilities,
which cannot be shirked by passing them off to agovernment agency.
In our earlier history, the major economic question was that
of opening the West to exploration, settlement and development. The story
of
pioneer accomplishments is a familiar one
linked with
Today and in the future, the economic challenge is ti
technology
new
the achievements of S cience and the task of filling jobs
skills unheard of even a decade ago. In this area of our Nation's
life, many of you will have the opportunity to contribute your knowledge.
ae
there are diseases to conquer,
explore,
roads to build, space to
social ills to information cure, public
money to invest and spend wisely, parts of great cities to rehabilitate,
more
GERALD
MSU
-5-
The list of things to be done is long. It grows almost daily
and will so in the future.
I urge that we
tackle these jobs within
the framework of our
Constitution, with a lessening of big
tyranny
both
government
and a strengthening of individual and
team effort.
There are those who attack our Constitution as being old-fashioned,
out of step with the times and an ancient document in need of drastic change.
In answer to this criticism, I believe that if we were to discar d
the Constitution, we would outmode individual liberty.
As our universities grow, our industries and businesses expand,
does
the population total soars and the strength of the Nation increases, the
control of government should decrease.
the this
Perhaps, what I am saying might be described by the cynics as
speek not is in
"flag waving." As a member of Congress, as a private citizen, as an American,
I believe in waving the flag, with old-fashioned" patriotism.
It is encouraging to see thousands of visitors thronging Washington
throughout the year. Newcomers and others making return visits stand in
awe and reverence before the Lincoln Memorial.
GERAL
more
MSU
-6-
They
see the United States Senate and the House of
Representatives in action, watch stamps and money being made, ride and climb
to the top of the "ashington Monument.
It is most gratifying to see large numbers of students
in Washington visiting the Library of Congress, the Department of Justice,
and the White House.
Washington is both a shrine to our national traditions and the
busy seat of our Federal government. The capital of the United
States of America belongs to the people. It stirs "old fashioned patriotism"
in the hearts and minds of those who visit there. I hope patriotism is
rekindled all over our country.
A patriot believes that government has the duty to safeguard
individuals
against being victimized by forces beyond their control, and
opposes the idea of forcing people to become puppets of the planners.
The late Senator Robert A. Taft once
HEZ said he
believed the Federal government should aid education in those states in which
the income per capita is less than the national average; that it should
help states to give free medical care to all those unable to afford it;
more
MSU
-7-
should assist local communities in clearing slums and providing decent
housing; and should, in event of a crisis, undertake to assist states to
provide food.
difference
There is a
huge
be between the Federal government
moving to help state and local governments help themselves and the
Federal government supplanting local governmental units and planning the
future for everyone.
t
appears to me
that the goals of leadership in all fields of endeavor, including
government, are to:
*
Provide opportunity for the individual by strengthening our
tradition of incentive.
*
Encourage the entrepeneur-- the man of vision and ideas---to
build, expand and compete as he contributes to the economic
growth.
*
Establish the best e ducational system possible, retaining
local control and direction.
* Gear our national processes to programs which create new
wealth.
GERALD
LIBRARY
more
MSU -8-
At the same time, we must be careful to protect the
individual against the force of government. Each person must have a choice,
without being forced to accept one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred
"
alternatives. In a word, we call this liberty.
Freedom, or liberty, is something we have inherited. It is
rapidly being taken from us by a government that is growing like a weed,
the
spreading its bureaucratic controls over the land, stifling free enterprise,
muffling the voices of the people.
How do we change the trend, reverse the tide of "big brother"
government, regain the freedom that was won for us some 200 years ago
true
by a strong-willed smal 1 corps of individuals? Simply stated, the answer
is that we become patriots. We elect responsible representatives in government.
We vote, s af ter studying the issues and the candidates. We
cast our ballots
not just every four years.
in every election,
Politics is regarded by may as
an unwholesome
word, and with some basis. However, the American people must assume the
responsibility for the state of our political world.
FORD & LIBRARY 07V830
In most elections, all over this land,
minority of persons
more
MSU -9-
take time to vote. Those who stay away from the polls shrug their shoulders
and scoff at "politics," complain about conditions and do nothing about
changing them. This is far from being
patriotic-
other
You, and thousands of young men and women in America,
can
downhill
reverse the
slide of patriotism. I urge that you lead the way,
setting an example, by being actively interested in government, politio
and the issues and voting.
It is our duty to accept the responsibility to build a better, S tronger
America. In so doing, we will strengthen the free world.
Be fully aware that
individual freedom of action and
major
choice is the
motivating factor that built this Nation.
I ask that you
You have been given the challenge.
respond to it by being patriots of the United States of Americaand
active members of the brothechood of man,
#
GERALD
Michigan State University Commencement Speech
2nd draft
Mar ch 14
This is a day with special meaning for more than one thousand of
you, who are receiving degrees from Michigan State University. It is a
day to be remembered.
Each of you has reached a new plateau in your life. You have worked
hard to reach it. I congratulate you and salute you.
When this day has passed, you will face new challenges, higher goals,
greater duties, more work and broader responsibilities.
By now, you know that there are no easy ways to a chieve a goal. It
takes imagination, talent and the will to work. You have proven yourselves
as having those human qualities, and others. You have been eager to learn,
willing to sacrifice, ready to a ccept newideas with open minds.
At this point in time, the Nation and the world needs you, your
knowledge and your readiness to accept responsibilty as citizens, scholars
and knowledgable persons in your professions.
Look in any direction and you see problems in all areas of the Nation
and the world. You find them in government, business, labor, commerce, industry,
GERAL
BAR
education and
no
elsewhere,
in the home.
-mpre-
MSU
-2-
leaders,
This is no time to falter OF stumble. We need erucadors, who will
lead the way to strength and austerity, here and abroad. Without men and
women who are willing to give of themselves and their knowledge, we will
be witness to a
N
requiem for our Nation.
There are those who question whether our civiliaation is dying,
that preserving it is an impossible job. This is pessimistic outlook,
a negative view.
I believe that there are no hopeless situations. Instead, there
are men who have become hopeless about them. Emerson, the philosopher
expressed it well in saying "they conquer who believe they can."
Faith destroys negative thinking and builds healthful, bouyant
attitudes.
The people our major resource by being more aware of the
Declaration of Independence, can reverse the decline in patriotism
by taking an active interest in government at all levels.
us
has
Each of
duties and obligations
created at Valley Forge when men
liberty with almost indescribable
sacrifices.
GERALD
more
MSU
-3-
As free men, it seems to me the should think in terms of the
earned dollar, not the fast buck; living within our means not trying to
outspend our neighbors for the sake of having more material things; collecting
khee
not status symbols.
I believe in replacing half-heartedness with a full-speed-ahead
attitude based on the philosophies of our founding fathers, who established
this Nation on a relatively simple set of rules.
From that early beginning of our country, the idea was to earn our
steadfast
way. This we must continue to do, but in a more vigorous,
manner.
As a Nation, we must earn the respect of our neighbors
abroad, likewise
those who would destroy us. We should strive to be as great in peace as
we
were strong in war. This requires leadership in many places.
The Nation needs leaders...people willing to sacrifice themselves
who should consider the people first. You, with your knowledge and skills,
are in a position to assume leadership. In that position you can help
people, whose lives must be balanced in an unbalanced world. The size and the
scope of the challenge is obvious.
GERALD ADVROIT FORD
more
MSU
-4-
This is the time to build the base for America of the 1970s
and far beyond. We must not fail through division and confusion, which stifle
the initiative of action. Find a way or make one.
Progress depends on men and women making and carrying out
their own plans, prepared to run the risks and to take the responsibilities,
which cannot be shirked by passing them off to a government agency.
In our earlier history, the major economic question W as that of
opening the West to exploration, settlement and development. The story of
pionaer accomplishments is a familiar one.
Those strong-willed men, women and entire families drove their
covered
wagons through the wilderness into the setting sun with
self-confidence and pride in achievement. They faced the future. Freedom to
them was a great advanture, not something handed down from another generation.
Scitt Carpenter
The pioneers of our Nation, who set anexample of leadership
for us, learned the value of perseverance, the fellowship of hardship, the
comradeship of common problems.
These were free men, joined in a common purpose, who, under God,
built the foundation of a new nation that was destined to grow mighty. GERMIT
-more
MSU
Today, and in the future, the economic challenge is linked with
new technology, the achievements of
science and the task of filling
jobs demanding skills unheard of even decade ago. In this area of our
Nation's life, many of you will have the opportunity to contribute your
knowledge.
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, space to explore,
social ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to
rehabilitate, public money to invest and spend wisely.
The list of things to be done is long. It grows almost daily
and will do so in the future.
I urge that we tackle these jobs within the framework of our
Constitution, with a lessening of big government tyranny and a strengthening
of both individual and team effort.
There are those
who attack our Constitution as being
old-fashioned, out of step
with the times and an ancient document in need
of drastic change.
In answer to this criticism, I believe that if we were to discard
the Constitution, we would outmode individual liberty.
GERALD
more
MSU
-6-
In creating the document, the Nation's founders throttled the
power of government. The people, in adopting the Constitution did so
to "secure the blessings of liberty," among other reasons.
Today, the power of government should decrease as the strength
of the Nation increases as universities and schools grow...as
industries and businesses expand and are founded.....as
the
population total soars higher.
In talking of the pioneers, our Constitution, the Declaration of
Independence, the dynamic history of our Nation, I might be charged by
the cynics as "waving the flag."
As a member of Congress, as a private citizen, as an American,
I believe in waving the flag with "old-fashioned" patriotism.
-------------------------
Each year in Washington we see thousands of Ame icans rekindling
a shrine
their patriotism by visiting the Nation's capital, which is both XXC
asketite to our traditions and the busy seat of our Federal government. I
hope that the spirit of patriotism grows stronger all over our country.
A patroit believes that government has the duty to safeguard
817
individuals against being victimized by forces beyond their control, and opposes
the idea of forcing people to become puppets of planners.
Dane-
MSU
-7-
The late Senator Robert A. Taft once said he believed the Federal
government should aid education in those states in which the income per capita
is less than the national average; that it should help states to give free
medical care to all those unable to afford it; should assist local communities
in clearing slums and prviding decent housing; and should, in the event of a
crisis, undertake to assist states to provide food.
There is a huge difference between the Federal government moving
to help state and local governments help themselves and the Federal goverNment
for
supplanting local governmenal units and planning the future everyone.
It seems to me that the goals of leadership in all fields of
endeavor, including government, are to:
*
Provide opportunity for the individual by strengthening our
tradition of incentive.
* Encourage the entrepeneur- the man of vision and ideas---to
build, expand and compete as he contributes to the economic growth.
* Establish the best educational system possible, retaining local
control and direction.
Gear our national processes to programs which create new GERA wealth.
LIDRARY
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MSU
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At the same time, we must be careful to protect the individual
against the force of government. Each person must have a choice, without
being squeened into the position of accepting one pattern, one way of
life, if he has preferred alternatives. In a word, we call this "liberty."
How do we stem the tide of "big brother" government and retain the
freedom won for us some 200 years ago by a strong-willed small corps of
individuals?
Simply stated, the answer is that we be patriots. We
elect responsible representatives in government. We vote, after studying the
all elections
issues and the candidates. We cast ballots in not just every
four years.
Politics is regarded by some as an unwholesome word, and with some
basis. However, the American people must assume the responsibility for the state
of our political world.
In most elections, all over this land, a minority of persons
eligible to vote take the time to cast their ballots. This is far from being
patriotic.
You, and thousands of other young Americans, can revive patriotism
by leading the way, setting an example, taking an active interest in government,
politics and the issues.
and by voting.
-more-
MSU
-9-
It is our duty to accept the responsibility to build a better,
stronger America. In so doing, we will strengthen the free world.
is
Be fully aware that individual freedom of action and choice is the
major motiv ating factor that built this Nation.
You have been given the challenges. I ask that you respond
crusading
to them by being patriots of the United States of America and active
members of the brotherhood of man.
#
#
#
BERALD FORD STORABY
Michigan State University Commencement Address
March 14, 1965
This is a day of intellectual fulfillment as more than a thousand of
you reach a plateau in an age of creative maturation and turbulent events.
It is a point in time to be cherished as you face wide horisons
of opportunity, which beckon men and women dedicated to enunciating new truths
and defending vintage ones.
When this day has passed, stand tall in seeking new challenges, higher
goals, greater duties, more work and broader responsibilities. Replace
mediocrity with excellence, timidity with daring, fear with courage.
In reaching your present achievements, you have proven yourselves
as having the qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn,
willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
The Nation and the world need you, your knowledge and your readiness
to a ccept challenges of pinnacle heights as citizens of a free society--
as scholars---as knowledgesble persons in your chosen careers.
This is neither a time to stumble, not to falter, in accepting the
responsibility as young leaders with the task of le ading the way to strengthened
and new moral, esthetic, cultural and scientific values.
GERALD
IBRARY
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Mz8Z MSU speech
&
Without men and women who are willing to give of themselves and
their knowledge, we could be witness to a requiem for our Nation and the world.
Preservation is far from being a hopeless task. Emerson, the gentle
philosopher, sounded a positive and sensitive theme when he said "they conquer
who believe they can." You, with your sharpened skills, will conquer the
perplexing problems and at the same time help your fellowmsh, whose lives must
be balanced in an unbalanced world.
You will help us to earn the respect of our neighbors at home and
abroad, including those who would destroy us, by striving to make this Nation
as great in peace MARKSHINES as we were strong in war.
"eplace half-heartedness with a full-speed-shead attitude based
on'the philosophies of our founding fathers, who established this Nation on a
relatively simple set of guidelines.
Dedicate your minds in the quest for excellence as leaders who will
enlarge the bedrock foundation of ideas and ideals for America of the present
and far beyond.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their
own plans, prepared to assume the risks and to take unto themselves the burden
of responsibility.
-more-
MSU SPEECH
-3-
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West
to exploration, 8 ettlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their covered wagons through
the wilderness into the setting sun with self-confidence and pride in achievement.
They faced the future, neither detouring their steadfastness, nor turning their
backs to the mighty, powerful challenges. Freedom to them was 8 great adventure,
not something handed down from another generation.
This era bears evidence of similarity to the age of some 200
years 2go. Astronauts have made awesome journeys into the space that cushions
this planet. As we are gathered here, there are plans to have a manned capsule
make a 112-orbit, seven-day flight as a segment of an effort to reach for the
moon and Mare in a search for answers to questions rasied in the minds of
earthbound astronomers, scientists end geo-political intellectuals.
Like the piomeers of our Nation, who set an example of leadership,
you have the glittering opportunity to join others in learning the value of
perseverance, the fellowship of hardship and the comradeship of common problems.
The challenges of today and the future are linked with new technology,
the achievements of science and the task of filling Jobs demanding skills unheard
of even Q decade ago.
-more-
MSU SPEECH
-4-
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till,
social ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to
rehabilitate, public money to invest and to spend wisely.
The magnitude of the problems is crushing in its significance.
In finding solutions with measured, ealculated, intellectual and technical
steps, each person must have a choice, without being crowded into the position
of accepting one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred alternatives.
Be fully aware that individual freedom of action and choice is
the major motivating factor which built this Nation. You have an opportunity
in this age
to be coordinating catalyists triggering the
forward march of mankind by your ability to think-not what to think.
As members of a competitive society, you will find the need to
communicate with others in sharing your knowledge and skills. This is a
difficult and demanding assignment, but one which must be a chieved to generate
social interaction.
Archibald MacLeish, teacher and poet, had this to say in discussing
the challenges: "What education in the free countries must drive home, if the
free countries are to survive, is the conviction that we hold the power and
bear the responsibility. The task is in part a task beyond the power of schools
-move-
MSU SPEECH XNXXXXX instrt
************
In the area of government, two major goals must be reached. I
am a partisan, politically spesking. Baty This effort must be a bi-partisan one.
I urge that the goals be achieved by members of both political parties with
widespread support from Americans.
We must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and judicial
branches of government as to intended in the purpose and reason of
the Constitution.
funexal The parallel task is to preserve the two-party system---the
genius of the American Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal---that of keeping the
three branches of government in balance--I believe that if any one of them becomes
too S trong or too weak, the foundations of our government will crack and our
freddoms will be threatened.
There is evidence of slow erosion in the power of the legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive branch and a change tx of
direction in the federal judiciary.
ADVIDS GERALD
MSU insert (2)
Congress--the legislative branch---has been criticised as beding to
slow to react in an age of speed. The belittlers have described the Senate and
House as being too cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Tjose who are critical perhaps are unsware that in Congress are
the checks and balances built into our form of government by deliberate intent
of the founding fathers.
When speed is essential, Congress has proven many times that it
can act with dispatch to meet a crisis, in war and in peacetime, in
days of economic depression and in times of prosperity.
Congress of the United States to
It has been s aid that Congress frequently makes haste slowly, which
is true. However, the act of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against
the danger of racing to the point of decision without research
and deep study of the issues.
Under our political system, the President of the United Sta tes
represents the views of the people who elect him. The Congress, and
particularly the House of Representatives, are closer to the citizenry of our
FORD
Nation because the membership is chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
GERAL
LIBRARY
mms
MSU INSERT 3
Members of the House are chosen every two years, a process which
in itself puts members closer to the people. As in the Senate, the House
is represented by every major religion, national origin, profession======
The Congress is a cross-section of the American people. This is our strength.
It should not be lessened by over-balance in the executive and judiciary branche:
of government.
A strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our
Democracy will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world to
accept their roles in the society of free nations.
When either party has iron-fisted control of bpth the executive
and legislative branches of government, the tradition of checks and balances
becomes a a shadow--a ghost of the principle written into
the Constitution by the founding fathers of this Immigra country.
I From a strong two-party system come crestive ideas
for better government, or efully thought-put alternative plans and proposals
for legislation.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
A crushing over-balance
information
of strengthm I. in either party makes a
mockery of our traditions in government, makes the voice of the people weak
and ineffective, and puts control in the hands of a comparatively smal, but
MSU SEECH
apalps 4-
INSERT
These, then, are the major goals in government----a sensitive
balance in the legislative, executive and Judicial branchess and a
strong two-party system.
challenges
The meint facing you, as graduates of
Michigm State University, are broad and varied. In accepting and
solving them, you will make decisions based on knowledge, research and
understanding.
It has been said that there should be a staunch belief that men
and women have the capabilities of directing their own actions by use
of rational facilities.
Describe this quality as self-discipline, if you will. It is a
positive force within an individual which permits the making of decisions
&
and the accomplishments of tasks facing each of us each day.
more
FORD is LIBRARY CERALD
MSU SPEECH
as such, for the sense of individual responsibility and power involves a sense
of individual participation...to teach men to believe in themselves therefore
is to teach them responsibility and so to assure their freedom."
Those with understanding and knowledge of our times, who are aware of
the economic, social, political and ideological forces at work in the world, have
many
goals
to
achieve.
This
detail them.
Speaking broadly, the/goals include the provision of opportunity for the
individual be strengthening our tradition of incentive; encouraging the entrepeneur-
the men of vision and ideas--to build, expand and compete as he contributes to the
economic growth; and establishing, or preserving in many place, an educational
system of paramount excellence.
It has been said that there should be a stanunch belief that *** men and
women have the capacities of directing their own actions by the use of rational
facilities.
Describe this quality as self-discipline if you will. It is a postive force
within an individual which permits the making of decisions and the accompláshment of
tacks facing each of us each day.
FORD is LIBRARY 9ERALD
-more
MSU SPEECH
-6-
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the
foundation of our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. In finding
lives,
direction in our we something of permanence and substance. We should
seek a committment to fulfill.
You will need both physical and mental courage in f ollowing your
chosen careers.
The tradition of American courage is a distinguished one. Men and
women who conquared the wilderness from sea to shining sea were endowed
with physical bravery, as were Colonel John Glenn in his historic flight aboard
Friendship 7 and the astronauts who followed him into space.
Mental courage is quiet and less public. It conquers fears and
builds healthful, bouyant, faithful attitudes. Moral and intellectual courage
completes dreams and makes realisation of hopes; opens the pathways in our minds
to the noblest and best impressions; gives dynamic purpose and direction to our
lives.
The blending of the qualities discussed here today is the equation
of the total ultimate in personal development needed today in the world. It is to
come mainly from the ranks of mature young men and women'
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
more
MSU SPEECH
-7-
These are the qualities in man that mastered hundreds of arts
and sciences, created government and law, made cities of settlements founded
in the wilderness, built skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins, invented
covered wagons that gave way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made
star tling progress in 8 everal thousand directions.
We have inherited the foundation of a Nation that was destined
to grow mighty. It is a Dase fromshich to grow under time leadership, following
established and traditional guidelines and cresting new ones.
There has been much comment regarding the present era.
Arnold Toynbee, scholar and historian, was articulate in savings "Our
age will be well r emembered, not for its horrifying crimes nor its astonishing
inventions, but because it is the first generation since the dawn of history
inwhich mankind dared to believe it practical to make the benefits of
civilisation available to the whole human race."
knowledge,
You have the power of
the physical and mental attributes
of mature young men and women, the proven willingness to sacrifice and to give
of yourselves in making this a better world for others and yourselves.
FORD
***** Let there be a greater devotion to the moral and spiritual
SERA
LIBRARY
values. Translate them into mobility of character, social justice, national
-more-
MSU speech
&
righteousness and world peace.
There is no doubt that - you will heed the challenging call.
Your very programs presence here today and the documents you receive
for achievement in e ducation are strong reflections of your desire to
accept your responsibilities in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and
changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thenksgiving.
# # #
FORD & LIBRARY 038870 +
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. erald R. Ford
March 14, 1965
Today is a point in time to be cherished as you face
wide horizons of opportunity. In reaching your present achievements, you
have proven yourselves as having the qualities of imagination, eagerness
to learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with
open minds.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter, nor to fear in
accepting responsibilities as citizens with the task of leading the
cultural
way to strengthened $ moral, esthetic, K at and scientific values.
The challenges are many in this age of space and speed, changing
events, and perplexing problems.
Recall that
Emerson, the philosopher said "they conquer who
"
believe they can. You, with your sharpened skills, will help conquer the
massive problems of this century, and at the S ame time help your fellowmen,
whose lives must be balanced in an unbalanced world.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their
plans, prepared to assume the risks and willing to accept the burden of
responsibility.
more-
GERALD
MSU address
-2-
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West
to exploration, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their covered wagons through
the wilderness into the setting sun with S elf-confidence and pride in
achievement. They faced the future, neither detouring their steadfastness,
noR turning their backs to the mighty, powerful challenges. Freedom to them
was
a great a dventure, not something handed down from another generation.
The challenges of today are linked with new technology, the
achievements of S cience and the task of filling jobs demanding skills under of
even
a decade agao.
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till, social
ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to rehabilitate,
public money to invest and to spend wisely.
Seeking solutions with measured, calculated, intellectual and
steps
technical
each person must have a choice, without being crowded into
the position of accepting one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred
alternatives. This in a word is freedom.
FORD
Individual freedom of action and choice, within the framework
GERALD
LIBRARY
of the laws, was built into the Constitution by the founding fathers.
more
MSU address
&
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West
to exploration, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their covered wagons through
the wilderness into the setting sun with s elf-confidence and pride in
achievement. They faced the future, neither detouring their steadfastness,
nok turning their backs to the mighty, powerful challenges. Freedom to them
was
a
great a dventure, not something handed down from another generation.
The challenges of today are linked with new technology, the
achievements of S cience and the task of filling Jobs demanding skills why of
unheord
even
a decade agao.
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till, social
ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to rehabilitate,
public money to invest and to spend wisely.
intelligent
Seeking solutions with meatured, calculated, intellectual and
steps,
technical
each person must have a choice, without being crowded into
the position of accepting one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred
alternatives. This in a word is---freedom.
Animal Individual freedom of action and choice, within the framework
GERA
TERARY
more
MSU
-3-
In the area of government, freedom will be maintained with
a bi-partisan effort by both political parties receiving widespread support
from Americans.
Two major goals must be accomplished if the American "emocracy is to
continue to exist and be strengthened through subsequent the generations.
First, we must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and
judicial branches of government as is intended
with in the fraund purpose
of the Constitution.
The paraallel task is to preserve the two-party system--the genius of
our Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal--that of keeping the three branches of
government in balance--I believe that if any one of them becomes too S trong
or too weak, the foundations of our government will crack and our freedoms
will be threatened.
There are disturbing signs of slow erosion in the power of the legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive arm and a change of
intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
Congress--the legislative branch---has been criticized as being too slow
more
GERALD
IBRARY
MSU speech
4-
to react in an age of speed. Criticas have described the House and Senate as
being too cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Those who are critical perhaps are unaware that in Congress are the
checks and balances built into our form of government by deliberate intent
men
of the who created the Constitution.
When speed is essential, Congress has proven many times that it can
react with dispatch to meet a crisis in war and in peacetime, in ays of
economic depression and in times of glowing prosperity.
It has been said that Congress frequently makeshaste slowly, which
is true;
However, the act of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against the
intert adequate
danger of racing to the brink of decision without research and deep study of the
issues.
When the balance of power in Congress is steeply tilted
by an overwhelming majority in one political party, the system of checks and
balances is endangered, especially when the executive branch of the same party
has strong control.
Under our political system, the President represents the views of
the people who elect him. Members of Congress, and particularly those in the
House of Representatives, are closer to the Nation's citizens because they are
LIBRARY
min
MSU speech
1
to react in an age of speed. Critic have described the House and Senate as
being too cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Those who are critical perhaps are unaware that in Congress are the
checks and balances built into our form of government by deliberate intent
men
of the - who created the Constitution.
When speed is essential, Congress has proven many times that it can
react with dispatch to meet a crisis in war and ml in peacetime, in d ays of
economic depression and in times of glowing prosperity.
It has been said that Congress frequently makeshaste slowly, which
is true. However, the act of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against the
7
danger of racing to the brink of decision without research end-doep study of the
perhaps planging over organizing
defiberation
abquate thought
,
issues.
When the balance of power in therlogier Congress is steeply tilted
by an overwhelming majority in one political party, the system of checks and
balances is endangered,especially when the executive branch of ? the same party
has strong control.
Under our political system, the President represents the views of
the people who elect him. Members of Congress, and partuclarly those in
RAL the FORD LIBRAR,
House of Representatives, are closer to the Nation's citizens because they are
more
MSU speech
-5-
chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
Members of the House are elected every two years, a process which in itself
places Representatives closer to the people. Every two years the "epresentative
must go to his constituents for a mandate to continue in office. His record is
placed on the line and he must be endorsed by a majority.
As in the Senate, the House is represented by nearly every major profession,
national orggin and religion Congress is a cross-section of the American
people. This is your strength. It should not be lessened by an over-balance of
power in the executive and judiciary branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the Constitution,
including the making of all laws which are necessary and proper for carryi ng out
the duties and powers of the government.
Under the rules of the Constitution, every statute requiring
concurrence of Congress must be presented to the President before taking effect.
If the chief executive rejects a proposed act, he can be over-ruled by a two-third
majority vote of the Senate and the House.
It is quickly obvious that a crushing balance of political power in
both Congress and the executive branch weakens the intent of the Constitution.
GERALD
LIBRAR
more
of
MSU speech
-5-
chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
Members of the House are elected every two years, a process which in itself
places Representatives closer to the people. Every two years the "epresentative
must go to his constituents for a mandate to continue in office. His record is
placed on the line and he must be endorsed by a majority.
As in the Senate, the House is represented by nearly every major profession,
national orggin and religion Congress is a cross-section of the American
people. This is your strength. It should not be lessened by an over-balance of
power in the executive and judiciary branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the Constitution,
including the making of all laws which are necessary and proper for carryi ng out
the duties and powers of the government.
Under the rules of the Constitution, every statute requiring
concurrence of Congress must be presented to the President before taking effect.
If the chief executive rejects a proposed act, he can be over-ruled by a two-third
majority vote of the Senate and the House.
It is quickly obvious that a crushing balance of political power in
both Congress and the executive branch weakens the intent of the Constitution.
seleguents
GERALD
LIBRARY
more
MSU
-6-
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of government,
it can be said that the Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret laws, not
to create them.
There is evidence that the Judician Branch is arbitrarily
elbowing its way to new positions of authority, disre arding the wise
suggestions of judicial restraint made by the late Justice Frankfurter
and others.
When the Supreme Court ordered states to reapportion on the "one-man,
one-vote" concept, Justice Frankfurter in a dissenting opinion was critical
of "destructively novel judicial power."
The highest court in the land, he said, virtually had no authority to
make the decision.
"In this situation, as in others of like nature, appeal for relief
here,"
does not belong Justice Frankfurter said. "Appeal must be made to an
informed, civically militant electorate. In a democratic society like ours,
relief must come through an aroused public conscience that sears the conscience
of the people's representatives."
FORD
Justice Frankfurter left no doubt that he believed the Supreme Court's
LIBRARY
authority possessed neither of the purse nor the sword ultimately rd sts
mou
MSU
-7-
on sustained public
confidence in its moral sanction."
mentured
Earlier in this message to you, I included the need to preserve the
concern
two-party system among major areas of achievement in maintaining our structure
of government.
Without any indulgence in partisanship, I am sure we can agree that a
strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy will survive,
prosper, grow and help others in the world to accept their role in the society
of free nations.
Creative ideas for better governmental functions, carefully-constructed
alternative plans and proposals for legislation that come from a strong
two-party system have a better chance of surviving when there is
balance in all three branches of government.
for for long a The
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party makes a mockery of
1
our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice of the people,
and places control in the hands of a comparatively small majority, far out
of proportion to the Nation's population.
it areas to me
might
These are currently the major goals to be achieved in the area of
1
government: a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive and
FORD & LIBRARY 078839 Indicial
more
MSU
-8-
branches; and astrong two-party system.
W hat is your role in Throe goals
How do you take part in the accomplishment? Where do you start? What
might be your guidelines for action?
First, you must have the mental and moral courage to become involved in the
political world as partisans, as voters, as taxpayers, as candidates for office,
as office-holders-- yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to strengthen
the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator,
you develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and
your Nation. This loyalty is basic to personal service and community improvement.
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfuter described as an
"informed, civically militant electorate," you will discover the mean ing of
service and true citizenship.
Patriotism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a singular or set
of ideas, to our Nation. It begins at home in your local environment.
Give purpose and direction to your role as acitizen by chosing a political
party, after careful study of the philosophies of each. Persaps, you will switch
-mpre-
GERALD
LIBRARY
MSU
-9-
your alliances. This is a choice under freedom. This, too, will require
mental courage, which conquers fear and builds healthful, bouyant attitudes.
insury
Smith
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral
and spiritual values, which are translated into nobility of character,
social justice, national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation of
our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something of
permanence and substance in finding direction in our lives.
A wealth of permanence and substance is found in being active, loyal
citizens dedicated to maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity of free
nations.
I have mentioned several qualities today....imagaination, eagerness
to learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open
minds, self-confidence, and finally, loyalty.
the blending of these qualities is the equation of the total ultimate
in personal development needed in the Nation. It is to come mainly from the
ranks of mature young men and women.
GERALE FORD VIBRARY
more
MSU
-10-
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences,
created government and law, made cities of S ettlements founded in the
wilderness, built skyscrapers on the sitesof log cabins, invented covered
wagons that gave way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling
progress in several thousands directions leading us to the present.
There is much comment regarding our present era. Arnold Toynbee,
has raid,
scholar and historian, was articulate in aging: "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its horrifying crimes nor its astonishing inventions,
but because it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which
mankind dared to believe it practical to make the benefits of civiliation
available to the whole human race."
You have the power of knowledge, the physical and mental attributes,
the proven willingness to give more of yourselves than you receive to make
this a better Nation and a better world for others and yourselves.
The United States of America needs you, your knowledge and your readiness
to accept challenges as loyal citizens of a free society; as scholars; as
knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
more
MSU
-11-
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call.
Your presence here today and the documents you receive for achievement in
education are strong reflections of your desire to a ccept responsibilities
in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thanksgiving.
#
#
#
FORD & LIBRARY GENALD
Michigan State University Commencement Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
March 14, 1965
For deliviry at 4 p.m. EST, March 14,1965
you chemk this
Today ^ is a point in time to be cherished as you face wide horizons of
opportunity. In reaching your present achievements, you have proved yourselves,
devenistrated
and ha the qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn, willingness to
and a
sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter, nor to fear in accepting
the responsibilities of citizens has with the task of leading the way to strengthened
moral, esthetic, cultural and scientific values.
The challenges are many in thise age of space and speed, changing events,
and perplexing problems.
American
Recall that Emerson, the philosopher, said, "They conquer who believe they
can." You, with your sharpened skills, will help conquer the massive problems of
this century, and at the same time help your fellowmen, whose lives must be
balanced in an unbalanced world.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their plans,
prepared to assume the risks and willing to accept the burden of responsibility.
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West to
exploration, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their covered wagons through the
wilderness into the setting sun with S elf-confidence and pride in achievement.
They faced the future, neither detouring their not turning their
backs to the mighty, powerful challenges, Freedom to them was a great adventure,
-
not something handed down from another generation.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
more
MSU Address
-2-
The challenges of today are linked with new technology, the achievements
of science, and the task of filling jobs demanding skills unheard of even a
decade ago.
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till, social ills
to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to rehabilitate, public
money to invest and to spend wisely.
Seeking solutions with measured, calculated, intelligent, and technical
steps, each person must have a choice without being crowded into the position
of accepting one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred alternatives.
This in a word is--- freedom.
Individual freedom of action and choice, within the framework of the law
was built into the Constitution by the founding fathers.
Through
In the area of government, freedom must be maintained with a bi-partisan
effort by both which political parties receiving widespread support from Americans.
all
achieved
Two major goals must be accomplished if the American Democracy is to continue
to exist and be strengthened through subsequent generations.
First, we must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government as established is intended within the 5 run of the Constitution.
The parallel task is to preserve the two-party system the genius of our
Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal--that of keeping the three branches of government
in balance I believe that if any one of them becomes too strong or too weak,
the foundations of our government will crack and our freedom will be threatened.
more
GERALD
MSU Address
-3-
There are disturbing signs of slow erosion in the power of the legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive arm, and a change from the
intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
Congress- the legislative branch has been criticized as being too slow
to react in an age of speed. Critics have described the House and Senate as being
too cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Those critics perhaps are unaware that in Congress a system of checks and
balances is provided by the Constitution.
When speed is essential, Congress has proven many times that it can react
with dispatch to meet a crisis in war or in peacetime, in days of economic
or
depression and in times of glowing prosperity.
It has been said that Congress frequently makes haste slowly. However, the
act of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against racing to the brink of decision.
should
It prevents a dangerous plunge. $ taking time to deliberate, Congress reach
1
its major only
decis ions af ter a dequate throughound research, thought, and exhaustive discussion
When the balance of power in Congress is steeply tilted by an overwhelming
majority in one political party, the system of checks and balances is endangered,
This becomes even more when serious
repecially the executive branch is dominated by the same party.
aRthough the Presilentain the the does chief executive effecially and healy statefa all of
Under our political system, the Pres ident represents the views of the people
vital for
us,
who elect/him. Members of Congress, and particularly those in the House of
Representatives, are closer to the Nation's citizens because they are chosen by
smaller segments of the Nation.
more
GERALD FORD LIBRAST
MSU Address
4-
Members of the House are elected every two years, a process fact which in itself
places Representatives closer to the people. Every two years a Representative
must go to his constituents for a mandate to continue in office. His record is
placed on the line and he must be endorsed by a majority of the voters w his didrict
As in the Senate, the House is represented by nearly every major profession,
national origin and religion. Congress is a cross-section of the American people.
This is your strength. It should not be lessened by an over-balance of power in
the executive and judicial branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the Constitution, and
including the making of all laws which are necessary and proper for carrying out
the duties and powers of government.
Under the Constitution, every statute requiring concurrence of Congress must
be presented to the President before taking effect. If the chief executive rejects
a proposed act, he can be over-ruled by a two-third majority vote of the Senate
and the House.
over-balance
It is quickly obvious that a.crushing of political power in both houses of
Congress and the executive branch weakens the safeguards of the Constitution.
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of government,
the
constitution
anoth
it can be said that the Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret ^ laws. not
There is evidence that the Judicial Branch is arbitrarily elbowing its way
to new positions of authority, disregarding the wise suggestions of judicial
restraint made by the late Justice Frankfurter and others.
more
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MSU Address
-5-
When the Supreme Court ordered states to reapportion on the "one-man,
one-vote" concept, Justice Frankfurter in a dissenting opinion was critical of
bythe
Cant
arrumption
"destructively novel judicial power."
said,
"In this situation, as in others of like nature, appeal for relief does not
belong her," Justice Frankfurter said. "Appeal must be made to an informed,
civically militant electorate. In a democratic society like ours, relief must
come through an aroused public conscience that sears the conscience of the people's
representatives."
Justice Frankfurter left no doubt that he believed the Supreme "Court's
emphasized that
authority possessed neither of the purse nor the sword ultimately rests
on sustained public confidence in its moral sanction."
the
I have stressed the need to preserve the two-party system among major
areas of concern in maintaining our structure of government.
Without any indulgence in partisanship, I am sure we can agree that a strong
two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy will survive, prosper,
grow, and help others in the world to accept their role & in the society of free
nations.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party for too long a time
makes a mockery of our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice
of the people, and places control in the hands of a comparatively small majority
the
-more-
GERALD FORD VIDRAR)
MSU address
These it seems to me are currently the major goals to be sought in the
area of government: a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive and
judicial branches and a strong two-party system.
What is your role in seeking these goals? Where do you start? What might be
tour guidelines for action?
First, you must have the mental and moral courage to become involved in the
as particans,
political world particans, as voters, as taxpayers as candidates for office,
as office-holders yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to strengthen
the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator,
you develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and
your Nation. This loyalty is basic to personal service and community improvement.
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfurter described as an
"informed, civically militant electorate," you will discover the meaning of service
and true citizenship.
Patriotism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a
/
set
ofn ideas to our Nation. It begins at home in your local environment.
Give purpose and direction to your role as a citizen by chosing a political
party, after careful study of the philosophies of each. Perhaps you will S witch
your alliances. This is a choice under freedom. This, too, will require mental
fuoyant
courage, which conquers fear and builds healthful, beginnt attitudes.
more
GERALD
MSU Address
-7-
Good Citizenship, it seems to me, is directly linked with the "aroused public
conscience," which Justice Frankfurter said "sears the sonscience of the
people's representatives."
The question is how should an aroused public conscience manifest itself?
Is the rioting of ralage college students protesting an alleged breach of
freedom of speech a proper interpretation? Does a demonstration by more than 100
repartment of
singing, chanting young men and women in the ustice Department building on
Washington federal intervention in one of our States constitute a
lehalf of
meaningful representation of public conscience?
Would you say that the 700 persons picketing the White House with cries of
"freedom now" or demanding peace at any price were examples of good citizenship in
action?
Compare these examples with the actions of citizens ina community who band
together to win an election to raise money at the local level for a new high
school...or with the coordinated civic effort to conduct an educational campaign
on
a local issue dealing with more taxes for a
better park and recreation area.
Certainly, police brutality anywhere is disgraceful, as is unbridled,
uncontrolle dm savage and senseless mob action which secoffs at legitimate
authority and the orderly processes.
The growth and prosperity, the state and strength of our Nation is the result
of free citizens conducting their personal lives and careers within the constituted
framework of authority, law and order. This is not to say that changesin our laws
or judi judicield governmental system 10 unnecessary practices in not -more necessary or excential
MSU Address
-8-
For example, our present Civil Rights Act needs Y strengthening to give
lows
statutory backing to the general provisions of the Fifheenth Amendment, which
provides that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged because of race,
colory or previous condition of servitude. This is the orderly process
sans substitute for the savage me asures used in some parts of our country.
There is a fine line of distinction between and aroused public conscience
and demonstrations of social revolution.
I seriously question the social merit of flamboyant, irresonsible mob
action to focus attention on a public issue. We have procedures in our
units of government, in the courts of the land by which controversies can be
settled with dignity and justice. This should be the path taken by an aroused
citizenry in search of righting a wrong or in seeking a civic goal.
At the same time, public officials have the duty to see that laws are
properly enforced. 1 hose who are slow to act in fulfilling the obligations
of their office, or who deliberately turn their faces from issues and controversies
are indeed delinquents,
An informed voting public has the power of the ballot to replace those
who fail in their duties, who fall short or the(qualifications, who foresake
the people for political gain. aspeals to the courts may
be taken when that affrears necessary
the rules of an orderly society may at times be subject to interpretation
by government, by the courts, and by the people themselves, but only in XMX
a manner which mines "due process of law." "
more
MSU Address
-9-
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral and
spiritual values, which are translated into nobility of character, social
justice, national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation of
our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something of
permanence and substance in finding direction in our lives.
s wealth of permanence and substance is found in being active, loyal
citizens dedicated to maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity of free nations.
todey
descrable
I have mentioned ^ several qualities imagination, eagerness
to learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open
minds, self-confidence, and finally, loyalty.
The blending of these qualities is the equation of the total ultimate
in personal development needed in over Nation. It is to come mainly from the
ranks of mature young men and women.
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences, created
government and law, made cities of settlements founded in the wilderness, built
skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins, invented covered wagons that gave
way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, ma e startling progress ins everal
thousand directions leading us to the present.
Arnold Toynbee,
scholar and historian, has said: "Our age will be wellremembered, not for its
horrifying crimes nor its astonishing inventions, but because it is the first
generation since the dawn of history in which mankind dared to believe it practical
to make the benefits of civilization available to the whole human race.
GERALD
LIBRARY
more
MSU Address
-10-
you have
You have the power of knowledge, vioal and mental attributes, -
a
in in order
proven ^ willingness to give more of yourselves than you receive A to make this
a better Nation and a better world for others and yourselves.
It needs
The United States of America needs you X your knowledge and your readiness
meds you
to accept challenges as loyal citizens of a free society. as scholars, as
^
knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call. Your presence
here today and the documents you receive for achievement in e ducation are
strong reflections of your desire to accept responsibilities in an exciting,
turbulent, demanding , and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thanksgiving.
GERALD
LIBRARY
Michigan State University Commencement Address
March 14, 1965
This is a day of intellectual fulfillment as more than a thousand of
you reach a plateau in an age of creative maturation and turbulent events.
It is a point in time to be cherished as you face wide horizons
of opportunity, which beckon men and women dedicated to enunciating new truths
and defending vintage ones.
When this day has passed, stand tall in seeking new challenges, higher
goals, greater duties, more work and broader responsibilities. Replace
mediocrity with excellence, timidity with daring, fear with courage.
In reaching your present achievements, you have proven yourselves
as having the qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn,
willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
The Nation and the world need you, your knowledge and your readiness
to a ccept challenges of pinnacle heights as citizens of a free society--
as
scholars as knowledgeable persons in your chosen careers.
YS
fear,
This is neither a time to stumble, not to falter in accepting the
responsibility as young leaders with the task of le ading the way to strengthened,
new, moral, esthetic, cultural and scientific values.
GERALD
more
M28Z MSU speech
-2-
more than they alcere
Without men and women who are willing to give of themselves and
their knowledge, we could be witness to a requiem for our Nation and the world.
Preservation is far from being a hopeless task. Emerson, the gentle
philosopher, sounded a positive and sensitive theme when he said "they conquer
who believe they can." You, with your sharpened skills, will conquer the
perplexing problems and at the same time help your fellowmen, whose lives must
be balanced in an unbalanced world.
You will help us to earn the respect of our neighbors at home and
abroad, including those who would destroy us, by striving to make this Nation
as great in peace as we were strong in war.
Replace half-heartedness with a full-speed-ahead attitude based
on the philosophies of our founding fathers, who established this Nation on a
relatively simple set of guidelines.
Dedicate your minds in the quest for excellence as leaders who will
The
enlarge the bedrock foundation of ideas and ideals for America of the present
and far beyond.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their
own plans, prepared to assume the risks and to take unto themselves the burden
of responsibility.
GERALD
more-
MSU SPEECH
-3-
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West
to exploration, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their covered wagons through
the wilderness into the setting sun with self-confidence and pride in achievement.
They faced the future, neither detouring their steadfastness, nor turning their
backs to the mighty, powerful challenges. Freedom to them was a great adventure,
not something handed down from another generation.
This era bears evidence of similarity to the age of some 200
years ago. Astronauts have made awesome journeys into the space that cushions
this planet. As we are gathered here, there are plans to have a manned capsule
make a 112-orbit, seven-day flight as a segment of an effort to reach for the
moon
in a search for answers to questions raised in the minds of
earthbound astronomers, scientists and geo-political intellectuals.
Like the piomeers of our Nation, who set an example of leadership,
you have the glittering opportunity to join others in learning the value of
perseverance, the fellowship of hardship and the comradeship of common problems.
The challenges of today and the future are linked with new technology,
the achievements of science and the task of filling jobs demanding skills unheard
of even a decade ago.
GERALD
LIBRARY
more
I
MSU SPEECH
4-
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till,
social ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to
rehabilitate, public money to invest and to spend wisely.
The magnitude of the problems is crushing in its significance.
In finding solutions with measured, calculated, intellectual and technical
steps, each person must have a choice, without being crowded into the position
of accepting one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred alternatives.
Be fully aware that individual freedom of action and choice is
the major motivating factor which built this Nation. You have an opportunity
in this age
to be coordinating catalyists triggering the
forward march of mankind by your ability to think
As members of a competitive society, you will find the need to
communicate with others in sharing your knowledge and skills. This is a
difficult and demanding assignment, but one which must be a chieved to generate
social interaction.
Archibald MacLeish, teacher and poet, had this to say in discussing
the challenges: "What education in the free countries must drive home, if the
free countries are to survive, is the conviction that we hold the power and
bear the responsibility. The tas, is in part a task beyond the power GORALD RALD of schools
-mov-
MSU SPEECH
inst
/
In the area of government, two major goals must be reached. I
am a partisan, politically speaking. This effort must be a bi-partisan one.
I urge that the goals be achieved by members of both political parties with
widespread support from Americans.
We must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and judicial
branches of
government as the intended in the purpose and reason of
the Constitution.
The parallel task to preserve the two-party system the
genius of the American
Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal that of keeping the
three branches of government in balance--I believe that if any one of them becomes
too Strong or too weak, the foundations of our government will crack and our
freddoms will be threatened.
There is evidence of slow erosion in the power of the legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive branch and a change
of
direction in the federal judiciary.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
more
MSU insert (2)
Congress the legislative branch has been criticized as beding too
CRitics
slow to react in an age of speed. the belittlers have described the Senate and
House as being too cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Those who are critical perhaps are unaware that in Congress are
the checks and balances built into our form of government by deliberate intent
of the founding fathers.
When speed is essential, Congress has proven many times that it
can act with dispatch to meet a crisis, in war and in peacetime, in
days of economic depression and in times of prosperity.
It has been S aid that Congress frequently makes haste slowly, which
is true. However, the act of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against
the danger of
racing to the point of decision without research
and deep study of the issues.
Under our political system, the President of the United Sta tes
represents the views of the people who elect him. The Congress, and
EKI
particularly the House of Representat ives, are closer to the citizenry of our
Nation because the membership is chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
GERALO FORD LIBRARY
more
MSU INSERT
3
Members of the House are chosen every two years, a process which
in itself puts members closer to the people. As in the Senate, the House
is represented by every major religion, national origin, profession
The Congress is a cross-section of the American people. This is our strength.
It should not be lessened by over-balance in the executive and judiciary branches
of government.
make than There are that the Supreme Cant has over-stapped thautharty
The Febreal judiciary's function is to interput laws not
A strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our
Democracy will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world to
accept their roles in the society of free nations.
When either party has iron-fisted control of bpth the executive
and legislative branches of government, the tradition of checks and balances
becomes a a shadow a ghost of the principle written into
the Constitution by the founding fathers of this country.
From a strong two-party system come creat ive ideas
for better government, car efully thought-put alternative plans and proposals
for legislation.
A crushing over-balance
of strengthm I in either party makes a
mockery of our traditions in government, makes the voice of the people weak
and ineffective, and puts control in the hands of a comparatively smal, but
powerful maljority, far out of proportion in relationship to the country's population.
-more-
MSU SHECH
todex 4-
INSERT
These, then, are the major goals in government-- a sensitive
balance in the legislative, executive and judicial branches; and a
strong two-party system.
challenges
The xxhi facing you, as graduates of
Michigan State University, are broad and varied. In accepting and
solving them, you will make decisions based on knowledge, research and
understanding.
It has been said that there should be a staunch belief that men
and women have the capabilities of directing their own actions by use
of rational facilities.
Describe this quality as self-discipline, if you will. It is a
positive force within an individual which permits the making of decisions
and the accomplishments I of tasks facing each of us each day.
more
R.TORD is LIBRARY GERALD
MSU SPEECH
-5-
as such, for the sense of individual responsibility and power involves a
sense of indvidual participation...to teach men to believe in themselves
therefore is to teach them responsibility and so to assure their freedom."
Those with understanding and knowledge of our times, who are
aware of the economic, social, political and ideological forces at work
in the world, have many goals to achieve.
In the area of government, two major goals must be reached,
with a bi-partisan effort on the part of both political parties
receiving widespread support from Americans.
We must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and
judicial branches of government as is intended in the purpose and reason of
the Constitution.
The parallel task is to preserve the two-party system-the
genius of the American Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal--that of keeping the three branches
of government in balance--I believe that if any one of them becomes too strong
or tooweak, the foundations of our government will crack and our freedoms will
be threatened.
BERALD B. RAR
more
MSU
-6-
There is evidence of slow erosion in the power of the legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive branch and a change
of intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
Congress--the le slative branch---has been criticized as being
too slow to react in an age of speed. Critics have described the House and the
Senate as being too cumbersome and too old-fashioned.
Those who are critical perhaps are unaware that in Congress are the
checks and balances built into our form of government by deliberate intent
of the founding fathers.
When speed is essential, Congress has proven many times that it
can react with dispatch to meet a crisis in war and in peacetime, in days of
economic depression and in times of glowing prosperity.
It has been said that Congress frequently makes haste slowly, which
is true. However, the act of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against the danger
of racing to the point and brink of decision without research and deep study
of the issues.
GERALD LISARY
"nder our political system, the President represents the views of
the people who elect him. The Congress, and particularly the House of Representat ives,
are closer to the citizenry of our Nation because the membership is chosen by smaller
MSU SPEECH
-7-
segments of the Nation.
Members of the House are chosen every two years, a process which in
itself places members closer to the people. As in the Senate, the House is
represented by every major religion, national origin, profession---Congress
is a cross-section of the American people. This is your strength. It should
formal
not be lessened by over-balande in the executive and judiciary branches of
government.
The federal judiciary's function is to interpret laws, not to create
Judioral branch actibity 10, Mrmy its may to new prestions
them. There is evidence that the Supreme Court has over-stepped the authority
intended in the Constitution.
authority desregrating The were suggestims of gadical restraint by Justice
Trankporters of This
A strong two-party system is bedrock a ssurance that our Democracy
will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world accept their rob S
in the society of free nations.
When either party has iron-fisted control of both the executive and
legislative branches, the tradition of checks and balances becomes a shadow
a ghost of the principle written into the Constitution by the founding fathers
of this country.
FORD is LIBRARY
From a strong two-party system come creative ideas for better
government, carefully-tonstructed alternative plans and proposals for legislation.
more
MSU SPEECH
-8-
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party makes
a mockery of our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice
of the people, and places control in the hands of a comparatively small, but
powerful, majority, far out of proportion to the nation's population,
These, then, are the major goals to be achieved in the area of
government
a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive and judicial
branches; and a strong two-party system.
The challenges facing you, as graduates of Michigan State University,
are broad and varied. In accepting and solving them, you will make decisions
based on knowledge, research and understanding.
It has been said that there should be a staunch belief that men
and women have the capabilities of directing their own actions by use of
rational facilities.
Describe this qality as self-discipline, if you will. It is a
positive force within an individual which permits the making of decisions
and the accomplishment of tasks facing e ach of us each day.
-more-
GERALD
MSU SPEECH
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the
foundation of our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. In finding
lives
need
direction in our
we something of permanence and substance.
You will need both physical and mental courage in following your
chosen careers.
The tradition of American courage is a distinguished one. Men and
women who conquered the wilderness from sea to shining sea were endowed
with physical bravery, as were Colonel John Glenn in his historic flight aboard
Friendship 7 and the astronauts who followed him into space.
Mental courage is quiet and less public. It conquers fears and
builds healthful, bouyant, faithful attitudes. Moral and intellectual courage
completes dreams and makes realization of hopes; opens the pathways in our minds
to the noblest and best impressions; gives dynamic purpose and direction to our
lives.
The blending of the qualities discussed here today is the equation
of the total ultimate in personal development needed today in the world. It is to
come mainly from the ranks of mature young men and women,
GERALD
more
MSU SPEECH
These are the qualities in man that mastered hundreds of arts
and sciences, created government and law, made cities of settlements founded
in the wilderness, built skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins, invented
covered wagons that gave way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made
star tling progress in several thousand directions.
We have inherited the foundation of a Nation that was destined
to grow mighty. It is a base fromwhich to grow under leadership, following
established and traditional guidelines and creating new ones.
There has been much comment regarding the present era.
Arnold Toynbee, scholar and historian, was articulate in saying: "Our
age will be well r emembered, not for its horrifying crimes nor its astonishing
inventions, but because it is the first generation since the dawn of history
inwhich mankind dared to believe it practical to make the benefits of
civilization available to the whole human race."
knowledge,
You have the power of the physical and mental attributes
of mature young men and women, the proven willingness to sacrifice and to give
of yourselves in making this a better world for others and yourselves.
GERALD R.FORD
**** Let there be a greater devotion to the moral and spiritual
values. Translate them into hobility of character, social justice, national
-more-
MSU speech
11
righteousness and world peace.
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call.
Your very programs presence here today and the documents you receive
for achievement in e ducation are strong reflections of your desire to
accept your responsibilities in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and
changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thanksgiving.
# # #
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Michigan State University Commencement speech
March 14, 1965
This is a day of intellectual fulfillment as more than a thousand
of you reach a plateau in an age of creative phylogence and turbulent events.
It is a point in time to be cherished as you face wide horizons
of opportunity, which beckon to men and women dedicated to enunciating new
vintage
truths and defending
&
ones.
When this day has passed, stand tall in seeking new
challenges, higher goals, greater duties, more work and broader responsibilities.
In reaching your present achievements, you have proven yourselves
as having the qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn,
willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
The Nation and the world needs you, your knowledge and your
readiness to accept the challenges of pinnacle heights as citizens of a free
careers.
society, as scholars, as knowledgeable persons in your chosen
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter in accepting the
responsibility as young leaders with the task of leading the way to
strengthened and new moral,
esthetic,
cultural and scientific values.
Without men and women who are willing to give of themselves and
their knowledge, we could WALL be witness to a requiem for our Nation and the world.
Preservation is far from being a hopeless task. L
Emerson,
the
gentle philosopher, sounded a positive and sensitive theme when he
said "they conquer who believe they can." You, with your sharpened skills,
will conquer the perplexing problems and at the same time help your fellowmen,
whose lives must be balanced in an unbalanced world.
You will help us to earn the respect of our neighbors at home and
LIBRARY
abroad, including those who would destroy us, by striving to make this Nation
as great on peace as we were strong in
war.
more
Michigan State University Commencement speech
March 14, 1965
This is a day of intellectual fulfillment as more than a thousand
of you reach a plateau in an age of creative phylogening and turbulent events.
It is a point in time to be cherished as you face wide horizons
of opportunity, which beckon to men and women dedicated to emunciating new
vintage
truths and defending xxxxxxx ones.
When this day has passed, you will stand tall in seeking new
challenges, higher goals, greater duties, more work and broader responsibilities.
In reaching your present achievements, you have proven yourselves
as having the qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn,
willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
The Nation and the world needs you, your knowledge end your
readiness to accept the challenges of pinnacle heights as citizens of a free
society, as scholars, as knowledgeable NATURNE persons in your chosen
careers.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter in accepting the
responsibility as young leaders with the task of leading the wg to straiding
strengthened new moral, esthátic, cultural and scientific values.
Without man and women who are willing to give of themselves and
could
their knowledge, we - be witness to A requiem for our Nation and the world.
Preservation is far from being a hopeless task, Instructional Emerson,
the while gentle philosopher, sounded a positive and sensitive theme when he
said "they conquer who believe they can." You, with your sharpened skills,
will conquer the perplexing problems and at the same time help your fellowmen,
whose lives must be balanced in an unbalanced world.
You will help us to earn the respect of our neighbors at home and
abroad, including those who would destroy us, by striving to make this Nation
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. "erald R. Ford
March 14, 1965
Today is a point in time to be cherished as you face
wide horizons of opportunity. In reaching your present achievements, you
have proven yourselves as having the qualities of imagination, eagerness
to learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with
open minds.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter, nor to fear in
Citizins
accepting responsibilities as with the task of leading the
cultural
way to moral, esthetic, and scientific values.
The challenges are many in this age of space and speed, turbulent changing
events, and perplexing problems.
Recall that Emerson, the philosopher said "they conquer who
#
believe they can. You, with your sharpened skills, will conquer the
massive problems of this century, and at thes ame time help your fellowmen,
whose lives must be balanced in an unbalanced world.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their
plans, prepared to assume the risks and willing to accept the burden of
responsibility.
-more-
MSU SPEECH
-2-
Replace half-heartedness with a full-speed-ahead attitude based on
the philosophies of our founding fathers, who established this Nation on a
relatively simple set of
guidelines.
Dedicate your minds in the quest for excellence as leaders who will
enlarge the bedrock
foundation of ideas and ideals for America of the present
and far beyond.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their
own plans, prepared to assume the risks and to take unto themselves the
responsibilities.
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West
to exploration, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men, women and families drove their covered wgaons
through the
Z wilderness into the setting sun with self-confidence and
pride in achievement. They faced the future, neither detouring their steadfastness,
their
nor turning
backs to the
mighty challenges. Freedom to them
was a great ₹dventure, not something handed down from another generation.
This
era bears evidence of similarity to the age of some 200
years ago. Astronauts have made aweseome journeys into the space that cushions
capsule
this planet. As we are gathered here, there are plans to have a manned
a segment fan affort to reach
make a 112-orbit, seven-day flight
for the moon and Mars searchi
for answers to questions raised in the minds of earthbound astronomers and
scientists.
Like the pioneers of our Nation, who set an example of leadership,
you have the opportunity to join others in learning the value of perseverance,
the fellowship of hardship and the comradeship of common problems.
The challenges of today and the future are linked with new technology,
of even a decade ago.
the achievements of sciences and the task of filling jobs demanding skills undeard BERAU
LIBRARY
more
MSU SPEECH
Replace half-heartedness with a full-speed-ahead attitude based on
the philosophies of our founding fathers, who established this Nation on a
relatively simple set of guidelines.
Dedicate your minds in the quest for excellence as leaders who will
build a bedrock labe foundation of 1deas and ideals for America of the present
and fur beyond.
Progress depends upon men and women making and carrying out their
own plans, prepared to assume the risks and to take unto themselves the
responsibilities.
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West
to exploration, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men, women and families drove their covered wgaons
through the wilderness into the setting sun with self-confidence and
pride in achievement. They faced the future, neither detouring their steadfastness,
nor turning the backs to the mighty challenges. Freedom to them
was a great a dventure, not something handed down from another generation.
This era bears evidence of similarity to the age of some 200
years ago. Astronauts have made aweseome journeys into the space that cushions
capsule
this planet. As we are gathered here, there are plans to have a manned
reaching
make a 112-orbit, seven-day flight xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for the moon and Mars searching
for answers to questions raised in the minds of earthbound astronomers. md
scientists.
Like the pioneers of our Nation, who set an example of leadership,
you have the opportunity to join others in learning the value of perseverance,
the fellowship of hardship and the comradeship of common problems.
The challenges of today and the future are linked with new technology,
the achievements of sciences and the task of filling jobs demanding skills unHeard
of even a decade ago.
MSU
2
Certainly, police brutality anywhere is disgraceful
is unbridled,
understimiz uncontrolled, savage and senseless mob action, which
scoffs at legitimate mabine authority and the orderly processes.
The growth and prosperity, the state and the strength of our Nation is the
personal
result of free citizens conducting their lives and ind
careers within
the constituted framework of authority, law and order. This is not to say that
change in our judiciary system is unnecessary.
For example, our present Civil Rights Act needs strengthening to give
statutory backing to the general provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment, which
provides that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged because of race,
color or previous condition of S ervitude. This is the orderly process--a sane
measures
substitute for the savage
usedz in some parts of our country.
There is a fine line of distinction between an aroused public conscience
and demonstrations of social revolution.
I seriously question the social merit of flambgyant, irresponsible mob
procedures
action to focus attention on a public issue. We have layak
in our units of government, in the courts
of
the
land
by which controversies
more
MSU
2
Certainly, police brutality anywhere is disgraceful is unbridled,
understandz uncontrolled, savage and senseless mob action, which
scoffs at legitimate authority and the orderly processes.
The growth and prosperity, the state and the strength of our Nation is the
personal
result of free citizens conducting the lives and
careers within
the constituted framework of authority, law and order. This is not to say that
change in our judiciery system is unnecessary.
For example, our present Civil Rights Act needs strengthening to give
statutory backing to the general provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment, which
provides that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged because of suce,
color or previous condition of S ervitude. This is the orderly process==a same
measures
substitute for the savage useds in some parts of our country.
There is a fine line of distinction between an aroused public conscience
and demonstrations of social revolution.
I seriously question the social merit of flambgyant, irresponsible mob
procedures
action to focus attention on a public issue. We have lagal thoughoody
in our units of government, in the courts
of the land by which controversies
more
MSU SPEECH
-3-
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till,
social ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to
rehabilitate, public money to invest and spend wisely.
The magnitude of the problems
is crushing in its
significance. In finding solutions with measured, calculated,
intellectual and technical steps,
each person must have a choice, without
into
being crowded the position of accepting one pattern, one way of life,
if he has preferred alternatives.
Be fully aware that individual freedom of action and choice
which
is the major motivating factors built this Nation. You have
in the age of space
opportunity to be coordinating catalyists triggering
the forward march of
mankind by your ability to think, not what
to think
As members of a competitive society, you will find the need
to communicate with others in sharing your knowledge and skills. This is a
difficult and demanding assignment, but one which must be achieved to
generate social interaction.
mac hail
Those with understanding and knowledge of our times, who are
aware of the economic, social, political and ideological forces at work in
the world, have many goals to achieve. This is neither the time nor the place
to methodically detail them.
Speaking broadly, the goals include the provision of opportunity
for the individual by strengthening our tradition of incentive; encouraging
the entrepeneur the man of vision and ideas to build, expand and compete
as he
2
contributes to the economic growth; and establishing,
or preserving in many places, an educational system of paramount excellence.
It has been said that there should be a belief that
all men and
women have the capacilities of directing their own actions by the use of rational
facilities.
more
MSU
In the area of government, freedom will be maintained with
a bi-partisan effort by both political parties receiving widespread support
from Americans.
Two major goals must be accomplished if the American Democracy is to
continue to exist and be strengthened through the generations.
First, we must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and
judicial branches of government as is intended reason
in the within purpose the framework and the
of the Constitution.
The paraallel task is to preserve the two-party system--the genius of
our Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal--that of keeping the three branches of
government in balance--I believe that if any one of them becomes too s trong
or too weak, the foundations of our government will crack and our freedoms
will be threatened.
There are disturbing signs of slow erosion in the power of the legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive arm and a change of
intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
Congress--the legislative branch---has been criticised as being too slow
more
MSU SPEECH
-3-
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till,
social ills to cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to
rehabilitate, public money to invest and spend wisely.
The magnitude of the problems are receiving is crushing in its
significance significance. In finding solutions with measured, calculateds
xintakiigewtintellectual
intellacional and manual steps, each person must have a choice, without
into
being crowded $ the position of accepting one pattern, one way of life,
if he has preferred alternatives.
Be fully aware that individual freedom of action and choice
& which
is the major motivating factors that built this Nation. You have a Jukmayu
THE jet and space age opportunity to be coordinating catalyists triggering
the forward march mankind by your ability to think, not what
to think
As members of a competitive society, you will find the need
to communicate with others in sharing your knowledge and skills. This is a
difficult and demending assignment, but one which must be achieved to
generate social interaction.
Those with understanding and knowledge of our times, who are
aware of the economic, social, political and ideological forces at work in
the world, have many goals to achieve. This is neither the time nor the place
to methodically detail them.
Speaking broadly, the goals include the provision of opportunity
for the individual by strengthening our tradition of incentive, encouraging
the entrepensur---the man of vision and ideas---to build, expand and compete
as
he
contributes to the economic growths and establishing,***
or preserving in many places, an educational system of paramount excellence.
It has been said that there should be a belief that all men and
women have the capacilities of directing their own actions by the use of rational
facilities.
MSU speech
-4-
Describe this quality as self-discipline if you will, It is
a positive force within an
X individual which permits
the making of decisions and the accomplishment of tasks facing each of us
each day.
physical
mental
You will need both and KN desk courage in
following your chosen careers.
Toynta
The tradition of American courage is a distinguished one.
Men and women who conquered wilderness from sea to shining sea
were
were endowed with physical bravery,
as
Colonel John Glenn
in his historic flight aboard Friendship 7 and the astronauts who
followed him into space.
Mental courage is quiet and less public. It
conquers fear and builds healthful, bouyant, faithful attitudes. Moral and
intellectual courage completes dreams and makes realization of hopes;
in
opens the pathways our minds to the noblest and best impressions;
gives dynamic purpose and direction to our lives.
The blending of the qualities discussed here today is the
IN personal development that is
equation of the total ultimate needed today in the world.
It is to come from the ranks of the young men and women.
qualities
These are the
in man that mastered hundreds of arts
settlements
and sciences, created government and law, made
mts
become
cities, built skyscrapers on the sites of logcabins, invited covered wagons
that gave way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling progress
in several thousand directions.
We have inherited the foundation of a Nation that was destined to
grow under
grow mighty. It is a base from which to
$ the leadership of youth
following established and traditional guidelines and creating new ones.
more
MSU SPEECH
-5-
You have the power of knowledge, the physical and mental attributes
of
mature young men and women, the proven willingness to sacrifice and
to give of yourselves.
There is no doubt that you will
heed the challenging
call. Your very presence here today and the documents you will receive
for achievement in education are strong reflections of your desire to
your responsibilities in
accept
an exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you withfaith and Thanks javering.
MSU
chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
Members of the House are elected every two years, a process which
in itself places the Representatives closer to the people. As in the "enate,
the House is represented by nearly every major profession, national origin and
religion Congress is a cross-section of the American people. This is your
strength. It should not be lessoned by an over-balance of power in the
executive and judiciary branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the
Constitution, including that of making all laws which are necessary and proper
for carrying out the duties and powers of the legislative branch,
Under the rules of the
bixther
Constitution, every order, resolution or vote
requiring concurrence of Congress must be presented to the President before
taking effect. If the membership: chief executive rejects an order or
resolution, he can be over-ruled by a two-third majority vote of the Senate and
the House.
political
It is quickly obvious that crushing balance of power in both the
Congress ans the executive branch weakens the intent of the Constitution.
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of
government, it can be said that the federal judiciary's function is to interpret
laws, not to create them.
more
1
MSU INSERT (30
can be settled with dignity and justice. This should be the path taken by
an aroused citizenry in search of
in
righting a wrong or seeking
a civic goal.
At the same time, public officials had the duty to see that laws are
properly enforced. Those who are slow to act in fulfilling the obligations
of their office, or who deliberately turn their faces
are delinquent.
An informed voting public has the power of the ballot to replace those
who fail to properly perform the duties of their offices as required
under personal oath.
The rules of an orderly society may at times be subject to interpretation
by government, by the courts, and by the people themselves===but only in an
orderly, Constituted manner.
#
# #
MSU INSERT (30
can be settled with dignity and justice. This should be the path taken by
an aroused citizenry in search of
in
righting a wrong or
seeking
a civic goal.
At the same time, public officials had the duty to see that laws are
properly enforced. Those who are slow to act in fulfilling the obligations
of their office, or who Z deliberately turn their faces
are delinquent.
An informed voting public has the power of the ballot to replace those
who fail to
property perform the duties of their offices as required
under personal oath.
The rules of an orderly society may at times be subject to interpretation
by government, by the courts, and by the people themselves but only in an
orderly, Constituted manner.
#
#
#
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MSU INSERT AT #
Citizenship, it seems to me, is directly linked with the "aroused public
conscience", which Justice Frankfurter said "sears the conscience
of the people's representatives."
The question is how should - an aroused public conscience manifest itself?
protesting an
Is the rioting of college students R alleged breach of freedom
by more than 100
of speech a proper interpretation? Does a demonstration
**** singing, chanting yloung men and women in the Justice Depar tment Building
one of run alate
of Washington demanding federal intervention in the shalleful events in -
Solma, Alabama, constitute an mean ingul representation of public conscience?
Would you say that the 700 persons picketing the White House withcries of
00 dewairly fredue at any fries
"Freedom Now" White an e xamples of good citizenship in action?
Compare these actions with the citizens of a community who band together to
win an election to raise money at the local level for a new high school...or
conduct an educational campaign on the issues
with a coordinated civic effort to change
involving 1 a local ballot question dealing with increasing taxes for a better
park and recreational area.
Certainly the brutality anywhere at is disgraceful. ne right
police
rote
is
guaranteed in our Consitution
E
GERALD travell ? FORD
more
MSU INSERT AT #
-2-
Our present Civil "ights Act needs strengthening to give statutory backing
to the general provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment, which provides that
the right to vote shall not be denied or sbridged because of race, color
or previous condition of
servitude. This is the
in
ame
orderly process, a sane substitute for the savage measures used in Selma.
There is a fine line of distinction, perhaps, between and aroused
public conscience and demonstrations of social revolution.
I do not pretend to answer the questions just raised on behalf of
myself as an individual, or as a member of Congress. It appears to me
devote much thought
that each of us must do some soul-searching and a
of the perplexing issues, before making decisions. In so doing, we are
accepting the responsibility of citizenship.
# # #
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD 178
MSU INSERT AT #
Citizenship, it S eems to me, is directly linked with the "aroused
public conscience", which Justice Frankurter said "sears the conscience of
the people's representatives."
The question is how should an aroused public conscience manifest
itself?
Is the rioting of college students protesting an alleged breach of
freedom of speech a proper interpretation? Does a demonstration by more than
100 singing, chanting young men and women in the Justice Department building
of Washington demanding federal intervention in one of our States constitute
a meaningful representation of public constience?
Would you say that the 700 persons picketing the White House with cries
for "freedom now" or demanding peace at any price were examples of good citizenship
in action?
Compare these examples with the actions of citizens in a community who
band together to win an election to raise money at the local level for a new
high school.... or with a coordinated civic effort to conduct aneducational
campaign on issues involving a local ballot question dealing with
more
taxes for a better park and recreation area.
GERALD
more
MSU INSERT
(2)
as
Certainly, police brutality anywhere is disgraceful
is unbridled,
uncontrolled, savage and senseless mob action, which
scoffs at legitimate 100000 authority and the orderly processes.
The growth and prosperity, the state and the strength of our Nation is the
personal
result of free citizens conducting their lives and business.nez careers within
the constituted framework of authority, law and order. This is not to say that
change in our judiciary system is unnecessary.
For example, our present Civil Rights Act needs strengthening to give
statutory backing to the general provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment, which
provides that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged because of race,
color or previous condition of S ervitude. This is the orderly process a sane
measures
substitute for the savage
usedi in some parts of our country.
There is a fine line of distinction between an aroused public conscience
and demonstrations of social revolution.
I seriously question the social merit of flamboyant, irresponsible mob
procedures
action to focus attention on a public issue. We have
in our units of government, in the courts
of the land by which controversies
more
GERALD
LIBRARY
MSU INSERT (3)
can be settled with digbity and justice. This should be the path taken by an
aroused citizemry insearch of righting a wrong or in seeking a civic goal.
At the same time, public officials have the duty to see that laws are
properly enforced. Those who are slow to act in fulfilling their obligations
of their office, or who deliberately turn their faces from issues and
controversies are indeed delinquent.
An informed voting public has the power of the ballot to replace those
who fail in their duties, who fall short of the qualifications, who foresake
the people for political gain.
The rules of an orderly society may at times be subject to interpretation
by government, by the courts, and by the people themselves, but only in an
orderly, Constituted manner.
# # #
PORT & LIBRARI &
MSU
Every two year the Rep. -5- mush of to his
for a maislate to
continue w powl.
chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
His records placel m the line
& he mid endorsed
Members of the House are elected every two years, a process which
in itself places the Representatives closer to the people. As in the Senate,
the House is represented by nearly every major profession, national origin and
religion Congress is a cross-section of the American people. This is your
strength. It should not be lessened by an over-balance of power in the
executive and judiciary branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the
Constitution, including that of making all laws which are necessary and proper
for carrying out the duties and powers of the legislative branch
Under the rules of the
law *has than
Constitution, every order, resolution or vote
A
requiring concurrence of Congress must be presented to the President before
the ach
taking effect. If the chief executive rejects an erder or
resolution, he can be over-ruled by a two-third majority vote of the Senate and
the House.
political
It is quickly obvious that crushing balance of power in both the
Congress and the executive branch weakens the intent of the Constitution.
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch
BERAL of LIBRARY
government, it can be said that the federal judiciary's function is to interpret
laws, not to create them.
more
MSU
-6-
There is evidence that the Judiciary Branch is arbitrarily
elbowing its way to new positions of authority, disregarding the wise
suggestions of judicial restraint made V the late Justice Relate Frankfurter
and others.
example
quote
the two-party system among the major areas of invement in maintaining
Earlier in this message to you, I Mcoxpan mentioned included Concern the need to preserve
structure
our of government
mathout any dislgness in partisanship, d Due we can agree that
A strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy
will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world to a ccept their
roles in the society of free nations.
K
Creative ideas for better governmental functions, carefully-
that
constructed alternative plans and proposals for legislation come from
there
a strong two-party systemsxz system , when XXXX is balance in all three
branches of government, have a stronger chance of surviving.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party makes a
mockery of our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice of the
people, and placejcontrol in the hands of a comparatively small majority, far
out of proportion to the Nation's population.
-more
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
MSU
There is evidence that the Judiciary branch is arbitrarily
elbowing its way to new positions of authority, disregarding the wise
suggestions of Judicial restraint made the late Justice Relates Frankfurter
and others.
Earlier in this message to you, I included the need to preserve
the two-party system mong the major areas of achievement in maintaining
structure
our of
A strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy
will sruvive, prosper, grow and help others in the world to accept their
roles in the society of free nations.
Creative 1deas for better governmental functions, carefully-
that
constructed alternative plans and proposals thank for legislation come from
there
a strong two-party systems.xz system , when their is balance in all three
branches of government, have a stronger chance of surviving.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party makes a
mockery of our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice of the
people, and place control in the hands of a comperatively small majority, far
out of proportion to the Nation's population.
-more
MSU
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of government,
it can be said that the Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret laws, not
to create them.
There is evidence that the Judici Branch is srbitrarily
elbowing its way to new positions of authority, disregarding the wise
suggestions of judicial restraint made by the late Justice Frankfurter
and others.
When the Supreme Court ordered states to respportion on the "one-man,
one-vote" concept, Justice Frankfurter in a dissenting opinion was critical
of "destructively novel judicial power."
The highest court in the land, he said, virtually had no authority to
make the decision.
"In this situation, as in others of like nature, appeal for relief
here,"
does not belong Justice Frankfurter said. "Appeal must be made to an
informed, civically militant electorate. In a democratic society like ours,
relief must come through an aroused public conscience that sears the conscience
of the people's representatives."
Justice Frankfurter left no doubt that he believed the Supreme Court's
-more-
MSU
-7-
on sustained public H confidence in its moral sanction."
Barlier in this message to you, I included the need to preserve the
two-party system among major areas of achievement in maintaining our structure
of government.
Without any indulgence in partisanship, I am sure we can agree that a
strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy will survive,
prosper, grow and help others in the world to scept their role S in the society
of free nations.
Creative ideas for better governmental functions, carefully-constructed
alternative plans and proposals for legislation that come from a strong
two-party system have a better chance of surviving when there is
balance in all three branches of government.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party makes a mockery of
our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice of the people,
and places control in the hands of a comparatively small majority, far out
of proportion to the Nation's population.
These are currently the major goals to be achieved in the area of
governments a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive and judicial
more
MSU speech
-7-
amountly
These, then, are the major goals to be achieved in the
7
area of government- a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive
and judicial branches; and a strong two-party system.
what How is your role in the in accomplishment? seeking there goals Where
do you
start? When might be your guidelines for action?
First you must have the mental courage to become involved
in the political world as partisans, as voters yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism,
fail to strengthen the foundations
of our Nation.
citizen-
By
being a tripant, and not a spectator, in our
should develop
Democracy, you a loyalty to your community,
and
your city, your county, your state your nation,
In chosing a political party--after studying the philosophies
of
back
each
you give dynamic purpose and direction to your lives.
Perhaps, you will switch your alliances. This is a choice
under freedom. This, too, will require mental courage, which conquers fear
and builds healthful, bouyant attitudes.
lines as citizens include greater in deretion
GER FORD LIBRAR)
more
MSU speech
-7-
These, time, are the Genenitz ma for goals to be schieved sought in the
seem to we
area of government---- a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive
and judicial branches; and a strong two-party system.
How do you take part in the accomplishment? Where do you
start? Where might be your guidelines for action?
First you must have the mental courage to become involved
in the political world as partisans, as voters---yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism,
fail to strengthen the foundations
of our Nation.
citizen-
By
insertudings being a partcipant, and not a spectator,in our
develop
Democracy, you eximpality a loyalty to your community,
and
your city, your county, your state, your nation.
In chosing a political party--after studying the philosophies
of inkk each- you give dynamic purpose and direction to your lives.
Perhaps, you will switch your alliences. This is a choice
under freedom. This, too, will require mental courage, which conquers fear
and builds healthful, bouyant attitudes.
28 citizens include expensives - downtion
more
GERALE FORD LIBRARY
MSU
-8-
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral
and spiritual values, which are translated into nobility of character,
social justice, national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation
of our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something
of permanence and substance in finding direction in our lives.
A wealth of permanence and substance is found in ******** being active,
loyal citizens dedicated to mukntings maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity
of free nations.
⁴he blending of the parament qualities discussed here today is the equation
of the total ultimate in personal development needed in the nation. It is to come
mianly from the ranks of mature young men and women.
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences,
created government and law, made cities of 8 ettlements founded in the wilderness,
built skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins, invited covered wg ons that gave
way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling progress in several
thousand directions leading us to the present.
-more-
MSU
-8-
branches; and a strong two-party system.
How do you take part in the accomplishment? Where do you start? Where
might be your guidelines for action?
amount
First, you must have the mental courage to become involved in the political
as beging an caultab to after c a office holde
world as partisans, as voters yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to
strengthen the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citizen-participant, and not a spectator, in our Democracy, you
develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and
your Nation. This loyalty is basic P personal service and
community impirvement
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfurter described as
an "informed, civically militant electorate, n you will
discover
the that meaning it requised:10yalty, of acrive, and ,twe citizenship.
demands
to
Patriotism in action
loyalty to a philosophy, a singular
or
set of ideas, to our Nation, It begins at home, in
your local environment.
Give purpose and direction toolour role as a citizen by chosing a political
careful
party, after study the philosophies of each. Perhaps, you wills
more
switch BERA FORD NORANA
MSU
-8-
branchess and a strong two-party system.
How do you take part in the accomplishment? Where do you start? Where
might be your guidelines for action?
First, you must have the mental courage to become involved in the political
world as partisans, as voters--yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to
strengthen the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citisen-participant, and not a spectator, in our Democracy, you
develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and
your Nation.
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfurter described as
an "informed, civically militant electorate," you will discover
that it requires loyalty.
demands
Patriotism in action
loyalty to a philosophy a singular or
set of ideas, to our Nation.
It begins at home, in
your local environment.
Give purpose and direction to our role as a citizen by chosing a political
party, after studying the philosophies of each. Perhaps, you wills switch
more
MSU
&
branches; and astrong two-party system.
How do you take part in the accomplishment? Where do you start? What
might be your guidelines for action?
First, you must have the mental and moral courage to become involved in the
politica world as partisans, as voters, as taxpayers, as candi datesf for office
as office=holders-=yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to strengthen
the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator,
you develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and
your Nation. This loyalty is basic to personal service and community improvement.
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfuter described as an
"informed, civically militant electorate," you will discover the mean ing of
service and true citizenship.
Patribtism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a singular or set
of ideas, to our Nation. It begins at home in your local environment.
Give purpose and direction to your role as acitizen by chosing a political
party, after careful study of the philosophies of each. Pergaps, you will switch
1
maturation
degree is license to proceed on new terms rather than to retire on the old ones.
within this world most of usm even the most intensely modern of us,
experience the deeply felt need for some permanent base of reference.
can't build structure of our personal lives on shifting sands of chance.
need something of permanence and substance to give direction to our lives.
Need a cause to serve, a committment to fulfill.
Archibald MacLeish. teacher amd poet
"What e ducation in the free countries must drive home, if the free
countries are to survive, is the conviction that we---hold the power and
bear the responsibility. the task is in part a task beyond the power of
schools as such, for the sense of invidual responsibility and power involves a
sense of individual participation,, to teach men to believe in themselves
therefore is to teach them responsibility and so to assure their freedom."
replace mediocrity with excellence, timidity with daring,
Tear with courage.
sky is no longer the limit
Arnold Toynbee, British scholar and historian: "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its horriying crimes nor its astonishing inventions,
but becai se it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which
mankind dared to velieve it practical to make the benefits of civilization
available to the whole human race."
Evoke within us a greater devotion to the moral and spiritual values, translate
them into nobility of character, social justice, national righteousness
world peace.
BEIIALS and 13
MSU
-8-
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral
and spiritual values, which are translated into nobility of character,
social justice, national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation
of our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something
of permanence and substance in finding direction in our lives.
A wealth of permanence and substance is found in
being active,
toyalxe axbrei
loyal citizens dedicated to mxintingz maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity
of free nations.
1 he blending of the
qualities discussed here today is the equation
of the total ultimate in personal development needed in the nation. It is to come
the
mainly mindy from the ranks of mature young men and women.
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences,
created government and law, made cities of S ettlements founded in the wilderness,
built skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins,
somested instituted covered wag ons that gave
way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling progress in several
thousand directions leading us to the present.
-more-
FORD is LIBRAR, DERALD
MSU
-9-
your allimoes. This is a choice under freedom. This, too, will require
mental courage, which conquers fear and builds healthful, bouyant attitudes.
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral
and spiritual values, which are translated into nobility of character,
social justice, national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation of
our personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something of
permanence and substance tax in finding direction in our lives.
A wealth of permanence and substance is found in being active, loyal
citizens dedicated to maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity of free
nations.
I have mentioned several qualities today....imagaination, eagerness
to learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open
minds, self-confidence, and finally, loyalty.
*he blending of these qualities is the equation of the total ultimate
in personal development needed in the Nation. It is to come mainly from the
ranks of mature young men and women.
more
MSU
-s-
There is much comment regarding our present era. Arnold Toynbee,
scholar and historian, was articulate in swing: "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its borrifying crimes nor/its astonishing inventions,
but because it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which
mankind dared to believe it practical to make the benefits of civilization
available to the whole human race."
You have the power of knowledge, the physical and mental
attributes, the proven willingness to give more of yourselves than you receive
to make this a better Nation and a better world for others and yourselves.
The United States of America needs you, your knowledge and your
readiness to accept challenges as citizens of a free society, as scholars, as
knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call. Your
presence here today and the documents you receive for achievement in e ducation
are strong reflections of your d esire to accept your respommibilities in an
exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thanksgiving.
MSU
-9-
There is much comment regarding our present era. Arnold Toynbee,
scholar and historian, was articulate in saying: "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its borrifying crimes nor its astonishing inventions,
but because it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which
mankind dared to believe it practical to make the benefits of civilization
available to the whole human race."
You have the power of knowledge, the physical and mental
attributes, the proven willingness to give more of yourselves than you receive
to make this a better Nation and a better world for others and yourselves.
The United States of America needs you, your knowledge and your
readiness to accept challenges as citizens of a free society, as scholars, as
knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call. Your
presence here today and the documents you receive for achievement in e ducation
are strong reflections of your desire to accept your responsibilities in an
exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thanksgiving.
in
#
#
#
GERALD
MSU
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences,
created government and lar, made cities of s ettlments founded in the
wilderness, built skyscrapers on the sitesof log cabins, invented covered
wagons that gave way to railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling
progress in several thousands directions leading us to the present.
There is much comment re arding our present era. Arnold Toynbee,
has said
scholar and historism, was articulate in ingo "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its horrifying crimes nor its astonishing inventions,
but because it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which
mankind dared to believe it practical to make the benefits of civiliation
available to the whole human race."
You have the power of knowledge, the physical and mental attributes,
the proven willingness to give more of yourselves than you receive to make
this a better Nation and a better world for others and yourselves.
The United States of America needs you, your knowledge and your readiness
to accept challenges as loyal citizens of a free society; as scholars; as
knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
more
MSU
-11-
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call.
Your presence here today and the documents you receive for achievement in
education are strong reflections of your desire to a ccept responsibilities
in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith and thanksgiving.
# # #
Michigan State University Commencement Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
March 14, 1965
For delivery at 4 p.m. EST, March 14, 1965
Today you cherish this point in time as you face wide horizons of opportunity.
In reaching your present achievements, you have proved yourselves, and have
demonstrated qualities of imagination, eagerness to learn, willingness to sacrifice,
and a readiness to accept new ideas with open minds.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor to falter, nor to fear in accepting the
responsibilities of citizenship with the task of leading the way to strengthened
moral, esthetic, cultural, and scientific values.
The challenges are many in this age of space and Syned, changing events and
perplexing problems.
Recall that Emerson, the American philosopher, sata, "They conquer who believe
they can." You, with your sharpened skills, will help conquer the massive problems
of this century, and at the same time help your fellowmen whose lives must be
balanced in an unbalanced world.
Progress depends upon men and women making and earrying out their plans,
prepared to assume the risks and willing to accept the burden of responsibility.
In our earlier history, the challenge was that of opening the West to explora-
tion, settlement and development.
Those strong-willed men and women drove their dovered wagons through the
wilderness into the setting sun with self-confidence and pride in achievement.
Freedom to them was a great adventure, not something handed down from another genera-
tion.
The challenges of today are linked with new technology, the achievements of
science, and the task of filling jobs demanding skills unheard of even a decade ago.
There are diseases to conquer, roads to build, land to till, social ills to
cure, children to be taught, parts of great cities to rehabilitate, public money to
invest and to spend wisely.
Seeking solutions with measured, calculated, intelligent, and technical steps,
each person must have a choice without being crowded into the position of accepting
one pattern, one way of life, if he has preferred alternatives. This in a word is---
freedom.
Individual freedom of action and choice, within the framework of the law, was
built into the Constitution by the founding fathers.
In the area of government, freedom must be maintained through a bi-partisan
effort which receives widespread support from all Americans.
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep, Gerald R. Ford
-2-
Two major goals must be achieved if the American Democracy is to continue to
exist and to be strengthened throughout subsequent generations,
First, we must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government as established by our Constitution.
The parallel task is to preserve the two-party system- the genius of our
Democracy.
Enlarging upon the first goal, that of keeping the three branches of government
in balance, I believe that if any one of them becomes too strong or too weak, the
foundations of our government will crack and our freedom will be threatened.
There are disturbing signs of slow erosion in the power of the Legislative
branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive arm, and a change from the
intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
Congress, the legislative branch, has been criticized as being too slow to
react in an age of speed. Critics have described the House and Senate as being too
cumbersome and too old-fashioned,
Those critics perhaps are unaware that in Congress a system of checks and
balances is provided by the Constitution.
When speed is essential, Congress has proved many times that it can react with
dispatch to meet a crisis in war or in peacetime, in days of economic depression or
in times of glowing prosperity.
It has been said that Congress frequently makes haste slowly. However, the act
of deliberate slowness is a safeguard against racing to the brink of decision. It
prevents a dangerous plunge. Congress should reach its major decisions only after
adequate research, thought, and exhaustive discussion.
When the balance of power in Congress is steeply tilted by an overwhelming
majority in one political party, the system of checks and balances is endangered.
This becomes even more serious when the executive branch is dominated by the same
party.
Although the President is the chief executive and head of state for all of us,
he does represent especially the views of the people who voted for him. Members of
Congress, and particularly those in the House of Representatives, are closer to the
Nation's citizens because they are chosen by smaller segments of the Nation.
Members of the House are elected every two years, a fact which in itself places
Representatives closer to the people. Every two years a Representative must go to his
constituents for a mandate to continue in office. His record is placed on the line
and he must be endorsed by a majority of the voters in his district.
-more
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
-3-
As in the Senate, the House is represented by nearly every major profession,
national origin, and religion. Congress is a cross-section of the American people,
This is your strength. It should not be lessened by an over-balance of power in the
executive and judicial branches of government.
The responsibilities of Congress are clearly defined in the Constitution, and
include the making of all laws which are necessary and proper for carrying out the
duties and powers of government.
Under the Constitution, every statute requiring concurrence of Congress must
be presented to the President before taking effect. If the chief executive rejects a
proposed act, he can be over-ruled by a two-third majority vote of the Senate and
the House,
It is quickly obvious that a crushing over-balance of political power in both
houses of Congress and in the executive branch weakens the safeguards of the
Constitution.
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of government, it
can be said that the Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret the Constitution
and the laws.
There is evidence that the Judicial Branch is arbitrarily elbowing its way to
new positions of authority, disregerding the wise suggestions of judicial restraint
made by the late Justice Frankfurter and others,
When the Supreme Court ordered states to reapportion on the "one-man, one vote"
concept, Justice Frankfurter in a dissenting opinion was critical of an assumption
by the Court of "destructively novel judicial power."
"In this situation, as in others of like nature, appeal for relief does not
belong here," Justice Frankfurter said. "Appeal must be made to an informed,
civically militant electorate. In a democratic society like ours, relief must come
through an aroused public conscience that sears the conscience of the people's
representatives."
Justice Frankfurter emphasized that the Supreme "Court's authority--possessed
neither of the purse nor the sword--ultimately rests on sustained public confidence
in its moral sanction."
I have stressed the need to preserve the two-party system as among the major
areas of concern in maintaining our structure of government.
Without any indulgence in partisanship, I am sure we can agree that a strong
two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy will survive, prosper, grow,
and help others in the world to accept their role in the society of free nations.
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. GeraldR. Ford
-4-
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party for too long a time makes a
mockery of our traditions in government, weakens and softens the voice of the
people, and places control in the hands of a comparatively small majority.
These it seems to me are currently the major goals to be sought in the area of
government: a sensitive balance in the legislative, executive and judicial branches,
and a strong two-party system,
What is your role in seeking these goals? Where do you start? What might be
your guidelines for action?
First, you must have the mental and moral courage to become involved in the
political world as voters, as taxpayers, as partisans, as candidates for office, as
office-holders---yes, as patriots.
Those who sit on the sidelines, uttering harping criticism, fail to strengthen
the foundations of our Nation.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator, you
develop a loyalty to your community, your city, your county, your state and your
Nation. This loyelty is basic to personal service and community improvement.
In becoming a part of what the late Justice Frankfurter described as an
"informed, civically militant electorate," you will discover the meaning of service
and true citizenship.
Patriotism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a set of ideas, to
our Nation. It begins at home in your local environment.
Give purpose and direction to your role as a citizen by chosing a political
party, after careful study of the philosophies of each, Perhaps you will switch
your alliances. This is a choice under freedom. This, too, will require mental
courage, which conquers fear and builds healthful, buoyant attitudes,
Good citizenship, it seems to me, is directly linked with the "aroused public
conscience," which Justice Frankfurter said "sears the conscience of the people's
representatives."
The Question is how should an aroused public conscience manifest itself?
Is the rioting of college students protesting an alleged breach of freedom of
speech a proper interpretetion? Does a demonstration by more than 100 singing,
chanting young men and women in the Department of Justice building in Washington in
behalf of federal intervention in one of our states, constitute a meaningful
representation of public conscience?
Would you say that the 700 persons picketing the White House with cries of
"freedom now" or demanding peace at any price were examples of good citizenship in
action?
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
-5-
Compare these examples with the actions of citizens in a community who band
together to win an election to raise money at the local level for a new high school
or with the coordinated civic effort to conduct an educational campaign on a
local issue dealing with more taxes for a better park and recreation area.
Certainly, police brutality anywhere is disgraceful, as is unbridled,
uncontrolled, savage and senseless mob action which scoffs at legitimate authority
and the orderly processes.
The growth and prosperity, the state and strength, of our Nation is the result
of free citizens conducting their personal lives and careers within the constituted
framework of authority, law and order. This is not to say that changes in our laws
or governmental practices is not necessary or essential.
For example, our present Civil Rights laws need strengthening to give
statutory backing to the general provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment, which
provides that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged because of race,
color, or previous condition of servitude. This is the orderly process.
There is a fine line of distinction between an aroused public conscience and
demonstrations of social revolution.
I seriously question the social merit of flamboyant, irresponsible mob action
to focus attention on a public issue. We have procedures in our units of government,
in the courts of the land, by which controversies can be settled with dignity and
justice. This should be the path taken by an aroused citizenry in search of
righting a wrong or in seeking a civic goal.
At the same time, public officials have the duty to see that laws are properly
enforced. Those who are slow to act in fulfilling the obligations of their office,
or who deliberately turn their faces from issues and controversies are indeed
delinquents.
An informed voting public has the power of the ballot to replace those who
fail in their duties, who fall short of their qualifications, who forsake the
people for political gain. Appeals to the courts may be taken when that appears
necessary.
The rules of an orderly society may at times be subject to interpretation by
government, by the courts, and by the people themselves, but only in a manner which
insures "due process of law."
Your guidelines as citizens include a great devotion to the moral and spirit-
ual values, which are translated into nobility of character, social justice,
national righteousness, and eventually, world peace.
-more-
Michigan State University Address
by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
--6-
Even the most modern of us know that we cannot build the foundation of our
personal lives on the shuffling sands of chance. We need something of permanence
and substance in finding direction in our lives.
A wealth of permanence and substance is found in being active, loyal citizens
dedicated to maintaining our Democracy in the fraternity of free nations.
I have mentioned today several desirable qualities: imagination, eagerness to
learn, willingness to sacrifice, readiness to accept new ideas with open minds,
self-confidence, and finally, loyalty.
The blending of these qualities is the equation of the total ultimate in
personal development needed in our Nation. It is to come mainly from the ranks of
mature young men and women.
These are the qualities in man that mastered arts and sciences, created
government and law, made cities of settlements founded in the wilderness, built
skyscrapers on the sites of log cabins, invented covered wagons that gave way to
railroads, automobiles and aircraft, made startling progress in several thousand
directions leading us to the present.
Arnold Toynbee, scholar and historian, has said: "Our age will be well
remembered, not for its horrifying crimes nor its astonishing inventions, but
because it is the first generation since the dawn of history in which mankind dared
to believe it practical to make the benefits of civilization available to the whole
human race."
You have the power of knowledge; you have proved a willingness to give more of
yourselves than you receive in order to make this a better Nation and a better
world for others and yourselves.
The United States of America needs you. It needs your knowledge and your
readiness to accept challenges as loyal citizens of a free society. It needs
you as scholars, as knowledgeable persons with chosen careers.
There is no doubt that you will heed the challenging call. Your presence here
today and the documents you receive for achievement in education are strong reflect-
ions of your desire to accept responsibilities in an exciting, turbulent, demanding,
and changing world.
Congratulations. I salute you with faith an d thanksgiving.