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Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury, MD, April 14, 1965
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Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury, MD, April 14, 1965
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The original documents are located in Box D17, folder "Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury,
MD, April 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
April 14, 1965
Politician
Salisburg (Md) any Chamber of Commerce
ss/y
FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY
April 14, 1965
In the profession of Washington politics, we meet the press--or vice
versa--daily and sometimes hourly. As Rog Morton can testify, these are
sometimes experiences to try a man's soul.
This is not to say that I am being critical of the press corps. I
think that the late Franklin Roosevelt gave an excellent description when
he incroduced the Washington press to inston Churchill as "my beloved
wolves."
Of course, television news has brought a strong impact to the American
press scene. The effect of TV on children is illustrated by a converation
a neighbor of mine had with his young son Day id the other night.
"Goodnight, David," the father said. The boy answered, "Good night, Chet."
My friend's name is John.
I know that editorial management of newspapers is not a profession
&
FORD where every day is coming up roses. In fact, if you ever see an e ditor who
GERALD
LIBR
pleases everybody, he will be neither sitting nor standing---and there will be
-more-
Digitized from Box D17 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Salisbury, Md.
-2-
a lot of flowers around him. The same is true of the columnists, who
often have advice especially for politicians.
The other day one of them S aid in print: "Please, Mister President,
no more talk about cutting taxes
we can't afford it!"
You hear a lot of advice these days. I have tonight.
The Internal Revenue Service, with which I'm sure you are familiar, has
stern advice. At the top of the income tax return forms is a small block
of space with the warning do not write here. I'm told that many Americans
courageously
each year, boldly and 1 scrawl this message when they sendin their
tax returns "I'll write anywhere I please!"
You may recall that I was elected Minority Leader of the House by a
landslide vote of 73 to 67. Pecaase of this smashing victory, I can appear
here tonight as an authority
on the problems of the oppressed minorities.
As some of you may know, football is really my first love. I am only
a politician because of job security!
Since Michigan-- my alma mater beat Oregon State in the Rose Bowl by
27 points, and, three days later Ford beat his opponent by only 6 points,
perhaps I chose the wrong profession.
more
Salisbury
-3-
I have often wondered where I would now be if I had accepted Curly
Lambeau's offer
in 1934 to play pro ball with the Green Bay Packers
perhaps on the Supreme Court bench!
Those of you in the audience who are Democrats might be interested
a reliable
to know that I have learned from source as the press
corps say that the President has no plan to change the name of the
Nation's Capitol to "Austin-East."
Before discussing the subject of imbalance in government at present,
I believe you should know that in Russia, all the towels in the bathrooms
are simply marked"theirs."
Coming here from ashington and the Congress, I figure to let
you in on a classified secret I've learned what a government bureau
taxpayer's
is
that's where the
shirts are kept.
Another thing I've finally learned after 16 years in Congress.
This isn't such a bad world after all once you get used to being nervous
about everything.
UERALD FORD CLORARY
*
Salisbury, Md.
4-
I intend to be non-partisan in speaking tonight® about the two
major goals which I believe must be achieved if the American Democracy
is to live on and 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.
The foundations of our government will crack and our freedom will be
threatened if any one of the government's three branches becomes too
strong or two weak.
There are disturbing signs of slow erosion in the power of the
Legislative branch, a build-up of awesome strength in the executive a rm,
and a change from the intended direction in the Federal Judiciary.
When one party controls Congress by a crushing 2 to 1 majority,
legislation favored by the White House is ram-rodded through to approval
this disregards the 43 percent of the electorate who voted for the party
+
in the minoritylat the present time.
FGRO is LIBRARY 07V839
-more-
Salisbury, Md.
situation
The is a step to be taken that would remedy the
in which
the Executive and Legislative branches are dominated by the same political
party.
solution,
The
was we see it, is to permit the minority party
to control the Committees on Government Operations of the nouse and the
Senate. These groups have board investigatiing authority.
You see at present with the over-balance of strength in the control
of one party----it smacksof legalized collusion when we find the suspect
and the District Attorney are blood relatives.
To make our Federal government function better, to help you get the
facts, republicans in Congress believe
designating the minority
party to handle this important assignment would permit our Federal government
to function better and would get the facts to the public.
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.
These critics perhaps are unaware that in Congress a system of
the LO checks B. FORD BRANK
and balances is provided by the Constitution.
-more-
Salisbury
When speed is essential, Congress has proved many times that it can
react with disparch to meet a crisis in war or in peacetime, in days of
economic depression or in times of glowing, golden 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.
-more-
GERALD AUGUST
Salisbury
-7-
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 mendate 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.
As in the Senate, the House is represnted 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 House.
FORD is LIBRARY
It is quickly obvious that a crushing over-balance of political power
-more-
Salisbury
-8-
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 Juisice Frankfurter and others.
When the Supreme Court ordered states to reapportion on the "one-man, one
vote" concept, Justice "rankfurter 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
peoples representatives."
Justice Frankfurter emphasized that the Supreme Court's "authority
RALD
possessed neither of the purse nor the sword ultimately rests on sustained
public confidence in its moral s anction."
-more-
Salisbury
-9-
I have stressed the need to preserve the two-party system as among
major areas of concern in maintaining our S tructure 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.
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.
As businessmen, industrialists, merchants and professional men, what
can you do to reach 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.
GRALD
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator,
you develop a stronger loyalty to your community, your State and Nat ion. (more)
Salisbury
-10-
Patriotism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a set of
ideals, to our Nation. It begins at home in your local environment.
Certainly, not all businessmen can take front-line positions in
government as did George Romney, Robert McNamara and others.
But you as leaders of your community can fulfill your public
responsibilities by establishing closer contact with government officials,
encouraging your associates to become more active in practical politics
and by speaking out with courage as individuals on major public issues.
Business executives often discover that their counterparts in
government have many things in common dedication, concern and a
heavy workload.
ractical politicians welcome expert advise, but they don't get
it often enough. Perhaps you as businessmen and we as politicians need
better communications.
In becoming part of what Justice Frankfurter described as an
"informed, civically militant electorate," you discover the meaning of
service and true citizenship.
QERALD FORD
-more-
Salisbury
-11-
Members
of the Salisbury business community, as elsewhere in the
you have the proved
Nation, have the knowledge 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 Nation needs you and your readiness to accept challenges as loyal
citizens of a free society to maintain and strengthen the two-party
political system.
I am confident that you are accepting, and will continue to
accept, your responsibilities in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and
changing time.
# # #
BALD
/
The 89th Congress faces giant-sized jobs and some of the most important
decisions in modern history.
We must move ahead with vision, dedication and wisdom to help guide our
Nation toward the goals of freedom, security and peace. At the same time we must
honestly advocate and effectively achieve federal fiscal responsibility.
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
2
* * *
The national debt has increased by $10 billion in two years to an all-time
high of $318 billion.
At the present rate of spending by the government, our children and the
generations to come will be buried under a financial load that can only adversely
affect their way of life.
GERALD R. FORD
A
0
Do we appreciate america
3
We should throttle the rapidly-expanding trend of too much federal control
over States, counties, cities and smaller communities.
Among the major issues today is whether excess concentration of federal power
and sovereignty is to destroy State, local and individual freedom and
responsibility,
State and local officials have the answer. Simply stated it is---"We will do
the job Perhaps, it must be done at times in partnership with a federal agency.
If there is a will and capability at the local level, there is no reason to
have a federal monopoly with a bureaucratic jungle and a tangle of red tape.
GERALD
dev
Two Party System
5
2s it the best /
One party groto- - mo comparable proper
m freedom
multi party puts - chono & conform
Excess Power in The hands form indusdual
on a group invotes above
Unless you have a 2 Party system there
is no opportunity for reduess 2
@ day in it.
4
A bi-partisan effort is needed in two major areas.
We must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and judicial branches
of government as intended in the Constitution.
At the same time, we must preserve the two-party system, which has been called
the genius of the American Democracy.
Under our political system, the President represents the views of the people
who elect him. There is great power in the executive branch.
Congress is the voice of the people. It cannot experience a slow erosion of
its bal anced power without cracking the foundations of our Democracy.
The Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret laws, not to make them,
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 by the late Justice Frankfurter and others.
4
2
Lemitation of Powers - Responsibility for govt
between "state + federal"
Therry Y original practice.- 1
Current condition- - because state + local
subterning will not on are prepared To
assume Federal Int has
moved in,
Mangower Retring
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
5
When either party has iron-fisted control of both the executive and legislat-
ive branches of government, the tradition of checks and balances as spelled out
in the Constitution loses its meaning.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party puts control in the hands
of a comparatively small, but powerful, majority.
A strong two-party system is assurance that our Democracy will survive,
prosper, grow and help others in the world to accept their responsibilities in
the society of free nations.
At the same time the people of our country benefit by creative ideas for
legislation that have a more even chance of being adopted.
better government, carefully thought-out alternative plans and proposals for GERALO
IDRARY
System 8 chuho X Balances
3
Forefathers Gult in -
1
Execution / Legralative Indical
Separation / of Powers - a
[Lach a responsibility
suphriorly
Find Efecutive demanding & getting
for more power, funds of imployes,
"a grot big anough to gave us
everything we want is a got itc,"
GERALD
2
Judicial allowing
its way,
7
I urge a strengthening of citizenship and patriotism, including a great
devotion to moral and spiritual values which are translated into nobility of
character, social justice, national righteousness.
This is neither a time to stumble, nor tc falter, nor to fear in accepting
the responsibilities of citizenship to face the challenges of this age of speed
and space, turbulent events and perplexing problems.
*
*
The party out of power must earn its way to more strength at many levels of
government by seeking more efficiency and a less burdensome tax system.
*
*
Cherlothe Excutives Clab
Intertuction - Three Cornerators of american Ant- -
@ Fiscal 3 Intregrity 2 System ? Chicks & Balana
chan Jonas - annie Elliott
Two Party System
KISS
Great, that mh
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
g
Salisbury, Md. April 14, 1965
The 89th Congress faces giant-sized jobs and some of the most important
decisions in modern history.
We must move ahead with vision, dedication and wisdom to help guide our
Nation toward the goals of freedom, security and peace. At the same time we must
honestly advocate and effectively achieve federal fiscal responsibility.
*
*
The national debt has increased by $10 billion in two years to an all-time
high of $318 billion.
At the present rate of spending by the government, our children and the
generations to come will be buried under a financial load that can only adversely
affect their way of life.
*
*
*
We should throttle the rapidly-expanding trend of too much federal control
over States, counties, cities and smaller communities.
Among the major issues today is whether excess concentration of federal power
and sovereignty is to destroy State, local and individual freedom and
responsibility,
State and local officials have the answer. Simply stated it is---"We will do
the job." Perhaps, it must be done at times in partnership with a federal agency.
If there is a will and capability at the local level, there is no reason to
have a federal monopoly with a bureaucratic jungle and a tangle of red tape.
*
*
*
A bi-partisan effort is needed in two major areas,
We must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and judicial branches
of government as intended in the Constitution.
At the same time, we must preserve the two-party system, which has been called
the genius of the American Democracy.
Under our political system, the President represents the views of the people
who elect him. There is great power in the executive branch.
Congress is the voice of the people. It cannot experience a slow erosion of
its bal anced power without cracking the foundations of our Democracy.
The Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret laws, not to make them,
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 by the late Justice Frankfurter and others.
-more-
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
When either party has iron-fisted control of both the executive and legislative
branches of government, the tradition of checks and balances as spelled out in the
Constitution loses its meaning.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party puts control in the hands
of a comparatively small, but powerful, majority. A strong two-party system is
assurance that our Democracy will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world
to accept their responsibilities in the society of free nations.
At the same time the people of our country benefit by creat ive ideas for better
government, carefully-thought-out alternative plans and proposals for legislation
that have more than an even chance of being adopted.
*
*
*
As businessmen, 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.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator, you
develop a stronger loyalty to your community, your state and Nation.
As leaders of your community you can fulfill your public responsibilities
by establishing closer contact with government officials, encouraging your
associates to become more active in practical politics, and by speaking out with
courage on major public issues,
Practical politicians welcome expert advise, but they don't get it often
enough. Perhaps you as businessmen and we as politicians need better communicat ions.
*
*
*
The Nation needs you and your readiness to accept challenges as citizens of a
free society to maintain and to stren then the two-party political system.
I am confident that you will accept---and are a ccepting--your responsibilities
in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing time.
#
#
#
#
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
g
Salisbury, Md. April 14, 1965
The 89th Congress faces giant-sized jobs and some of the most important
decisions in modern history.
We must move ahead with vision, dedication and wisdom to help guide our
Nation toward the goals of freedom, security and peace. At the same time we must
honestly advocate and effectively achieve federal fiscal responsibility.
*
The national debt has increased by $10 billion in two years to an all-time
high of $318 billion.
At the present rate of spending by the government, our children and the
generations to come will be buried under a financial load that can only adversely
affect their way of life.
*
*
We should throttle the rapidly-expanding trend of too much federal control
over States, counties, cities and smaller communities.
Among the major issues today is whether excess concentration of federal power
and sovereignty is to destroy State, local and individual freedom and
responsibility,
State and local officials have the answer. Simply stated it is---"We will do
the job." Perhaps, it must be done at times in partnership with a federal agency.
If there is a will and capability at the local level, there is no reason to
have a federal monopoly with a bureaucratic jungle and a tangle of red tape.
*
*
A bi-partisan effort is needed in two major areas.
We must maintain a balance in the legislative, executive and judicial branches
of government as intended in the Constitution.
At the same time, we must preserve the two-party system, which has been called
the genius of the American Democracy.
Under our political system, the President represents the views of the people
who elect him. There is great power in the executive branch.
Congress is the voice of the people, It cennot experience a slow erosion of
its bal anced power without cracking the foundations of our Democracy.
The Federal Judiciary's function is to interpret laws, not to make them,
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 by the late Justice Frankfurter and others.
-more-
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
When either party has iron-fisted control of both the executive and legislative
branches of government, the tradition of checks and balances as spelled out in the
Constitution loses its meaning.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party puts control in the hands
of a comparatively small, but powerful, majority. A strong two-party system is
assurance that our Democracy will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world
to accept their responsibilities in the society of free nations.
At the same time the people of our country benefit by creat ive ideas for better
government, carefully-thought-out alternative plans and proposals for legislation
that have more than an even chance of being adopted.
*
*
*
As businessmen, 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.
By being a citizen-participant in our Democracy and not a mere spectator, you
develop a stronger loyalty to your community, your state and Nation.
As leaders of your community you can fulfill your public responsibilities
by establishing closer contact with government officials, encouraging your
associates to become more active in practical politics, and by speaking out with
courage on major public issues,
Practical politicians welcome expert advise, but they don't get it often
enough. Perhaps you as businessmen and we as politicians need better communicat ions.
*
*
*
The Nation needs you and your readiness to accept challenges as citizens of a
free society to maintain and to stren then the two-party political system.
I am confident that you wall accept---and are accepting--your responsibilities
in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing time.
#
#
#
#