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Republican Ox Roast, Oakland County, Birmingham, MI, September 23, 1965
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Republican Ox Roast, Oakland County, Birmingham, MI, September 23, 1965
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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The original documents are located in Box D18, folder "Republican Ox Roast, Oakland
County, Birmingham, MI, September 23, 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D18 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
READING TEXT
Republican Ox-Roast
Oakland County, Birmingham, Michigan
September 25, 1965
It is a very pleasant experience to attend this fifth annual
ox-roast sponsored by the Republicans of the 18th and 19th
Districts of Oakland County.
all of
I will not spend your time today tearing into the Democrats
for running the Nation in the direction of bankruptcy. However,
we should keep in mind that the Democrat's welfare state is
run for the benefit of everyone but not the taxpayer.
You know, the way things are going with the Democrats on a wild
spending spree, we should have saved during the Depression so we
could live through this prosperity!
*
*
*
We are here today to reward the hard-working Republican volunteers
and to kick off the 1966 campaign in the 18th and 19th Districts.
I join you in applauding the work of the folks who have given so
unselfishly of their time to help the Republican Party.
FORD is LIBRARY 077870
-more-
Birmingham 9/25/65
Volunteers are helping our Par_ty to earn the respect of the
electorate a job that must be accomplished everywhere in America.
Through the accomplishments of Republican volunteers in Oakland
County, Michigan and all over the country we can maintain America
as a place where a person can live deeper, reach higher, see farther,
think bigger, and grow greater than anywhere else on earth!
I am particularly happy to help you to get Bill Broomfield off to
a fast start in his race for refecitionz re-election in 1966.
When voters sent Bill to Congress by electing him on Nov. 6, 1956,
they chose an exceptionally qualified man to represent them in
Washington. His re-election four times is a tribute to his
dedication, his keen S ense of civic duty, and his performance
as a public servant.
Republican troops in the House---out-numbered 2 to ---remain unbowed,
thanks to the help of Bill Broomfield and others like him.
-more-
Birmingham 9/25/65
3-
We need more help! A Republican Congressman from the 19th District
will bolster our strength, increase our numbers, and give Billie
Farnum another title he can then be the EX-Auditor
General and the EX-Representative. I have confidence the 19th
District Republicans will come through with a victory.
*
*
*
For a few minutes today, I will discuss the present 12-party
government in the United States, the major issues that can mean
victory for our Party, and how you can help as individuals to
accomplish a mutual goal.
In Congress, in too many States, counties and townships a lop-sided
majority on the Democrat side has created 12-party government.
I would be less than honest with myself to say we have true
two-party government.
This is not to say I am wringing my hands in anguish. I am
facing a hard, cold, fact.
FORD & LIBRARY GENALD
-more-
Birmingham 9/25/65
4
In politics, in football, in the game of life--winning may
not be everything, but it sure beats coming in second.
Let's accept this fact. Instead of bemoaning our fate, let's set
to work building a record as a unified political party--one
Republican Party--one family of Republicans.
There is no other choice. Unless we leave the splintering an d the
selfish going-it-alone by segments to the Democrats and become
THE Republican Party, we will belong to a myth...a ghost of a party.
The net result will be ONE party government in America--and it won't
be our party. The single party dominating our beloved land will be
that of the "big city political bossses," a few power-hungry labpr
bosses, and theoretical, way-out liberals.
As we kick off the 1966 campaign, let us keep one objective clearly
in sight. We will fight the Democrats on issues, not among ourselves.
-more-
FORD VIBRARY
Birmingham 9/25/65
5
Many Americans are dissastisfied with both political parties at
present. There is a sense of frustration and despair among those
who feel this way. This sense of dissatisfaction offers the Republican
Party a worthy challenge and a great opportunity to prove our
political philosophy is best for America.
It seems to be the major issues are:
Fiscal sanity
An explosion of Federal spending.
The crumbling of State and city governments in an era of
growing Potomac paternalism and take-over
The haunting image of inflation
The frightening cost of the alleged Great Society
The lack of liason between the Executive and Legislative
branches in considering the crucial Viet Nam war with the
White House running the conflict.
For a few minutes I will speak particularly about the Viet Nam war---
the roots of its beginning, its escalation, its meaning to America
and the rest of the free world.
(more)
Birmingahm 9/25/65
This year was still young when the American people were perhaps
for the first time shocked into some sense of being at war.
Late in February, soldiers--the wounded living and the dead---began
arriving in the United States aboard huge jet transports. Their numbers
increased.
As the casualty lists mounted...as the heaviest Communist a ssaults
yet against American installations were stepped up...as our military
forces in the air struck hard against North Viet Nam..not only
Americans, but people everywhere experienced a sudden chill.
There were sudden fears that a so-called brush-fire conflict--perhaps
through miscalculation----could flare into a holocaust that would
blot out civilization as we know it.
The Nation and the world soon learned that this is the most curious,
baffling, frustrating war the United States has ever had to fight.
As the size and scope of the war expanded, the United States faced four
possible courses of action.
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
-more-
Birmingham 9/25/65
-7-
We could retreat and withdraw.
We could concentrate our military efforts against Communist
guerrillas in South Viet Nam.
We could make an all-out assault against the enemy's heartland
in North Viet Nam.
Or, we could strengthen our military efforts- on the land, in the
air, and at sea--with the goal of showing the Communist enemy we
mean business.
Let us consider each of these alternatives.
By withdrawing from Viet Nam, United States honor and prestige
would be struck a devastating blow. Our influence, in the form of
helping to ward off Communist aggression against the entire mainland
of Southeast Asia, would probably be overwhelmed by "ed China.
Our defense line would be brought all the way back to Pearl Harbor.
-more
Birmingham 9/25/65
-8-
The
second
alternative
that of concentrating on guerrilla war in
South Viet Nam proved ineffective. If continued if could have
meant a tremendous drain on our economy, a great loss of life
and military equipment, and a long, drawn-out conflict in swamp and
jungle.
The third alternative an all-out assault on North Viet Nam, including
some Experts claim
attacks against non-military targets
could, result in massive
retaliation by Red China. It could lead to a senseless ground war.
And, it could mean the kind of casualties to possibly trigger a
public outcry in the United States for the use of nuclear weapons.
Our fourth possible alternative the strengthening of air, sea and
land military operations, aimed at proving to the Communist enemy
that it would be folly to continue aggression
is the plan I
personally favor. It is this type of operation I believe will bring
North Viet Nam to the negotiation table under our terms.
GERALO FORD LIBRAR,
It should be remembered that the involvement of the United States in
Viet Nam occurred shortly after the end of World War II.
(more)
Birmingham 9/25/65
-9-
It began with a decision by the Truman Administration to provide
economic and military aid.
In 1954, a fragile, delicate peace was achieved by the Geneva
agreements. During the Eisenhower Administration, Viet Nam was
partitioned into a Communist north and a non-Communist south.
Contrary to most expectations, South Viet Nam survived for six years.
Defense Secretary McNamara has described South Viet Nam's history
during the period of 1954 to 1960 as a "success story." The late
President John F. Kennedy referred to it as a "near miracle."
The Democrat Administration taking office in 1961 faced acute
difficulties in the neighboring nation of Laos. While there were
sporadic guerrilla attacks in Viet Nam, Communist forces had launched
a full-scale offensive in Laos-threatening the government.
After months of fighting and high-level diplomatic foot-shuffling in
the State "epartment, a declaration of neutrality was signed. It is
a worthless document. Laos today is ripe for picking by the Communists
whenever they choose.
-more-
Birmingham 9/25/65
-10-
The resoluteness of the United States was tested in Laos. At the
time it was revealed as being weak.
The Administration said it would not permit aggression against
Laos to succeed...it did permit aggression.
The Administration said it would refuse to negotiate until a
cease-fire was in effect...it did negotiate.
The method used by the Democrat Administration to deal with the
problem of Communist aggression against Laos is reflected in today's
Viet Nam situation.
As the military efforts of the United States in Viet Nam have
broadened, the pronouncements by President Johnson defining our
objective have been progressively watered down.
The past July 28, the President seemed to disregard the independence
of South Viet Nam as an objective.
- more-
Inclaring that the purposes of the 2954 Geneva agreements are still
FORD & LIBRARY 0.1839
our own
Birmingham 9/25/65
-11-
Declaring that the purposes of the 1954 Geneva agreements are still
our own, he asserted that the people of South Viet Nam shall have the
right to shape their own destiny in free elections in the south and in
all Viet Nam under international supervision.
This statement raises the disquieting possibility of accepting now
in Viet Nam the type of election which the United States refjected
adecade ago--- an election which would be stacked and subverted
in advance.
The President now tells the Nation. in his words, "this is really war."
To what degree miscalculation on the part of the enemy has brought
about this state of affairs, no one can be sure.
Many times I have stated publicly that I support the President in
firmness against Communist aggression in Southeast Asia or elsewhere.
However, I believe at this time that neither the Congress,nor the
publig, are being adequately informed about the Nation's involvement
in Viet Nam.
-more-
Birmingham 9/25/65
-12-
Liason between the Executive and Legislative branches is insufficient
considering the crucial nature of the problem in Viet Nam.
Under present circumstances, Congress is being by-passed as far as
any effective participation, or decision-making, is concerned.
President Johnson is running the war. I sincerely hope his decisions
are right because the situation is serious.
In the tradition of the late Senator Arthur Vandenberg, I believe
our best course lies in a bi-partisanship approach to foreign policy.
Bi-partisanship does not mean, however, that the opposition party
may not offer proposals to the Administration; nor that the opposition
may not criticise Administration actions.
Guided by the single standard of the security and well-being of the
Nation, I will continue with other members of our party to offer
suggestions and to criticise.
-more-
FORD & LIBRARY 07V839
Birmingham 9/25/65
-13-
Well-founded criticism helps the Nation to steer a surer and
steadier course in foreign policy--and tattain its objectives
without unnecessary loss or delay.
*
*
*
In conclusion I remind you of some important objectives our
Party was reach to win victories.
We must be broadly-based, dynamic, united. We must ddevelop strong
fund-raising campaigns. We must conduct a neighbor-to-neighbor
campaign telling the electorate day after day, week afterw eek, what
is wrong and how we will change the situation domestically and
in foreign affairs.
I have confidence in Oakland County Republicans...and "epublicans
everywhere. Now, let's get to work. Thank you.
# # #
FORD is LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
Excerpts from a speech
For release at time of
Birmingham, Michigan September 25, 1965
delivery of speech
In Congress, in too many States, counties and townships a lop-sided majority
on the Democrat side has created 12-party government.
Let's accept this fact. Instead of bemoaning our fate, let's set to work
building a record as a unified political party--one Republican Party--
one family of Republicans.
There is no other choice. Unless we leave the splintering and the selfish
going-it-alone by segments to the Democrats and become THE Republican Party,
we will belong to a myth...a ghost of a party.
The net result will be a one-party government in America, and it won't be
our Party. The single political party dominating our beloved land will be that
of the "big city political bosses," a few power-hungry labor bosses, and
theoretical, way-out liberals.
Many Americans are dissatisfied with both political parties at present.
There is a sense of frustration and despair among those who feel this way.
This sense of dissatisfaction offers the Republican Party a worthy challenge
and a great opportunity to prove our political philosophy is best for America.
*
*
*
It seems to me the major issues are:
*
Fiscal sanity
An explosion of Federal spending
The crumbling of State and city governments in an era of growing
Potomac paternalism and take-over
The haunting image of inflation
The frightening cost of the alleged Great Society
The lack of liason between the Executive and Legislative branches in
considering the crucial Viet Nam war, with the White House running
the conflict.
*
Our party must be broadly-based, dynamic, united. We must develop strong
fund-raising campaigns. We must conduct a neighbor-to-neighbor campaign telling
the electorate what is wrong and how we will change the situation.
*
*
*
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
As the size and scope of the war expanded, the United States faced four
possible courses of action,
*By withdrawing from Viet Nam, United States honor and prestige would have
been struck a devastating blow. Our influence, in the form of helping
ward off Communist aggression against the entire mainland of Southeast
Asia, would probably be overwhelmed by Red China. Our defense line would
by at Pearl Harbor.
*The second alternative that of concentrating on guerrilla war in South
Viet Nam--proved ineffective. If continued it could have meant a great
drain on our economy, a tremendous loss of life and military equipment,
and a long, drawn-out conflict in swamp and jungle.
*The third alternative an all-out assault on North Viet Nam, including
attacks against non-military targets---could result in massive retaliation
by Red China, according to some experts. It could mean the kind of ground
war that would possibly trigger a public shout in the United States for
the use of nuclear weapons.
* Our fourth possible alternative the strengthening of air, sea and land
military operations aimed at proving to the Communist enemy we mean
business and it would be folly to continue the aggression is the plan I
personally favor. It is this type of operation I believe will bring North
Viet Nam to the negotiation table under our terms.
*
*
*
Many times I have stated publicly that I support the President in firmness
against Communist aggression in Southeast Asia or elsewhere.
However, I believe at this time that neither the Congress, nor the public,
are being adequately informed about the Nation's involvement in Viet Nam.
Under present circumstances, Congress is being by-passed as far as any
effective participation, or decision-making, is concerned. President Johnson
is running the war. I sincerely hope his decisions are right because the
situation is serious.
*
*
Our best course lies in a bi-partisanship approach to foreign policy. This
does not mean however that the opposition party may not offer proposals to the
Administration nor criticise Administration actions,
Well-founded criticism helps the Nation to steer a surer and steadier course
in foreign policy and to attain its objectives without unnecessary loss or delay.
#########
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
Excerpts from a speech
For release at time of
Birmingham, Michigan September 25, 1965
delivery of speech
In Congress, in too many States, counties and townships a lop-sided majority
on the Democrat side has created 12-party government.
Let's accept this fact. Instead of bemoaning our fate, let's set to work
building a record as a unified political party--one Republican Party---
one family of Republicans.
There is no other choice. Unless are leave the splintering and the selfish
going-it-alone by segments to the Democrats and become THE Republican Party,
we will belong to a myth...a ghost of a party.
The net result will be acone-party government in America, and it won't be
our Party. The single politica party dominating our beloved land will be that
of the "big city political bosses," a few power-hungry labor bosses, and
theoretical, way=out liberals.
Many Americans are dissatisfied with both political parties at present.
There is a sense of frustration ndi despair among those who feel this way.
This sense of dissatisfaction offers the Republican Party a worthy challenge
and a great opportunity to prove our political philosophy is best for America.
*
*
It seems to me the major issues are:
* Fiscal sanity
* An explosion of Federal spending
*
The crumbling of State and city governments in an era of growing
Potomac paternalism and take-over
The haunting image of inflation
The frightening cost of the alleged Great Society
The lack of liason between the Executive and Legislative branches in
considering the crucial Viet Nam war, with the White House running
the conflict.
*
*
Our party must be broadly-based, dynamic, united. We must develop strong
FORD
fund-raising campaigns. We must conduct a neighbor-to-neighbor campaign telling
the electorate what is wrong and how we will change the situation.
LIBRARY
*
*
*
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
As the size and scope of the war expanded, the United States faced four
possible courses of action.
*By withdrawing from Viet Nam, United States honor and prestige would have
been struck a devastating blow. Our influence, in the form of helping
ward off Communist aggression against the entire mainland of Southeast
Asia, would probably be overwhelmed by Red China. Our defense line would
by at Pearl Harbor.
*The second alternative-- that of concentrating on guerrilla war in South
Viet Nam--proved ineffective. If continued it could have meant a great
drain on our economy, a tremendous loss of life and military equipment,
and a long, drawn-out conflict in swamp and jungle.
*The third alternative an all-out assault on North Viet Nam, including
attacks against non-military targets---could result in massive retaliation
by Red China, according to some experts. It could mean the kind of ground
war that would possibly trigger a public shout in the United States for
the use of nuclear weapons.
* Our fourth possible alternative the strengthening of air, sea and land
military operations aimed at proving to the Communist enemy we mean
business and it would be folly to continue the aggression is the plan I
personally favor. It is this type of operation I believe will bring North
Viet Nam to the negotiation table under our terms.
*
*
*
Many times I have stated publicly that I support the President in firmness
against Communist aggression in Southeast Asia or elsewhere.
However, I believe at this time that neither the Congress, nor the public,
are being adequately informed about the Nation's involvement in Viet Nam.
Under present circumstances, Congress is being by-passed as far as any
effective participation, or decision-making, is concerned. President Johnson
is running the war. I sincerely hope his decisions are right because the
situation is serious.
*
*
*
Our best course lies in a bi-partisanship approach to foreign policy. This
does not mean however that the opposition party may not offer proposals to the
Administration nor criticise Administration actions.
Well-founded criticism helps the Nation to steer a surer and steadier course
in foreign policy and to attain its objectives without unnecessary loss or delay,
#########