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North Carolina Young Republican Rally, Morgantown, NC, May 6, 1950
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The original documents are located in Box D13, folder "North Carolina Young Republican
Rally, Morgantown, NC, May 6, 1950" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D13 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ADDRESS BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R. FORD, JR.,
FIFTH DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN, AT NORTH CAROLINA
YOUNG REPUBLICAN RALLY IN HORGANTOWN, N.C.
MAY 6, 1950
Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen. - it is a real privilege
and a great pleasure for me to return to the Tarheel State on this
occasion. My three previous visits to this part of the country
include a summer at your excellent University law school in Chapel
Hill, a 9 month tour of duty with the Navy, again at Chapel Hill,
and finally week end wedding party, not my own, in your delightful
mountain country. You can readily see that my Carolina experiences
are of a wide variety, running the gamut from the school house, the
military installation, the alter and now the political arena. I
have survived and enjoyed all former visits. It is my hope that I
can on this occasion contribute my bit to your energetic and de-
termined effort for the preservation of our American way of life.
An unbiased and nonpolitical analysis of the communications
received nowadays by members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans
alike, would unquestionably reveal serious public concern about
most of our government's present policies. Letter writers properly
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
wonder why we seem to be losing the Cold War, particularly the
-2-
struggle in China and the Far East. There is a similar apprehen-
sion as to the future on purely domestic matters. Furthermore, many
young men who served faithfully and well in World War II wonder if
we are dropping our guard, so to speak, when the threat of Soviet
attack is perhaps more imminent than we would like to admit.
Frankly, I would be dishonest if I should assure you here
tonight that the United States is impregnably secure at home and
abroad. In fact, I am as fearful for the future as Michigan
constituents. Fortunately there is a glimmer of hope yet remaining,
and as long,as there is a chance for a revival we in the Republican
Party must fight wholeheartedly and intelligently for certain
basic principles upon which this nation was founded and prospered
so that America can continue to go forward everlastingly as the
inspiration to others throughout the World. Make no mistake, the
chips are down. The Republican Party must win in the coming elec-
tions or the United States will inevitably tread the identical path
followed by England since 1900. It is high time that we dedicate
GERALD FORD
ourselves once and for all against these individuals, those pres-
sure groups and any political party that seeks by direct action or
-3-
insidious gradualism to destroy our nation.
Let us survey for a moment the international situation.
Despite the precariousness of the situation, notable progress since
the end of World War II has been made in our struggle against fur-
ther Soviet aggression in Europe. The battle with Russia and her
satellite nations beyond the Iron Curtain in Europe has not been
won but at the moment we are assured by the State Department and
the Military that we do have determined allies, and furthermore there
is evidence of considerable dissatisfaction and unrest beyond the
Police State barriers.
The diplomatic successes in Europe to a material extent have
resulted from the forward looking legislation initiated in the
Republican controlled 80th Congress. My fellow townsman, our Party's
senior Statesman in foreign affairs, Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg,
was and still is largely responsible for the constructive policies
that have been and are now bearing fruit across the Atlantic. An-
other. Republican, E.C.A. Administrator, Paul G. Hoffmann, has done a
GEERAL FORD LIBRARY
remarkably fine job in making the European Recovery Program successful
offer
Our achievements in Europe are in deep contrast to our mis-
erable failures in China and the Far East. In the European theatre
the Administration sought and receive true bi-partisan support with
considerable success. In the Pacific policy decisions, Republicans
have been excluded while the Democratic Administration relied on the
advice and counsel of those who naively believed the Chinese Com-
munist leaders were Simple agrarian discontents. I respectfully
suggest that the United States would not now be hanging on the ropes
in China, in Korea, and in the rest of the Far East if the White
House had made use of such experts as Republican Representative
Walter Judd and others of similar stature. The long series of tragic
mistakes which began at Yalta might well have been avoided if bi-
partisanship had been extended and promoted in the Pacific as well
as in the Atlantic. Certainly a strong presumption exists that the
United States can only win the Cold War in any part of the world
when we present a united nonpolitical front. The desperate condi-
tions now facing us in the Pacific should be a somber warning to
the Administration that "total diplomacy" must be practiced as well
as preached. I fervently hope that all Americans will cooperate
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
in the months and years shead in the titanic struggle to maintain
peaceful relations with honor throughout the world.
Let us turn to some domestic issues to discuss specific
problems and policies within our borders. Within recent weeks a
friend in Michigan asked a rather significant question. His letter
indicated that he was purchasing a small denomination bond-a-month
from his rather limited earnings. As you know, the Administration
has been vigorously prom oting this policy whereby the government
borrows funds in small denomination from individual citizens. My
friend indicated in his letter that his policy was motivated by two
causes; one, he wished to provide for his future economic security
and second, he wanted to cooperate in his government's bond drive
in this apparent hour of need. The constituent's 64 dollar question
in effect was precisely this: Do you think I am wise and safe in
continuing my bond purchases?
Ladies and gentlemen, the answer to this question is vitally
important to us all. It is safe to assume that an investor in govern-
ment bonds of the United States will get his money back under
the BERALB R. FORD LIBRARY
ato
terms of his contract. The CLUZ of the question: however, is a
matter of value. Will today's purchasers of government bonds be
paid 10 or 20 years hence in dollars, which in purchasing power
will have an actual value of only thin dimes, in relation to the
value of the dollar at the time it was invested in the bonds?
With all the conviction at my command I contend that if
the present Administration is continued in power my home town
friend is acting unwisely. The Administration is committed to a
program which calls for continuous federal spending in excess of
tax revenues. It is reliably estimated that in the 1949-1950 and
1950-1951 fiscal years federal expenditures will aggregate about
14 billion in excess of revenues. Unfortunately this is no iso-
lated case. The federal government has been operating in the red
in 18 of the last 20 years. Despite the fact that the United States
is now in a period of relative prosperity continuing annual federal
deficits stare our citizens in the face. Thoughtful people in all
walks of life are becoming more and more apprehensive regarding the
future value of the dollar. Thoughtful people throughout this
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-7-
country are aroused and rightly 30 at the fiscal policies effectuated
and advocated by the President and his Administration leaders.
Can a government behave in an immoral manner toward its own
people? We all know how a community would condemn a man who ran up
charge accounts, went on a binge every Saturday night and didn't pay
his bills. How long could a respected citizen borrow money from his
friends and, when the time came to pay it back, require them to settle
on the basis of 60 cents to the dollar? Surely any community would
frown on a person who indulged in these practices. But when a govern-
ment does these things, is such conduct any less immoral? The facts
clearly indicate that the United States Government is on a big spend-
ing binge. It is living beyond its income, not accidentally or be-
cause of misfortune, but deliberately, and I vehemently condemn
those who permit such practices to continue.
The United States government has borrowed money from its
citizens, promising to pay $100 after 10 years for every $75 that
was loaned through the purchase of savings bonds. But when the time
comes to repay, the lender gets back only $60 in actual purchasing
FORD i LIBRARY GERALA
value, in terms of the value of the original $75 loan. Then, to add
a
insult to injury, the government requires him to pay a tax on fic-
titious $25 profit he has collected. Our people ought to know these
facts then let the chips fall where they may.
How many citizens realize the number of seemingly nonsensical
publications put out by your various federal bureaus. The Department
of Interior has a brochure called The Early Life of the Atlantic
Mackerel. The Military Establishment produced a booklet entitled,
Mist Neeting of Birds in Japan. Another little number is called
"The Mortality of Soft Clams at Essex, Massachusetts".
True, there is a humorous side to this but, on the other
hand, hundreds and thousands, probably millions of dollars are being
spent to turn cut a lot of, to be charitable, we will say trash.
What this country needs today is not a good. 5-cent cigar.
It needs some booklets issued by the Federal Government on the
following subjects: First, How to Balance the Federal Budget; second,
How To Put an End to Deficit Financing: and third. How to Take a FORD
Saddle Off a Ternayer.
i LIBRARY GERALD
well-trained Communits know that one of the easiest
ways to wreck capitalism is to debauch the currencies of capitalistic
nations. Communists are well acquainted with the fact that the simp-
lest way to demoralize and defeat the United States is to force us
into a perpetual policy of deficit spending. Our former President,
Franklin D. Roosevelt, knew and appreciated this danger. Franklin
D. Roosevelt in 1932 while campaigining for the Presidency had this
to say, and I quote, "Any government, like any family, can for a
year spend a little more than it earns. But you and I know that a
continuance of that habit means the poorhouse." These words by
Franklin D. Roosevelt, important eighteen years ago, have even
greater importance today. It is indeed unfortunate that the present
Chief Executive fails to appreciate the soundness of his predecssor's
counsel and advice.
One would honestly think that the Administration leaders
when advocating new programs and policies would have in mind the
precarious financial crisis facing the United States. The facts
indicate the opposite is true. For example, the Fair Ded ers with
the support of the President are openly spensoring socialized med
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-10-
cine and the Brannan farm plan. Both schemes will impose addi-
tional fantastic burdens on a federal treasury that is now practi-
cally empty. If the United States government at the present time
cannot pay its annual bills on a current basis, I fear the conse-
quences if socialized medicine and the Brannan plan are foisted
on our people.
Many of my friends in the State of Michigan scoff when told
there is a distinct possibility. in fact a probability, that the
Administration if continued in power will force through the Congress
in the near future the Brannan Plan and a pregram of health insurance
similar to the one now in operation in Great Britain. This total
lack of appreciation of the true facts is appalling. For example,
according to newspaper stories, just last week the Democratic National
Committee started a new drive on behalf of Mr. Oscar Ewing's national-
ized medical program. Let there he no mistake, both of these pre-
posterous, Un-American programs will be on the federal statute books
unless the citizens of this great country take affirmative action at
the polls in the coming months.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
For a moment let's take a look At this plan that the Secretary
of Agriculture is trying to bludgeon through the Congress. Mr. Brannan
promises all things to all men. The scheme presents an alluring ap-
peal to all groups - a guaranteed income to the farmers and cheaper
food to the consumers. What will the cost be to all taxpayers, in-
cluding these deriving special benefits? No one, including Mr.
Brannan, will hazard an accurate prediction as to the drain on the
federal treasury. The best authorities, however, estimate the annual
lost to the treasury will be 5 to 10 billion. Bear these figures
in mind as you recall that right now every time the sun sets over
the horizon your federal government is 15 million dollars deeper in
debt. I hope my letter writing friend will think of these facts
when he makes his monthly investments in a government presently
controlled by a spendthrift Administration.
The farmer himself would suffer the most if the Brannan
Plan were adopted. In fact, it would fatten him for the kill.
Under the Brannan proposal the farmer would have to submit
to the most rigid set of controls ever imposed upon farming. He
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
would be placed in a straitjacket and be subject to the whims and dic-
tates of the planners, who would be governed strictly by political
expediency rather than by the economic welfare of the nation.
The farmer would be plaged by a swarm of bureaucrats who
would tell him how to farm his land, what erops to grow, how to care
for his land, and how the subsidy money is to be spent.
There could be but one final outcome - nationalization of
the land. Make no mistake, that is the ultimate goal of the planning
boys! It is a clever plan to get the farmer's neck into a noose,
while he is fattene a for the kill.
Farmers should read The Parable of the Wild Duck, written
in the first half of the 19th Century by a great Danish philosopher.
There is a deadly parallel to be drawn between the plight which will
be the farmer's, if the Brannan plan is put into operation, and the
sad fate which overtook the wild duck in the story I'll relate.
With his mates a wild duck was flying in the springtime
northward across Europe. During the flight he came down in a Danish
barnyard where there were tame ducks. He ate of their corn and he
liked it. He stayed for an hour - then for a day - then a week
-
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
then a month - and finally, because he relished the good fare and
the safety of the barnyard, he stayed all summer.
Then one autumn day, when the flock of wild ducks was on
its way southward again, the flock passed over the barnyard and their
mate heard their cries. His breast stirred with a strange thrill
of joy and delight and with a great flapping of wings, he rose in
the air to join his old comrades in their flight and but he found
his good fare had made him fat and his muscles so soft and flabby
that he could rise no higher than the eaves of the barn.
He dropped back into the barnyard and said to himself,
"Oh, well, my life is safe here, and the food is good."
But, alas, he was not safe from the man who fed him - for
he later discovered that he was being EATTENED FOR THE KILL.
The problems and dangers raised by so-called compulsory
health insurance programs, better known as socialized medicine,
are too numerous to be discussed in detail on this occasion. One
myth, however, should be exposed. The Administration's proposal,
which calls for governmental compulsion and regulation, is not
GERALD- FORD LIBRARY
-1
free medicine as many of its advocates would make you believe. Sub-
stantial deductions in addition to present social security payments
will be made regularly from the paychecks of the workers. Employers
will likewise contribute funds for the maintenance of this new federal
service and bureaucracy. If we can use the experience of England as
a test, the total of such contributions by workers and employers will
pay approximately one-tenth of the over-all cost of this scheme. The
other 90% of the cost will come directly from the U. S. Treasury. As
you already know, the government is now bofrowing funds to keep its
coffers supplied. Again I wonder if my letter writing friend, who is
helping Uncle Sam borrow by buying government bonds, would approve of
such proposed legislation.
What is the answer to the health problems facing us as a
nation? I submit we need more doctors in more places with greater
emplasis on general practitioners. Our hospital construction program
should provide essential and adequate facilities, not only in metro-
politan areas, but in properly designated rural sections. Medical
research should be expanded by private subscription and government
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
funds. Last but not least, the coverage of our nonbureaucratic vol-
untary health insurance programs should be greatly expanded. This
approach is making substantial progress. It can and will meet the
legitimate needs of our people and furthermore will be accomplished
in the finest American tradition.
As the representative of a highly industrialized part of
the country, where labor and management frequently and bitterly dis-
agree, I have, as you can imagine, a few problems in reconciling the
differences in point of view. It should, however, be self-evident
to the extremists, both in labor and in management, that industrial
peace cannot be achieved by legislation that favors one group at the
expense of another. It is indeed regrettable that certain individuals
and groups have recklessly or by design plunged the whole issue of
labor-management legislation into the political arena. No sound
solution in favor of the general public, can possibly result when
such a vital issue is beclouded by political demagoguery. There
should be legislation that will not hamstring management. There
should GF FORD LIBRARY
be laws that will not bring lashes down on the backs of labor. The
-16-
President and the leaders in management and labor would render a great
public service if a nonpolitical conference were jointly sponsored so
that reasonable differences could be reconciled for the benefit of the
nation as a whole.
I pass along a word of caution to those leaders in manage-
ment who seem to advocate complete dominance by business and a disregard
of the rights of employees. Most farsighted businessmen and economists
agree that the disastrous economic collapse and depression of the 1930's
resulted from a lack of purchasing power in the hands of the workers.
Industrial leaders should make every effort to pay adequate wages so
a proper balance will be maintained between production and consumption.
If this policy is not followed. economic chaos will again unfortunately
plague this nation.
Labor along with its new power also has its added responsi-
bilities and at times I become gravely concerned with the comments and
policies advocated by individual labor leaders. Let me recite an exper-
ience I had not too long ago while attending a meeting of one of the
union groups in my district. Several union leaders were extremely
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
critical of profits made by some of the companies in our state. For
-2.7-
example, General Motors was bitterly attacked for the amount of money
earned during the last year or two. In answer to the questions put to
me, I strongly emphasized that employees of a profit-making company are
infinitely better off than those who work for a company which loses money.
It seemed appropriate to draw a comparisen between the Kaiser-Frazier Co.
which lost 30 million dollars last year and General Motors which made a
profit. Which of the two companies offer the greatest job security for
individual workers? I'm sure the answer is obvious. This precise point
was realized by Samuel Gorpers, the renowned Leader of the American
Federation of Labor in its early days, who once sold, and = quote:
"The greatest crime a company can coumit against its employees is not
to make a profit."
In closing, let me make this emphatic statement - the Republicen
Party is against the forces, the pressure groups, that want this country
handled oz mishandled by Big Business, Big Government, Big Labor or
Big Agriculture. This country belongs to the people and it's time we
re-stressed the fact. It's high time our voters act affirmatelv as
they did this last wesk in some states.
FORD & LIBRARY CERALD
-18-
It should be obvious that today the United States is catapulting
down the chute to the worst type of bureaucracy and regimentation.
This pending disaster must be stopped here and now, not tomorrow. But
how are we going to stop it when the public appears to enjoy being spoon
fed by a paternalistic government? The solution lies in showing the
American citizens that bigger and bigger bureaucracies endanger free
government, that financial insolvency ultimately leads to forced econ-
omy and slave labor, that men cannot both be free and at the same time
dependent on government handouts for food, health and lodging. Let's
not remain inactive while being fattened for the kill.
FORD i LIBRARY 074870
ADDRESS BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R. FORD, JR.,
FIFTH DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN, AT NORTH CAROLINA
YOUNG REPUBLICAN RALLY IN MORGANTOWN, N.C.
MAY 6, 1950
Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen - it is a real privilege
and a great pleasure for me to return to the Tarheel State on this
occasion. My three previous visits to this part of the country
include a summer at your excellent University law school in Chapel
Hill, a 9 month tour of duty with the Navy, again at Chapel Hill,
and finally week end wedding party, not my own, in your delightful
mountain country. You can readily see that my Carolina experiences
are of a wide variety, running the gamut from the school house, the
military installation, the alter and now the political arena. I
have survived and enjoyed all former visits. It is my hope that I
can on this occasion contribute my bit to your energetic and de-
termined effort for the preservation of our American way of life.
An unbiased and nonpolitical analysis of the communications
received nowadays by members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans
alike, would unquestionably reveal serious public concern about
most of our government's present policies. Letter writers properly
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
wonder why we seem to be losing the Cold War, particularly the
-2-
struggle in China and the Far East. There is a similar apprehen-
sion as to the future on purely domestic matters. Furthermore, many
young men who served faithfully and well in World War II wonder if
we are dropping our guard, so to speak, when the threat of Soviet
attack is perhaps more imminent than we would like to admit.
Frankly, I would be dishonest if I should assure you here
tonight that the United States is impregnably secure at home and
abroad. In fact, I am as fearful for the future as It Michigan
constituents. Fortunately there is a glimmer of hope yet remaining,
and as long as there is a chance for a revival we in the Republican
Party must fight wholeheartedly and intelligently for certain
basic principles upon which this nation was founded and prospered
so that America can continue to go forward everlastingly as the
inspiration to others throughout the World. Make no mistake, the
chips are down. The Republican Party must win in the coming elec-
tions or the United States will inevitably tread the identical path
followed by England since 1900. It is high time that we dedicate
ourselves once and for all against these individuals, those pres-
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
sure groups and any political party that seeks by direct action or
-3-
insidious gradualism to destroy our nation.
Let us survey for a moment the international situation.
Despite the precariousness of the situation, notable progress since.
the end of World War II has been made in our struggle against fur-
ther Soviet aggression in Europe. The battle with Russia and her
satellite nations beyond the Iron Curtain in Europe has not been
won but at the moment we are assured by the State Department and
the Military that we do have determined allies, and furthermore there
is evidence of considerable dissatisfaction and unrest beyond the
Police State barriers.
The diplomatic successes in Europe to a material extent have
resulted from the forward looking legislation initiated in the
Republican controlled 80th Congress. My fellow townsman, our Party's
senior Statesman in foreign affairs, Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg,
was and still is largely responsible for the constructive policies
that have been and are now bearing fruit across the Atlantic. An-
other Republican, E.C.A. Administrator, Paul G. Hoffmann, has done a
remarkably fine job in making the European Recovery Program successful.
FORD LIBRARY
-1/-
Our achievements in Europe are in deep contrast to our mis-
erable failures in China and the Far East. In the European theatre
the Administration sought and receive true bi-partisan support with
considerable success. In the Pacific policy decisions, Republicans
have been excluded while the Democratic Administration relied on the
advice and counsel of those who naively believed the Chinese Com-
munist leaders were Simple agrarian discontents. I respectfully
suggest that the United States would not now be hanging on the ropes
in China, in Korea, and in the rest of the Far East if the White
House had made use of such experts as Republican Representative
Walter Judd and others of similar stature. The long series of tragic
mistakes which began at Yalta might well have been avoided if bi-
partisanship had been extended and promoted in the Pacific as well
as in the Atlantic. Certainly a strong presumption exists that the
United States can only win the Cold War in any part of the world
when we present a united nonpolitical front. The desperate condi-
tions now facing us in the Pacific should be a somber warning to
the Administration that "total diplomacy" must be practiced as
BEERAL well FORD LIBRARY
as preached. I fervently hope that all Americans will cooperate
in the months and years shead in the titanic struggle to maintain
peaceful relations with honor throughout the world.
Let us turn to some domestic issues to discuss specific
problems and policies within our borders. Within recent weeks a
friend in Michigan asked a rather significant question. His letter
indicated that he was purchasing a small denomination bond-a-month
from his rather limited earnings. As you know, the Administration
has been vigorously prom oting this policy whereby the government
borrows funds in small denomination from individual citizens. My
friend indicated in his letter that his policy was motivated by two
causes; one, he wished to provide for his future economic security
and second, he wanted to cooperate in his government's bond drive
in this apparent hour of need. The constituent's 64 dollar question
in effect was precisely this: Do you think I am wise and safe in
continuing my bond purchases?
Ladies and gentlemen, the answer to this question is vitally
important to us all. It is safe to assume that an investor in govetbrd
ment bonds of the United States will get his money back under
GE the GERALD LIBRARY
wEo
terms of his contract. The CLUX of the questions however, is a
matter of value. Will today's purchasers of government bonds be
paid 10 or 20 years hence in dollars, which in purchasing power
will have an actual value of only thin dimes, in relation to the
value of the dollar at the time it was invested in the bonds?
With all the conviction at my command I contend that if
the present Administration is continued in power my home town
friend is acting unwisely. The Administration is committed to a
program which calls for continuous federal spending in excess of
tax revenues. It is reliably estimated that in the 1949-1950 and
1950-1951 fiscal years federal expenditures will aggregate about
14 billion in excess of revenues. Unfortunately this is no iso-
lated case. The federal government has been operating in the red
in 18 of the last 20 years. Despite the fact that the United States
is now in a period of relative prosperity continuing annual federal
deficits stare our citizens in the face. Thoughtful people in all
walks of life are becoming more and more apprehensive regarding the
future value of the dollar. Thoughtful people throughout this
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
country are aroused and rightly 30 at the fiscal tolicies effectuated
and advocated by the President and his Administration leaders.
Can a government behave in an immoral manner toward its own
people? We all know how a community would condemn a man who ran up
charge accounts, went on a binge every Saturday night and didn't pay
his bills. How long could a respected citizen borrow money from his
friends and, when the time came to pay it back, require them to settle
on the basis of 60 cents to the dollar? Surely any community would
frown on a person who indulged in these practices. But when a govern-
ment does these things, is such conduct any less immoral? The facts
clearly indicate that the United States Government is on a big spend-
ing binge. It is living beyond its income, not accidentally or be-
cause of misfortune, but deliberately, and I vehemently condemn
those who permit such practices to continue.
The United States government has borrowed. money from its
citizens, promising to pay $100 after 10 years for every $75 that
was loaned through the purchase of savings bonds. But whon the
RALD tRime FORD LIBRARY
comes to repay, the lender gets back only $60 in actual purchastog
value, in terms of the value of the original $75 loan. Then, to add
a
insult to injury, the government requires him to pay a tax on fic-
titious $25 profit he has collected. Our people ought to know these
facts then let the chips fall where they may.
How many citizens realize the number of seemingly nonsensical
publications put out by your various federal bureaus. The Department
of Interior has a brochure called The Early Life of the Atlantic
Mackerel. The Military Establishment produced a booklet entitled,
Mist Neeting of Birds in Japan. Another little number is called
"The Mortality of Soft Clams at Essex, Massachusetts".
True, there is a humorous side to this but, on the other
hand, hundreds and thousands, probably millions of dollars are being
spent to turn cut a lot of, to be charitable, we will say trash.
What this country needs today is not a good. 5-cent cigar.
It needs some booklets issued by the Federal Government on the
following subjects: First, How to Balance the Federal Budget: second,
How To Tut an End to Deficit Financing and third, How to Take
GERALD a FORD LIBRARY
Sadlle off 2 Tamayer.
well-trained Communits know that one of the easiest
ways to wreck capitalism is to debauch the currencies of capitalistic
nations. Communists are well acquainted with the fact that the simp-
lest way to demoralize and defeat the United States is to force us
into a perpetual policy of deficit spending. Our former President,
Franklin D. Roosevelt, knew and appreciated this danger. Franklin
D. Roosevelt in 1932 while campaigining for the Presidency had this
to say, and I quote, "Any government, like any family, can for a
year spend a little more than it earns. But you and I know that a
continuance of that habit means the poorhouse." These words by
Franklin D. Roosevelt, important eighteen years ago, have even
greater importance today. It is indeed unfortunate that the present
Chief Executive fails to appreciate the soundness of his predecssor's
counsel and advice.
One would honestly think that the Administration leaders
when advocating new programs and policies would have in mind the
precarious financial crisis facing the United States. The facts
indicate the opposite is true. For example, the Fair Deal ers with
the support of the President are openly sponsoring socialized
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cine and the Brannan farm plan. Both schemes will impose addi-
tional fantastic burdens on a federal treasury that is now practi-
cally empty. If the United States government at the present time
cannot pay its annual bills on a current basis, I fear the conse-
quences if socialized medicine and the Brannan plan are foisted
on our people.
Many of my friends in the State of Michigan scoff when told
there is a distinct possibility, in fact a probability, that the
Administration if continued in power will force through the Congress
in the near future the Brannan Plan and a program of health insurance
similar to the one now in operation in Great Britain. This total
similar
lack of appreciation of the true facts is appalling. For example,
according to newspaper stories, just last week the Democratic National
Committee started a new drive on behalf of Mr. Oscar Ewing's national-
ized medical program. Let there be no mistake, both of these pre-
posterous, Un-American programs will be on the federal statute books
unless the citizens of this great country take affirmative action at
the polls in the coming months.
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For a moment Iet's take a look at this plan that the Socrotary
of Agriculture is trying to bludgeon through the Congress. Mr. Brannan
promises all things to all men. The scheme presents an alluring ap-
peal to all groups - a guaranteed income to the farmers and cheaper
food to the consumers. What will the cost be to all taxpayers, in-
cluding these deriving special benefits? No one, including Mr.
Brannan, will hazard an accurate prediction as to the drain on the
federal treasury. The best authorities, however, estimate the annual
lost to the treasury will be 5 to 10 billion. Bear these figures
in mind as you recall that right now every time the sun sets over
the horizon your federal government is 15 million dollars deeper in
debt. I hope my letter writing friend will think of these facts
when he makes his monthly investments in a government presently
controlled by a spendthrift Administration.
The farmer himself would suffer the most if the Brannan
Plan were adopted. In fact, it would fatten him for the kill.
Under the Brannan proposal the farmer would have to submit
to the most rigid set of controls ever imposed upon farming. He
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
would be placed in a straitjacket and be subject to the whims and dic-
tates of the planners, who would be governed strictly by political
expediency rather than by the economic welfare of the nation.
The farmer would be plaged by a swarm of bureaucrats who
would tell him how to farm his land, what crops to grow, how to care
for his land, and how the subsidy money is to be spent.
There could be but one final outcome. nationalization of
the land. Make no mistake, that is the ultimate goal of the planning
boys! It is a clever plan to get the farmer's neck into a noose,
while he is fattened for the kill.
Farmers should read The Parable of the Wild Duck, written
in the first half of the 19th Century by a great Danish philosopher.
There is a deadly parallel to be drawn between the plight which will
be the farmer's, if the Brannan plan is put into operation, and the
sad fate which overtook the wild duck in the story I'll relate.
With his mates a wild duck was flying in the springtime
northward across Europe. During the flight he came down in a Danish
barnyard where there were tame ducks. He ate of their corn and he
liked it. He stayed for an hour - then for a day - then a week -
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then a month - and finally, because he relished the good fare and
the safety of the barnyard, he stayed all summer.
Then one autumn day, when the flock of wild ducks was on
its way southward again, the flock passed over the barnyard and their
mate heard their cries. His breast stirred with a strange thrill
of joy and delight and with a great flapping of wings, he rose in
the air to join his old comrades in their flight - but he found
his good fare had made him fat and his muscles so soft and flabby
that he could rise no higher than the eaves of the barn.
He dropped back into the barnyard and said to himself,
"Oh, well, my life is safe here, and the food is good."
But, alas, he was not safe from the man who fed him - for
he later discovered that he was being EATTENED FOR THE KILL.
The problems and dangers raised by so-called compulsory
health insurance programs, better known as socialized medicine,
are too numerous to be discussed in detail on this occasion. One
myth. however, should be exposed. The Administration's proposal,
which calls for governmental compulsion and regulation, is not
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
free medicine as many of its advocates would make you believe. Sub-
stantial deductions in addition to present social security payments
will be made regularly from the paychecks of the workers. Employers
will likewise contribute funds for the maintenance of this new federal
service and bureaucracy. If we can use the experience of England as
a test, the total of such contributions by workers and employers will
pay approximately one-tenth of the over-all cost of this scheme. The
other 90% of the cost will come directly from the U. S. Treasury. As
you already know, the government is now bofrowing funds to keep its
coffers supplied. Again I wonder if my letter writing friend, who is
helping Uncle Sam borrow by buying government bonds, would approve of
such proposed legislation.
What is the answer to the health problems facing us as a
nation? I submit we need more doctors in more places with greater
emplasis on general practitioners. Our hospital construction program
should provide essential and adequate facilities, not only in metro-
politan areas, but in properly designated rural sections. Medical
research should be expanded by private subscription and government
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funds. Last but not least, the coverage of our nonbureaucratic vol-
untary health insurance programs should be greatly expanded. This
approach is making substantial progress. It can and will meet the
legitimate needs of our people and furthermore will be accomplished
in the finest American tradition.
As the representative of a highly industrialized part of
the country, where labor and management frequently and bitterly dis-
agree, I have, as you can imagine, a few problems in reconciling the
differences in point of view. It should, however, be self-evident
to the extremists, both in labor and in management, that industrial
peace cannot be achieved by legislation that favors one group at the
expense of another. It is indeed regrettable that certain individuals
and groups have recklessly or by design plunged the whole issue of
labor-management legislation into the political arena. No sound
solution in favor of the general public, can possibly result when
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such a vital issue is beclouded by political demagoguery. There
should be legislation that will not hamstring management. There should
be laws that will not bring lashes down on the backs of labor. The
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President and the leaders in management and labor would render a great
public service if a nonpolitical conference were jointly sponsored so
that reasonable differences could be reconciled for the benefit of the
nation as a whole.
I pass along a word of caution to those leaders in manage-
ment who seem to advocate complete dominance by business and a disregard
of the rights of employees. Most farsighted businessmen and economists
agree that the disastrous economic collapse and depression of the 1930's
resulted from a lack of purchasing power in the hands of the workers.
Industrial leaders should make every effort to pay adequate wages so
a proper balance will be maintained between production and consumption.
If this policy is not followed, economic chaos will again unfortunately
plague this nation.
Labor along with its new power also has its added Pesponsi-
bilities and at times I become gravely concerned with the comments and
policies advocated by individual labor leaders. Let me recite an exper-
ience I had not too long ago while attending a meeting of one of the
union groups in my district. Several union leaders were extremely
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,
critical of profits made by some of the companies in our state. For
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example, General Motors was bitterly attacked for the amount of money
earned during the last year or two. In answer to the questions put to
me, I strongly emphasized that employees of a profit-making company are
infinitely better off than those who work for a company which loses money.
It seemed appropriate to draw a comparison between the Kaiser-Frazier Co.
which lost 30 million dollars last year and General Motors which made a
profit. Which of the two companies offer the greatest job security for
individual workers? I'm sure the answer is obvious. This precise point
was realized by Samuel Gompers, the renowned Leader of the American
Federation of Labor in its early days, who once sead. and I quote:
"The greatest crime a company can coumit against its employees is not
to make a profit. If
In closing, let me make this enphatic statement - the Republicen
Party is against the forces, the pressure groups, that want this country
handled 02 mishandled by Big Business, Big Government, Big Labor or
Big Agriculture. This country belongs to the people and it's time we
re-stressed the fact. It's high time one voters act affirmately as
they Add this last wesk in Home states.
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It should be obvious that today the United States is catapulting
down the chute to the worst type of bureaucracy and regimentation.
This pending disaster must be stopped here and now, not tomorrow. But
how are we going to stop it when the public appears to enjoy being spoon
fed by a paternalistic government? The solution lies in showing the
American citizens that bigger and bigger bureaucracies endanger free
government, that financial insolvency ultimately leads to forced econ-
omy and slave labor, that men cannot both be free and at the same time
dependent on government handouts for food, health and lodging. Let's
not remain inactive while being fattened for the kill.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD