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New Basic GOP Speech, Houston, May 14, 1965
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New Basic GOP Speech, Houston, May 14, 1965
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The original documents are located in Box D18, folder "New Basic GOP Speech, Houston,
May 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
7n hourd.
New basic GOP speech
[May 14, 1965]
Houstn
may14
Houston
Rumblings of discontent and disenchantment with the way things are
going in the alleged "Great Society" are spreading across the land.
The sounds of unrest, signalling a great awakening of the American
electorate, offer the Republican Party one of the great opportunities in
years to regain strength at all levels of government.
We appear to be witnessing some sort of a political miracle, which
is working in our favor. To keep things going our way, the Republican
Party must move with calculated speed, work together, accentuate the
positive, take sound and strong positions on pertinent issues.
Let's take a sharp look at what has happened to and in the
opposition party to discover the direction Republicans must take almost
immediately.
The 89th Congress so far--- with Democrats slam-banging through
legislation under the powerful political fist of the White House has
set
a record of rubber-stamping that is long on quantity and short on quality.
Unwittingly, perhaps, the party in control has given us just about all
the political ammunition we need to win victories in 1966. Now we must use it.
For example, millions of Americans are learning with dismay that the
Democrat-controlled Congress has sand-bagged them with more taxes arbitrarily
taken from their paychecks.
-more-
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Digitized from Box D18 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
GOP SPEECH
Congressional action so far-- with Democrats cringing under White House
political whip-lashing- means Americans will have less money to spend on
necessities, slimmer bank accounts, and more choking federal control of their
lives.
While Republican constructive alternative proposals have been hidden
in the shadow of the White House, buried under the heavy-handed voting strength
of Democrats, and limited to fleeting exposures in the spotlight of publicity,
what has happened?
Ignoring Republican proposed legislation that has been more encompassing,
fiscally-sound, and within the framework of the Constitution, the Democrat-
controlled House has ignored millions of Americans.
With President Johnson riding herd, the house has adopted an extremely
wasteful and inequitable aid-to-education bill that gives millions of dollars
to the wealthiest C ounties and cold-shoulders the poorest areas by handing
them relatively little help.
Bowing to the will of the White House, Democrat Representatives voted
overwhelmingly in favor of the Administration's "medicare" scheme. Economists
are already jittery about the possible depressive economic impact because
the payroll tax increase will take an estimated five billion dollars out of
circulation the first year. At the same time, millions of Americans will have
less take-home pay, meaning fewer dollars to buy goods and services. And,
business will have less incentive to expand.
-more-
GERALD LIBRARY
GOP SPEECH
-3-
Acting again with wasteful haste, our Democratic friends knuckled down
to the White House and passed the Appalachia bill to compound problems
created last year when the Administration's alleged "anti-poverty" program
was launched with trumpeting fanfare.
Meanwhile, a rip-roaring political family brawl erupted in the ranks
of the "emocrats while we wére peasefully achieving more unity.
The donney-brook was triggered by the President when he ordered
stepped-up military operations in Viet-Nam. While Republicans take book a widely-
heraled bi-partisan position in support of the White House, powerful
Democrats hurland verbal brickbats at the President.
The beefing and stewing among Democrats on such an important issue
is helping to reflect the Republican philosophy that we think first of the
people, refusing to put politics ahead of national interest.
Proudly, we are extending the bi-partissnship of the late Senator
Arthur H. Vandenberg, who was responsible for my decision to make a career
in the political world.
Perhaps one of our greatest streng ths in winning 1966 victories is the
growing concern in many parts of the Nation and among members of the press
the
that the United States is rapidly-headed toward the end of
two-party
system.
Naturally, there must be both a majority party and a minority party.
However, if the over-balance of power in both the legislative and executive
branches gives either party too much
political muscle, the very
foundations of freedom crack and crumble.
-more-
GOP SPEECH
The United States as a country--every citizen as a member of a free
society our form of government- all would be in jeopardy of being
without freedom if one political party becomes so strong that it is
unchallenged.
Americans can be rightfully and justly concerned whenever there is
a brazen display of raw political power in the executive strong arm and
in the houses of Congress.
When a President with finger-pointing- appear before a Joint
Session of Congress and virtually orders passage of a voting rights
"law" that was still being drafted
in the White House, Americans should do some political
soul-searching.
In fact, the way Iyndon Johnson is running the Congress most Democratic
Representatives don't know whether to clap their hands or click their heels.
While the party in power is ram-rodding legislation under the President's
thumb, Republicans in Congress are proving to be a constructive opposition.
maintained
Although we are outnumbered two to one, semenow we have
a sense of purpose and somehow kept a sense of humor.
Perhaps we are in the S ame position as the Indian yogi lying on a bed
of nails who x described the experienze as painful only when he laughed.
are rapidly
Americans, I believe, 7 discovering that Republicans in
Congress are from from being a bitter, obstructionist minority. Instead,
we are a forceful, optimistic, united, articulate majority, compared to the
aisle.
other side of the
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-more-
GOP SPEECH
To put the mood of Congress in a capsule, I would say that when President
Johnson tells Democrats to "Come let us reason together,"
they
troop to the White House and he reasons. Republicans on the other hand
invest their time and energies in creating proposed legislation keeping
the American people first in mind.
I have tried to present the evidence clearly and honestly to you without
being an obstructionist or critic just for the sake of opposing the
Administration.
The proof stands by itself. The evidence indicates growing and
national concern about the present over-balance of power in goverhment.
There is spreading doubt that the alleged Great Society falls far short of the
lofty political oratory that sold the grandiose idea to more than half the
American electorate.
In the face of all this---and with a great opportunity at hand
what ctions should be taken by the Republican Party?
WELL, /ithout hestitation we should recover the fumbles made by the Administration's
weakened political team.
We should take the offensive and stop playing a defensive game.
We can outflank, outrun and outscore the opposition with a flashing,
imaginative, colorful attack using news ideas and better legislative proposals.
The Republican Party must be a constructive, responsible force. This
is the way to earn the trust and respect of the electorate, while capitalizing
on errors made by our political opponents.
-more-
GOP SPEECH
We need more members in the ranks. They must be recruited with an
enthusiastic, united effort. The campaign must be all encompassing
we
welcome all citizens to our Party. Some of our stronger
promiting
action
should be in the direction of younger persons those in the early 20's
age group.
Our Party needs to enlist more intedigent, articulate, and personable
candidates, who believe in our fundamental tepublican philosophies, yet are
free to express their own political views.
We must establish bed-rock basic positions, broaden the base of our
Party, andre-assert Republican principles that demand preservation of
individual freedom and human dignity.
We need money. A political party cannot function without adequate
finances. However, we must earn financial support by demonstrating that our
programs deserve the backing of contributors everywhere.
The Republican Party desperately needs better comminication with the
public at large. I believe that elected 1 epublican officials and all persons
in responsible party positions must have an "open door" policy for the working
press and news executives. We must talk with the American people in
a
friendly, neighborly way.
By and large, the American news media is a vital link between the
people and government. Unlike the President, W ho has attacked
the American press for "waywardness" in his
words , and has somekhat disdainfully treated editors of the Nat ion when they
visited Washington, Republicans must respect reporters and photographers as
more
GOP SPEECH
-7-
dedicated, professional craftsmen.
think
While the Johnson Administration seems to XXXXXXX the first r esponsibility
of the American press is to support its policies, Republicans take an opposite
view.
spoon-feed
I strenuously object to the way the White House tries to
the press and to the high-handed censorship imposed by Democrat-controlled
bureacracies.
The Republican Party must welcome constant xummin scrutiny of news media.
Elected officials
2n have a responsibility to live their political lives in the
open.
must reach the American
The philosophies and the actions of our Party
people. An informed news media is the most sound, the quickest and the surest way
to accomplish our objective.
Republicans need
At this point, I will repeat what to win
victories and to insure a strong two-party system.
First, I revall what a young minister was told by a senior member of
the clergy in the way of goodadvice.
"Tell the congregation what you intend to tell them," the older minister
said. "Then tell them what you said you would tell them. When you've finished,
tell them what you've told them."
Now to repeat.
The Postage to resungence of strongt mash
-more-
GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
GOP SPEECH
-8-
The Republican Party-=-to have a resurgence of strength and win victories
must:
* Recover the fumbles made by the Adminsitration.
mounting
* Be a constructive, responsible force a fla shing attack using
new ideas and better legislative proposals.
*
Recruit more members in the ranks and enlist more intelligent,
articulate, and personable candidates.
Establish basic bankc positions, broaden the Party's base and re-assert
pur principles that demand preservation of individual freedom and
human dignity.
*
Raise money to beef-up our financing for a strong effort.
*
Build better communications with the public at large.
The size and the scope of the job are obvious. This is neither a time to
falter nor to stumble.
If we fail, we will fail the American people.
Winning means contributing in great measure to the strength, the welfare,
the health, the growth, the prosperity, the well-being of every citizen in
the United States and in the society of free world nations.
# #
HARRIS COUNTY
HARRIS COUNTY
REPUBLICAN
REPUBLICAN
PARTY
PARTY
522 WAUGH DRIVE
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019
OPERATION:
GRASSROOTS
RE-ELECT
SENATOR
JOHN TOWER
In 1966 REPUBLICAN Senator John Tower will
1965
face re-election. Already the oppostion is beginning
to campaign against him. We must build financial
support for his campaign. Senator Tower has repre-
sented us well in Washington - he has a strong
conservative voting record. His voice has never
REPUBLICAN
given comfort to the enemies of America. All
Texans can be proud of every vote cast by John
Tower.
Your contribution now to the Harris County
NEIGHBOR
Republican Party will help finance a planned,
R,FO
effective program of support for the re-election of
John Tower - Texas' No. 1 U. S. SENATOR.
GERALD
LIBRARY
TO
DYNAMIC GROWTH OF YOUR REPUBLICAN PARTY
The Republican Party is growing in Harris County and in
Texas, from 91,000 congressional votes in 1958,
NEIGHBOR
297,000
"
"
"
1960,
490,000
"
" " 1962, and
820,000
"
" " 1964.
With your support, Republican Congressional, State Legis-
lative and County candidates will be elected in 1966 to
FUND DRIVE
help Senator Tower bring better government to you.
H
YOU ARE BEING
OPERATION BUILD-UP
GOOD GOVERNMENT
ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE
BEGINS WITH YOU
BECAUSE
If you believe in good government, you also know
the value of a vigorous two-party system. The
The Harris County Republican Party has no income
Republican Party is YOUR party. It offers you the
other than contributions from you and other
benefits of good government. It also depends on
patriotic citizens. The Party has continuing ex-
YOU - on your volunteer work, on YOUR con-
penses - - for Headquarters, supplies, organization,
tribution.
research and education programs. To perform its
Make your voice heard. Dig down for a strong
vital role, to be politically effective, the Party must
Republican Party. Now is the time to build for
meet its financial commitments.
EFFICIENT, FRIENDLY HEADQUARTERS
success.
Here is the planned program of expenditures for 1965:
This centrally located headquarters provides a con-
venient place for meetings, for volunteer work, for
What Will Your Dollar Buy?
records, for the research library, and for the multi-
BANNER 9%
tude of typewriters, file cabinets, desks, tables, tele-
%6 PDP
6%
$ 5.00 will pay for 30 seconds of radio time
phones, duplicating machines, and other equipment
which is used daily. You are urged to stop by
$ 12.00 will buy 200 candidates' brochures
Republican Headquarters, 522 Waugh Drive, when-
ever you have minutes or hours for political work.
$ 24.00 will buy 100 yard signs
0/67
A warm welcome awaits you there!
FUND
$ 36.00 will buy 150 placards
E.D.P. SYSTEM
$ 50.00 will buy 500 bumper stickers
ADMINISTRATION
The Data Processing system will be expanded in
1965 to provide for more accurate, up-to-date infor-
$ 56.14 will pay for a large billboard for one
ЯО, QUOTA
DESCRIPTION
16%
mation in a readily accessible form. This modern
month
business system will enable the Party to be ready
for immediate campaign action.
$ 80.00 will buy one hour of data processing
0/04
time
oT
THE REPUBLICAN BANNER
With a circulation of more than 9,000 community
$350.00 will pay for 20 seconds on TV
leaders, "The Banner" rivals Houston's newspapers
as an effective voice in Harris County. Published
And listen to "Washington Report" on KXYZ,
monthly, in a lively style, with comments and
1320 on your dial 6:10 - 6:15 p.m. and KIKK,
Every cost represents a vital Party function, and
editorials about national events, it gives full cover-
650 on your dial 5:10 5:15 p.m. each Mon-
age of local political activities. "The Banner" car-
an effective two-party system is vital for good
ries a full schedule of planned political events; so
day. Sponsored by the Harris County
government.
every Republican should read "The Banner" to be
Republican Party.
informed.
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
"Republican Opportunity"
Houston, Texas May 14, 1965
Rumblings of discontent and disenchantment with the way things are going in the
alleged "Great Society" are spreading across the land,
The sounds of unrest, signalling a great awakening of the American electorate,
offer the Republican Party one of the most important opportunities in years to
regain strengthc
For example, millions of Americans are learning with dismay that the Democrat-
controlled Congress has sand-bagged them with more taxes arbitrarily taken from
their paychecks,
Congressional action so far--with Democrats cringing under White House
political whiplashing means Americans will have less money to spend on necessities,
slimmer bank accounts, and more choking federal control of their lives.
*
*
*
The United States as a country, every citizen as a member of a free society,
and our form of government would be in jeopardy if one political party becomes so
strong that it is unchallenged,
Although outnumbered 2 to 1 in Congress, Republicans are a forceful, optimistic,
articulate, and united team that will have more members after 1966 elections.
*
*
*
There is growing national concern about the present imbalance of power in
government. A strong two-party system and more balance of strength are essential to
the protection of the individual and his best interests,
*
*
*
The Republican Party to have a resurgence of strength and to win victories must:
recover fumbles made by the Administration--- be a constructive, responsible force
using new ideas to create better legislative proposals recruit more members and
enlist more intelligent, articulate and personable candidates establish basic
positions to broaden the base reassert our principles that demand preservation of
individual freedom and human dignity build better communications with the public
at large raise money to finance a strong effort.
*
*
*
If we fail, we will fail the American people. Winning means contributing in
great measure to the strength, the welfare, the health, the growth, the prosperity,
the well-being of every citizen in the United States and in the society of the free
world nations.
#
#
#
#
#
#
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
g
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 celled
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-