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Independent Mutual Insurance Agents Association of New England, Boston (telephone message), October 1, 1965
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4525876
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Independent Mutual Insurance Agents Association of New England, Boston (telephone message), October 1, 1965
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Speeches
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1965-10-31
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1965
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1965
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The original documents are located in Box D19, folder "Independent Mutual Insurance
Agents Association of New England, Boston (telephone message), October 1, 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Telephone message
Tomorrow
October 1, 1965
Freday
11 a.m. EDT
Independent Mutual Insurance Agents Association of New England
meeting in Boston
It is a pleasure to be the lead-off man in this telephone conversation
with you to discuss the topic--"The Future."
I am speaking from my office in The Capitol. about 100 yards from
the floor of the House of Representatives. Here at my desk the view
is magnificant. In the House when I sit on our side of the aisle with
a small band of 141 Republicans and look at the mass of humanity across
the aisle, I am a little jealous and at times discouraged.
Particularly I am discouraged when I see so many messages come from the
White House and observe my Democratic friends not knowing whether they
should clap their hands or click their heels!
When you have such awesome power in the Executive branch, coupled with
a 2 to 1 majority in the House and Senate today, I believe some of the
things we believe to be important are in jeopardy.
Unfortunately, we do not have a strong two-party system in America,
particularly in the Congress. The net result is the loss of many
traditional safeguards which benefitted all segments of our society.
A strong two-party system is an important cornerstone in the American
political system. It is not constitutionally-ordained, but early in
our Nation's history our forefathers decided that a two-party system was
the best for all the people.
-more-
Digitized from Box D19 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Insurance convention
Telephone Oct. 1, 1965
page 2
As a result, we have avoided the loss of freedom that exists in one-party
governments throughout the world. We have also avoided the chaos and
confusion that results from multi-party government.
I have talked as though I am fearful, apprehensive and pessimistic. I
am-but to a very limited
extent.
On the other hand, I am optimistic about the future.
In the first place, I have a strong abiding faith in the good judgment
of the people of America.
our citizens as a awhale gring
I have a strong abiding faith in those giving real leadership in our
country. And. I am convinced that Congress will take steps to improve
its image, to improve its day to day workings.
It S eems to me most Americans are realizing that they have to help the
Congress become a stronger partner in the relationship of Legislative,
Executive and Judicial branches of government.
Governors in many states are realizing that if their unit of government is to
be a strong partmer, their constitutions must be modernized. They are learning
to assume fesponsibilities instead of passing them off to the federal
government.
-more-
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Telephone speech Oct. 1
page 3
I am optimistic for another reason.
There is a growing realization that our system is the finest in the
history of mankind. We believe in the Constitution,
the historic document
put together almost 200 years ago by very wise and patriotic men.
But, let me say, it is politics and politicians that have put the
breath of life and the blood in the veins of the still bones of the
constitutional system.
And so I conclude by asking each of you in your own way to be
a politician or in politics.
For yourself, for your state, for your Nation, you must participate
and I am sure you will. Thank you.
If
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