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The original documents are located in Box D19, folder "Republican Dinner, Carthage, MO,
October 5, 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D19 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
READING TEXT
Republican Dinner
Carthage, Missouri
October 6, 1965
that, Kiss great an
When I was elected Republican leader of the House by a landslide,
I soon learned that the job includes many extra-legislative activities
speech-making among them.
Since January 4th I've been in more than 30 states and before the
end of the year I will have visited possibly a dozen more. If
traveling is broadening, I should be 10 feet wide!
One evening I was a guest at a banquet without being scheduled to
make a formal speech. The toastmaster like myself was a graduate
of Yale University. For some reason he decided to call on me to make
an impromptu address.
The audience was bi-partisan. I couldn't take Republicanism and get
away with it. So I quickly decided to talk about Yale, as there were
many young people in the crowd who were at the point of choosing a
university.
FORD
-more-
Managed news
Filtered new
Carthage
-2-
Warming up to the subject I told how "y" stands for youth, "A" for
apprediation, "L" for loyalty, and "E" for efficiency....the
words came easily and the clock ticked off the minutes.
As I concluded my speech, someone in the rear of the
auditorium said in a loud voice, "It's a good thing he didn't
graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology!"
speak
The invitation to with you tonight came from our fine friend
and my colleague in the House, Doc Hall. His letter went something
like this:
"Dear Jerry:
11 Missouri Seventh District Republicans have a tradition of
having outstanding speakers at their dinner-meetings. In
the past, for example, we had Tom Curtis®--(and he listed
several others).
Doc's letter concluded: 11 I hope you will accept. Up until now
we have had good programs."
of GERALDR FORD
-more-
Carthage
-3-
I'm sure we have all heard many speeches and cannot remember
what was said. I have an exception.
When I was a Navy officer stationed near Chicago, I heard
a man speak who left a strong impression.
In a speech he said: "A government big enough to give you everything
you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you
have."
This sound comment has affected my views politically and on many
legislative matters in the past 161 years I have been in Congress.
Another quote from his speech has salyed with me: He said: "You
can't make footprints on the sands of time by sitting down!"
this is good advice for anyone.
IT&s a special pleasure to be in Missouri the show me state.
Your slogan is an indication of rugged individualism, a quality
shared by many fine Americans.
-more-
Car thage
4-
These are the Americans who every year ignore an Internal Revenue
Service warning that tells them NOT to write in a small blank space
at the top of the income tax form.
In bold strokes many of them write pen this message--"I'lll
write any damned place I ase!"
-
Tonight I call upon you to make a very special effort,
First, I ask that we forget 1964. Let's become once again ONE
Republican Party. This does not mean a huge monolithic political
organization. For certainly we can have responsible disagreement.
We should have intelligent dialogue.
Unless we leave the splintering and bickering to the Democrats and
become THE Republican Party, we will be a part of a ghostly myth---
next year, in fact. And, American unfortunately will have one-party
government.
FORD Y LIBRARY GERALD
all the greatmen I our Constitutional Aystern
will go down 1. System Rederahm of checks & Galances
Carthage
-5-
That so-called "oneparty" dominating our beloved country will be
heavy with big city political bosses, power-hungry labor dictators,
theoretical way-out liberals more interested in a welfare state than
in the state of the welfare.
During the next few months the degree of Federal interference and
heavy-handedness in individual affairs will dangerously increase. because
ofthe tragedy 7the last election,
The voices of the people will be even more muffled and muted.
Potomac paternalism
already stifling the states and the people---
will grow and expand.
There are, however, some fresh signs of hope that Congress is
beginning to stiffen against the arm-twisting pressures exerted by
the White House.
Many members. on both sides of the aisle and in the House and
Senate have lined up in what amounts to a legislative revolt.
wer
And, I'm happy to know that some Democrats are beginning to mend
1
their ways and join us Republicans in refusing to be rubber stamps
for the President! It is not enough - but we are making progress.
FORD Повнет
-more-
Carthage
-6- con't
It is significant that some powerful Democrats are shaken by White
House--controlled Congressional action.
Senator Mansfield very recently proposed that next session of
the 89th Congress "spend less time on new legislation and more time
correcting oversights in legislation we have just passed."
The Senator Majority Leader also said: "We have passed a lot of major
bills at this session, some of them very hastily, and they stand in
extreme need of going over for loopholes, rough corners, and particularly
for an assessment of current and ultimate cost
"
It is somewhat assuring to learn that Senator Mansfield apparently
is awakening to the shocking cost of the Great Society.
This year alone, 20 major public laws spawned in the White House
to maintain its alleged Great Society authorized new spending of an
estimated $16,767,300,000 in fiscal 1966. This fantastic spending
is over and above so-called regular expenditures!
-more-
BERALD FORD LEVERTY
Carthage
-7-
Vice President Humphrey is reported as referring to "the huge
legislative tonnage dropped on our doorstep." I question his use
of the work "dropped." The word really should be "shoveled,"
considering the hands of President Johnson were on the handle.
I am pleased to learn at least some Democrats agree with Republicans
that there is a place for responsible dissent and constructive
criticism.
The Republican Party moves into a crucial campaign armed with
several hard-hitting major issues.
The first is President Lyndon Johnson---his use and misuse of power.
The second is the erosion of the rights of states and local
governments to conduct their own business without federal control.
The third is the loss of the identity of individuals who have
little to say when one party controls national government by a
2 to 1 majority.
The fourth issue is a combination of inflation and the lack of
FORD
fiscal sanity on the part of the Administration.
-more
-
LIBRARY
Carthage
8
Let's examine each of these issues more closely.
The President's Great Society is a shambles of contradictions. His
programs are dressed in purity of name to camoflage his burning
gord
He
desire for popularity. Whe gags the Congress and thus gags the
American people. He throttles open debate on vital and controversial
issues. His motto is "come, let us reason together" and he really
means "come and I'll reason."
He claims his Great Society makes progress.
Is it progress to retreat from the principles of the Constitution?
Is it progress to perpetuate poverty by political exploitation and
purpose? Is it progress to stifle individual incentive? Is it
progress to set a record for a national debt? Is it progress to
have millions of Americans with less money to spend on necessities,
slimmer savings accounts, and more taxes arbitrarily taken from their
FORD is LIBRARY GENALD
paychecks? 20 it proples to tak one man's wages
to pay another -more- man's rent,
Carthage, Mo.
-9-
I'm sure you have read and heard about action in the Senate led by
Senator Dirksen that is intended to allow "extended debate" on
President Johnson's demand to emasculate the Taft-Hartley Act.
In the House when the proposed repeal of Section 14-B of the Act
was on the floor, one of the most brazen uses of the gag rule--with
the President calling the shote---was the restriction clamped on debate.
At the same time and by the identical method any opportunity to offer
meaningful amendments was blocked.
Clear-thinking Congressmen listened to public opinion but not Lyndon
Johnson!
Most Americans, the polls showed, favor the right of each state to enact
right-to-work laws by retaining 14-B---but not Lyndon Johnson!
House Republicans wanted unions to be barred from discriminating on
account of race, color or creed---but not the Administration!
We wanted to prohibit unions from using dues or assessments for
political purposes. but not Lyndon Johnson!
more.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Carthage, Mo.
-10-
We wanted to safeguard the rights of the individual worker---but
not Lyndon Johnson!
We wanted to respect the conscientious religious convictions of
individuals as a reason for not joining a union--but not Lyndon
Johnson!
His gag-rule order in the house brought him a personal victory. Whether
he is successful in wrapping up the Senate remains to be seen. The
fate of the right-to-work law hangs in the balance, as odo the futures
and freedoms of millions of Americans!
-more-
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Elmira
-11-
How do we return balance to government, strengthen the Congress,
have a Republican in the White House who will put statesmanship
ahead of personal popularity in conducting the business of the
Executive branch?
Our plan must be an orderly, straight-forward one.
Republicans must work together to have a broadly-based, united Party.
Republicans victories must be won in state houses, counties and
townships all over America.
We must develop strong fund-raising activities, such as this one.
We should conduct a neighbor-to-neighbor crusade telling the electorate
day after days week after week, what iswrong and how we will change
the situation.
New York's 33rd District can do it. The state of New York can do it.
Republicans everywhere can do ito The time to start is now!
Let's get rolling!
David+ Joliath
FORD E LIBRARY GERALD
Elmira
÷
Vice President Humprhey describes "the huge legislative tonnage dropped
on our door step."
I subscribe to the general theme of his remark. However, I would
word "dropped" with the word "shoveled."
That huge legislative tonnage the Vice President talks about is
among the reasons for our national debt being sky high and headed
for the moon.
The national debt is NOT the $320 billion appearing on the record.
Actually, it is $800 billion in committments for future spending
that require no new laws or programs.
Meanwhile, the Great Society claims progress.
Well, what is progress?
«more»
FORD i LIBRARY 071839
Elmira
50
America--and some Democrats in Congress- are beginning to see
these dangers.
They are learning that the Great Society's far-out dreams are built on
foundations of sand...that minuse of political power in high places
is frightening...that the Gemocrats are more interested in being
popular than they are in true progress.
Yes, the Democrat record is extremely vulnerable.
Democrats demonstrate they want to concentrate all power in central
government. They dodge responsible dissent and dialogue in Congress.
They bow to the will of the White House.
They live by the creed-big, bigger, biggest. Take more and the
government spends more. Borrow against tomorrow and spend it all today.
Fatten the federal payroll. Tax, tax, tax...spend, spend, spend.
Democrats work to create a general welfare state. Republicans are
interested in the state of the general welfare.
However there is hope. We Republicans are gaining allies. Senator
FORD JURARY
Mansfield, the Democrat majority leader, raises vital questions.
Elmira
-6-
With the craftiness of a river-boat gambler, the audacity of a
carnival sideshow hawker, the use of political jungle tactics,
and the position of his high office, he snapped a headlock on
the runaway 89th Congress.
He lives by the creed---big, bigger, biggest. Take more and the
government will spend more. Borrow against tomorrow and spent it
all today. Fatten the federal payroll. Tax, tax, tax....spend, spend,
sperid--and shout the praises of the Great Society.
The goal of his Administration is the general welfare state,
not the state of the general welfare.
Fortunately for the Nation, a slow burn is beginning to flush those
in Congress who have followed the President without question, without
argument----with faith and yet with fear.
Senator Mansfield, the powerful and respected Democrat majority
leader, recently stood up to the White House with some strong
advice.
BERALD FORD VIDRARY
-more-
Elmira
5-
America and many Democrats in Congress---are beginning to see
these dangers.
the many foron of Iyndon Baines Johnson,
Lyndon Johnsons
They are learning that his far-out dreams are built on foundations
of sand....his use and misuse of power as a total politician
is
frightening....he is actually more interested in being known as
the most popular President in history than he is in true progress.
N political read
Yes, Lyndon B. Johnson is vulnerable.
He attempts to crush all opposition to his scheme aimed at concentrating
all power in central government. He attempts to erase responsible
asks
dissent and dialogue in Congress. He "come, let us reason
together." What he really means is "come and I'll reason while
you click your heels and applaud.)
He rode into office on a landslide by the promotion of a glittering,
expensive scheme with an appealing name, by capitalizing on the the
weakehed emotions of a Nation deep in abrrow. in Without justification,
he pre-empted the middle of the road, the mainstream of American
yyy
political sentiment.
(more)
Elmira
-3-
I'm sure we have all heard many speeches and cannot remember what
was said. I have an exception.
When I was a Havy officer stationed near Chicago, I heard a man speak
who left a strong impression.
In a speech he saids "A government big enough to give you everything
you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you
have."
This sound comment has affected my views politically and de many
legislative matters during the past 16} years I have been in Congress.
Another quote from his speech has stayed with me. He saids "You can't
make footprints on the sands of time by sitting down." This
is good advice for myone.
Tonight I will discuss the government I described a few moments ago
and how the situation offers the Republican Party a golden opportunity.
-more-
of GERALD FORD
Elmira
-10-
Is it "effective" to have a steady growth of direct and hidden
taxes?
Do we want history to record this era as one which marked the
beginning of a one-party system?
Do we call it "success" to have Americans losing their identity
in an alleged Great Society that sets a record for escalating
bureaucracy?
Can't we say, as did Abraham Lincon, "the best rule, after all,
is to let the people do pretty well as they please with their
own business?"
The issues are clear. They come more sharply into focus every day.
They are creating an uneasiness, some deep fears, and unrest
across America.
In the face of all this, what is the Republican course of action?
-more-
Elmira
-8-
Then, along comes Vice President Humphrey with some
comment on what he describes as "the huge legislative tonnage
dropped on our doorstep."
I subscribe to the general theme of his remark. However, the
word "dropped" should be replaced with the word "shoveled,"considering
the hands of President Johnson were on the handle.
That huge legislative tonnage the Vice President talks about is
amone the reasons for our national debt being sky high and
headed for the Moon.
The national debt is NOT the $320 billion appearing on the record.
Actually, it is $800 billion in committments for future spending
that require no new laws or programs.
in
Meanwhile, back at the ranch on weekends and the White House during
Rose garden,
thamask, the President claims his Great Society makes progress.
What is progress.... real progress?
-more-
FORD & LIBRARY 07V839
Elmira
-11-
Our Party moves into a crucial campaign armed with several
hard-hitting issues, which I described earlier as being clear-cut.
The first is President Iyndon Johnson--his use and misuse of power.
The second is the erosion of the rights of states andlocal
governments to conduct their business without federal control.
The third is the loss of identity of individuals who have little to
say when one party controls national government by a 2 to 1 majority
and the Executive branch gags Congress with iron-fisted carism.
The fourth issue is a combination of inflation and the lack of
fiscal sanity on the part of the Administration.
This is our ammunition. How do we use it?
How do we return balance to government, strengthen the Congress,
have a Republican in the White House who will put statesmanship shead
of personal popularity in conducting the business of the Executive branch?
FORD
"more-
Elmira
13
We must conduct a neighbor=to-nsighbor crusade telling the electorate
what is wrong and how the Republican Party will change the situation.
In conclusion, I see the lopsided Democrat strength, the power
in the White House, and the imbalance of government as the
Sekinh Goliath---the towering giant, the bully.
I see our Republican Party as David...small, out=mmbered, facing
a giant task with courage, a strong will to win, and fighting on
the side of freedom.
In 1966 we will---like David--unleash our sling-shet against
the political Golisth now dominating America.
And, like David..... we will win victory!
# # #
FORD j LIBRARY GERALD
Car thage
& -11-
The President recently predicted that this Congress "will leap into
history as the most effective and most rewarding Congress for all the
people in the history of America."
Where has it leaped?
Is it "rewarding" the American taxpayers when the national debt is
greater than that of all other nations in the world combined?
Is it "effective" to have a steady growth of direct and hidden taxes?
Is it "rewarding" to have living costs high and going higher?
Ir it "effective" to have state and local goverbments crumbling under
the iron hand of federalism?
Do we want
Inxix history to record this era as one which marked the beginning
of a one-party system with Congress as a puppet dangling on wires
manipulated
the White House?
Is it "success" to have a Great Society escalataing bureaucracy?
FORD 3 LIBRARY GERALD
Is the Nation making forward strides when crime and lawlessness are
on the increase?
-more-
Carthage
-12-
The second vital issues involve each of the 50 states, which in
effect are no longer sovereign.
They are by-passed by the Federal government.
A good example is the Federal Aid to Education bill. One of its key
provisions allows the Federal government to make contracts directly
with local boards of education.
In the so-called wareon poverty program, a similar situation exists.
Substantial contracts, substantial arrangements, substantial funds
are linked directly with Washington and the local governing units,
bypassing the states.
Thank goodness for one Republican
Governoro
Our third issue--- a frightening loss of individual identity
in the bureaurcratic jungles is the direct result of one political
party clutching control of Congress and the White House.
Americans have become numbers. Too many have been brain-washed into
agreement anough
believing that only the federal government can take care of their needs.
While they lean on Washington, the federal government not only leans
lug
on them, but smothers their initiative.
BERMLD FORD LIBRAR,
-more-
Carthage
-13-
With one party dominating Congress and controlling the
White House, millions of Americans have nothing to say about
the conduct of the Nation's business. They can only sit by and
watch---today. Tomorrow, next year, they will have an opportunity
to make ours not a Great Society will all failures, but a good one.
Inflation and lack of fiscal sanity are issues that reach into every
American home.
What is inflation?
It is skyrocketing prices at the supermarket, higher tuition cost
at college, a $1,000 government bond bought in 1949 and worth only
$730 in buying power today.
Republicans want to meet this economic challenge now. The Great
Society would like to pretend inflation either doesn't exist or
would just fade away.
-more-
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Carthage
B
-14-
What is fiscal sanity?
Is it a national debt greater than that of all other nations in
the world combined? Is it $800 billion in future spending commitments
that require no new laws or programs? Is it cash-on-the-barrel-head
for an alleged Great Society while the Administration uses
installment buying for national security?
The answers are clear. Reckless spending and irresponsible Administration
economic policies are leading the Number: way toward national
and personal bankruptcy.
Candidates
I have defined what I consider to be the major issues.
Now, what is the course of action for our Republican Party?
Ricord
We must win victories to bring memmingful balance in government, to
strengthen Congress, to topple the personal Democrat political
empires in statehouses, counties and townships.
Our Party must be broadly-based, united.
Crunde,
We need to develop strong fund-raising campaigns. And, we should
R.FORD LIBRAR,
begin a neighbor-to-neighbor crusade.
-more-
-15-
Carthage
13 14
The Missouri Seventh District can do it. Your state can do it.
Republicans all over America can do it.
The electorate----including uneasy Democrats and independents
looking for hope--- says "show me!"
Together the Republican Party will do just that.
Thank you.
# #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
Excerpts from a speech
Release for AM's
Carthage, Missouri
10/6/65
October 5, 1965
Let's forget 1964. Let us become once again one Republican Party. This does
not mean a huge monolithic political organization. For certainly we can have
responsible disagreement. We should have intelligent dialogue.
Unless we leave the splintering and bickering to the Democrats and become
THE Republican Party, we will be a part of a ghostly myth. And, unfortunately
America will have one-party government.
That "one-party" dominating our beloved country will be that of big city
political bosses, power-hungry labor dictators, theoretical way-out liberals
more interested in a welfare state than in the state of the general welfare.
*
*
*
During the next few months the degree of Federal interference and
heavy-handedness in individual affairs will dangerously increase.
The voices of the people will be even more muffled and muted. Potomac
paternalism- already stifling the states and the people--will grow and expand.
There are, however, some fresh signs of hope that Congress is beginning
to stiffen against the arm-twisting pressures exerted by the White House.
Many members on both sides of the aisle and in the House and Senate are
lining up in what amounts to a legislative revolt.
And, I am happy to know that some Democrats are beginning to mend their
ways and join we Republicans in refusing to be rubber stamps for the President.
Unfortunately for the Nation, the President up until now had a headlock
on the runaway 89th Congress, which has adopted a stack of legislation that
is long on quantity and short on quality.
Even some of the President's close political friends are concerned
about his control of the Congress---and the results.
-more- -
GERALD FORD
-2-
Senator Mansfield, the powerful majority leader, recently proposed that
the next session of Congress "spend less time on new legislation and more time
correcting oversights in legislation we have just passed."
The distinguished Senate leader noted that the Congress has "passed a
lot of major bills, some of them very hastily." That may be the understate-
ment of the year.
This Johnson-controlled Congress might be given the title---"the speed-
of-sound Congress," It takes only a few telephone calls from the other end of
Pennsylvania Avenue to pass White House-spawned legislation.
Vice President Humphrey has mentioned "the huge legislative tonnage
dropped on our doorstep." I question his choice of the word "dropped." With
his boss at the controls, the word "shoveled" might be more appropriate.
The "tonnage" the Vice President speaks of the legislation aimed at
pushing the Great Society is burying taxpayers, their wallets and savings
accounts.
This year, 20 major public laws sponsored by the White House in the
Great Society's name authorize NEW spending of an estimated $16,767,300,000
fiscal 1966. That's just the beginning. Our national debt is NOT the $320 billion
appearing on the record, but actually $800 billion in committments for future
spending that require no new laws or programs.
You can see why Lyndon Johnson needs all those fountain pens they will
be used to sign all the blank checks handed to him by the Congress he controls
with terrifying political power.
He claims his Great Society makes progress.
What is progress?
Is it progress to retreat from the principles of the Constitution?
Is it progress to perpetuate poverty for political exploitation and
purpose? Is it progress to destroy incentive? Is it progress to take one
man's taxes to pay another man's rent? Is it progress to have Congress bend
like a soggy noodle when the President pushes his weight around?
The President--when he isn't making profound announcements in the White
House rose garden or sounding off on Texas weekends between boat rides and sight-
seeing - is a master of the silent treatment.
He throttles open debate on vital and controversial issues. He welcomes
conversation only when it praises his Great Society.
One of the most brazen uses of gag rule--with Lyndon Johnson calling the
shots---was the restriction clamped on debate on the proposal to repeal Section
14-B of the Taft-Hartley Act.
-3--
By the raw use of his power, debate was severely limited in the House.
At the same time and by the identical method any opportunity to offer meaningful
amendments was blocked.
Clear-thinking Congressmen listened to public opinion-- but not Lyndon
Johnson!
Most Americans, the polls showed, favor the right of each state to enact
right-to-work laws by retaining 14-B---but not Lyndon Johnson!
House Republicans wanted unions to be barred from discriminating on account
of race, color or creed but not the Administration!
We wanted to prohibit unions from using dues or assessments for political
purposes---but not Lyndon Johnson!
We wanted to safeguard the rights of the individual worker--but not
Lyndon Johnson!
We wanted to respect the conscientious religious convictions of individuals
as a reason for not joining a union--but not Lyndon Johnson!
His gag-rule order in the house brought him a personal victory. Whether
he is successful in wrapping up the Senate remains to be seen. The fate of the
right-to-work law hangs in the balance, as do the futures and freedoms of millions
of Americans!
The President recently predicted that this Congress "will leap into
history as the most effective and most rewarding Congress for all the people in
all the history of America."
Where has it leaped?
Is it "rewarding" the American taxpayers when the national debt is greater
than that of all other nations in the world combined?
Is it "effective" to have a steady growth of direct and hidden taxes?
Is it "rewarding" to have living costs high and going higher?
Is it "effective" to have state and local governments crumbling under the
iron hand of federalism?
Is it "rewarding" to be under the shadow of inflation?
Is it "effective" to have less to spend on necessities, slimmer bank
accounts, and more taxes arbitrarily taken from paychecks?
Do we want history to record this era as one which marked the beginning
of a one-party system with Congress as a puppet dangling on wires manipulated by
the White House?
Is it "success" to have Americans losing their identity in a Great Society
that sets a record for escalating bureaucracy?
Is the Nation making forward strides when crime and lawlessness are on the
increase?
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
Excerpts from a speech
Release for AM's
Carthage, Missouri
10/6/65
October 5, 1965
Let's forget 1964. Let us become once again one Republican Party. This does
not mean a huge monolithic political organization. For certainly we can have
responsible disagreement. We should have intelligent dialogue.
Unless we leave the splintering and bickering to the Democrats and become
THE Republican Party, we will be a part of a ghostly myth. And, unfortunately
America will have one-party government.
That "one-party" dominating our beloved country will be that of big city
political bosses, power-hungry labor dictators, theoretical way-out liberals
more interested in a welfare state than in the state of the general welfare.
*
#
*
During the next few months the degree of Federal interference and
heavy-handedness in individual affairs dangerously increase.
The voices of the people will be even more muffled and muted. Potomac
paternalism---already stifling the states and the people~-will grow and expand.
There are, however, some fresh Mgns or hope that Congress is beginning
to stiffen against the arm-twisting pressures exerted by the White House.
Many members on both sides of the eisle and in the House and Senate are
lining up in what amounts to a legislative revolt.
And, I am happy to know that some Democrats are beginning to mend their
ways and join we Republicans in refusing to be rubber stamps for the President.
Unfortunately for the Nation, the President up until now had a headlock
on the runaway 89th Congress, which has adopted a stack of legislation that
is long on quantity and short on quality.
Even some of the President's close political friends are concerned
about his control of the Congress---and the results.
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FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
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Senator Mansfield, the powerful majority leader, recently proposed that
the next session of Congress "spend less time on new legislation and more time
correcting oversights in legislation we have just passed."
The distinguished Senate leader noted that the Congress has "passed a
lot of major bills, some of them very hastily." That may be the understate-
ment of the year.
This Johnson-controlled Congress might be given the title---"the speed-
of-sound Congress." It takes only a few telephone calls from the other end of
Pennsylvania Avenue to pass White House-spawned legislation.
Vice President Humphrey has mentioned "the huge legislative tonnage
dropped on our doorstep." I question his choice of the word "dropped." With
his boss at the controls, the word "shoveled" might be more appropriate.
The "tonnage" the Vice President speaks of the legislation aimed at
pushing the Great Society---is burying taxpayers, their wallets and savings
accounts.
This year, 20 major public laws sponsored by the White House in the
Great Society's name authorize NEW spending of an estimated $16,767,300,00041n
fiscal 1966. That's just the beginning. Our national debt is NOT the $320 billion
appearing on the record, but actually $800 billion in committments for future
spending that require no new laws or programs.
You can see why Lyndon Johnson needs all those fountain pens--they will
be used to sign all the blank checks handed to him by the Congress he controls
with terrifying political power.
He claims his Great Society makes progress.
What is progress?
Is it progress to retreat from the principles of the Constitution?
Is it progress to perpetuate poverty for political exploitation and
purpose? Is it progress to destroy incentive? Is it progress to take one
man's taxes to pay another man's rent? Is it progress to have Congress bend
like a soggy noodle when the President pushes his weight around?
The President--when he isn't making profound announcements in the White
House rose garden or sounding off on Texas weekends between boat rides and sight-
seeing---is a master of the silent treatment.
He throttles open debate on vital and controversial issues. He welcomes
conversation only when it praises his Great Society.
One of the most brazen uses of gag rule--with Lyndon Johnson calling the
shots--was the restriction clamped on debate on the proposal to repeal Section
14-B of the Taft-Hartley Act.
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By the raw use of his power, debate was severely limited in the House.
At the same time and by the identical method any opportunity to offer meaningful
amendments was blocked.
Clear-thinking Congressmen listened to public opinion-- but not Lyndon
Johnson!
Most Americans, the polls showed, favor the right of each state to enact
right-to-work laws by retaining 14-B---but not Lyndon Johnson!
House Republicans wanted unions to be barred from discriminating on account
of race, color or creed but not the Administration!
We wanted to prohibit unions from using dues or assessments for political
purposes but not Lyndon Johnson!
We wanted to safeguard the rights of the individual worker but not
Lyndon Johnson!
We wanted to respect the conscientious religious convictions of individuals
as a reason for not joining a union--but not Lyndon Johnson!
His gag-rule order in the house brought him a personal victory. Whether
he is successful in wrapping up the Senate remains to be seen. The fate of the
right-to-work law hangs in the balance, as do the futures and freedoms of millions
of Americans!
The President recently predicted that this Congress "will leap into
history as the most effective and most rewarding Congress for all the people in
all the history of America."
Where has it leaped?
Is it "rewarding" the American taxpayers when the national debt is greater
than that of all other nations in the world combined?
Is it "effective" to have a steady growth of direct and hidden taxes?
Is it "rewarding" to have living costs high and going higher?
Is it "effective" to have state and local governments crumbling under the
iron hand of federalism?
Is it "rewarding" to be under the shadow of inflation?
Is it "effective" to have less to spend on necessities, slimmer bank
accounts, and more taxes arbitrarily taken from paychecks?
Do we want history to record this era as one which marked the beginning
of a one-party system with Congress as a puppet dangling on wires manipulated by
the White House?
Is it "success" to have Americans losing their identity in a Great Society
that sets a record for escalating bureaucracy?
Is the Nation making forward strides when crime and lawlessness are on the
increase?