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Distinguished Speaker Series, Ohio Staters, Inc., Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, December 8, 1966
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Distinguished Speaker Series, Ohio Staters, Inc., Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, December 8, 1966
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Inflation (Finance)
Poverty programs
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975
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The original documents are located in Box D21, folder "Distinguished Speaker Series, Ohio
Staters, Inc., Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, December 8, 1966" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D21 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Belease a Belivery at 4 P.M. Doc. 1 as this State University, Columbus. this
ADDRESS BY REP. SEBALE FORD MINORITY LEASER w THE
DISTIN SPEAKERS SERIES. CHEO STATES.
"INSIGHT INTO COMPLEX ISSUES or THE DAY"
I have set myself a formidable task-to discuss with you the complex issues
of the day.
The American people today have many conserns, many problems, and they are
indeed complex.
Many of thase concerns were drenstined as issues in the 1966 election compoign.
1 shall sook to discuss these issues as 1 see them. If at times I seem partison,
it is not with deliberate Intent. It is stmply a reflection of my our views on
these critical issues.
What are the major issues of the day? Chiefly, they are inflation, the outlock
for the cosuemy, success or failure is the vor on poverty, how best to doal with
the persistent urben problems of air and water polletion, unes transit, traffic
congestion, and rising orime rates, how beet to achieve equal rights for all our
citizens, how to bring the Victum War to on honorable conclusion while thunsting
Commist aggreesion and expension in Southeset Asis.
Perhaps 1 can shed some light on these problems for you. 1 will try.
Americans this year have been very much overaused about a disturbing rise in
the cost d living. Slice then any way you like, these charg price increases add
NP to inflation. we have seen the destruction of the relative price stability
this country has enjoyed in recent years.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
+1-
Bridence of this is contained in the Consumer Price Index figures for the
month of October " propared by the Bareas of Labor Statistics. In October, the
cost of living roos for the ninth consecutive month. This modes the pass of
inflation has me dininished.
The cost of living de going up s persent or nore this year, and that is for
too much. It 10 by far the strepest rise is prices since the Horean Mar.
Strong setion to could inflation should have been taken by the Administration
is lata 1965. When the Mainistration failed to ant, the Federal Reserve Board
triggered as insurate is commarwial interest rates and bee been tightoning the
serves were vineo.
There are there the condoms the Receive Board for this action, but the truth
is the Board was forced to act because the Administration failed to meet the
shallenge inflation.
The Administration did take scien anti-inflationary actions is 1966-reimposition
of Has Federal emoire tamas and norelarated withholding of Federal income tanes**
but the effect we quito misium!. The general pulicy of the Administration was
our of with and weit.
What the heat from the inflation fire become unherable, the Administration
sought and Congress approved 8 13-seath suspension of the 7 persont tax credit
allowed businesses $8 irvestments is plant expension and improvement.
1 said at the time that this was s ..... of "too little and too Late" because
1 believed thes, and I still so, that the Administration had allowed the proper
time for strong anti-inflation medicine to slip by. Also, 8 doubted whether
of the Luvestment tex crefit would accomplish the objective net for it
becouse its impact will not be folt pervoptibly setil perhaps wid-1967.
GERALD LIBRARY
.3.
I and others vented the Administration to clindnets unnersessary Federal
spending to offset the tremendous sest of the Vietzen me. cool off the economy
and blunt the inflationery pressures which were denaging the aconomy. We also
falt that 11 spending cuts actually corried out would net do the job, an income
tex increase VII another potential tool in the bettle againet inflation.
Many of us did not rule out a tax increase themevin the spring of 1966-but
I now feel a beest is income taxes night bring on aiverse covnemic conditions.
There are signs that the coosony is slowing down despite the continued rise is
the Consumer Price Index. It is still visally important to make the Bederal
spending outs that Republican leaders advented in Jenuary, 1966, and throughout
the second secator of the 99th Congress. Reductions is non-messatial Federal
spending would have been good medicine for the accossy then. Spending outs right
now would be - effective and beseficial antidote for the inflationery pressures
still present in the aconomy.
There will soutime to be inflationery proseures in 1967. New contract telhs
are coming up is nearly every American industry next automobiles,
rubber, treasportation, and chemicals. You ⑉ be sure the cost of living will
be a big talking point as Labor presses for more money.
You ean be care labor negotiaters won't be thinking in terms of the Administre-
tion's distredited 3.2 present vage and price guidelines. The Administration
inself terported its was guidepost during this year's airlises stribe. New
Labor Secretary Willard Wirts is talking about a 5 persent increase " & reasonable
figure. I'm sure kis 3 persent is just 8 hope and a prayer because labor will have
very work in mind next year what the verher's dollar will buy oz the supermerket
and the clothing store. Like the cost of living, labor's domands will be up.
4
I belson the ok: and Procle be Milded starty und interement
policiss-oboth tital and monetary. The Federal by its astions, sea
keep the cossomy moving at e healthy pace x, through wistthes in judgment or
policy, can sig me into a recession.
The Administration unde e serious mistche early this year is not seting
vigasously to holt inflation. that was the proper time to take such action-and
timing is of the grostest importance in managing the account. Having allowed
that opportunity to 0112 by, the Administration has placed the coonsuy--end the
of all Americans--in jospardy, I said recently e Inderal income sex
incluse is 1967 would be a tragie nistake. so far there is no hard oridence to
change my view. The Administration certainly has the burden of proof and se for
has not presented a persuasive case.
While the Administration has feiled to fight inflation with any vigor, it
has launched e wulti-billion-doller war against poverty. I don't think the Use
on Poverty has been very successful. 1 don't think the results to date have
justified the expenditure of more then #2 billion. The program has not been run
well, and the basic approach has been wrong. there anti-poverty efforts have
survested, as is Michigan, it is because leasl leadership has produced results
despite bungling at the Federal level.
The need is the Poverty War is a shift is emphasis only from the beain trust
in the Office of Economic Opportunity. Incentive grants should be offered to the
states on a natching basis, and states should be given nive authority in the
operation of programs within their boundaries. At the some time, avery effort
should be made to enlist the aid of private industry in leeal sati-poverty projects.
(man)
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
5
At the Poloted level. overlapping should in eliminated not red taps should w out
by shifting going program like lined Start to older retablished agencies.
⑉ Administrator Sargent Shriver has complained be donon't have enough
meany for tiomal 1967--ealy $1.6 billion. Money alene wen't win the poverty wer.
But perhaps a fresh approach and a genuine Federsl-stste-lenel-ond-indestry
partnership can.
Speaking of meary and congressional appropriations, 8 an often asked where
I would out Federal spending to hold down or eliminate the Federal deficit and to
fight inflation. One place I would cut La the space program. While I as just as
proud as every other American of our space accouplishments, I do not believe it
is essential that we do everything on a creak basis.
That reminds se of the creek that our irrepressible friend, Adviral Richever,
once made about Federal spending. Mo. Richover said that if the Seviet Valed
should suddenly annesnee it was going to send e non to Hell, there would be nit
least two Federal agencies up before the appropriations committees of Congress
the sext day. demanding funds to make sure this country got there first.
It's often said that como members of Congrass believe there's as problem
that can't be selved by appropriating a few more billion dellars. Tom may have
gethered that 1 an not one of them.
It is estimated that #96 billion in Federal funds has been poursed into our
cities is as attempt to ushs then tommunities is which a - ⑉ be proud to live
and dream and reach for the stars.
We're all familiar with the problems of the treffie,
air and wear fould with pollutants, high exime rates, also conditions, inequality
of opportunity for jobs, education and hoveing, and lack of adequate recreational
facilities.
6
incaid. The Federal government has because . shopping renter where city officials
flock to try to pick up what Vice-President lisbert Emphrey calls Federal "goodies,"
If municipal officials don't get what they west in one shop, they try another.
In many cases, more then one Federal agency disponses money for the seme problem area.
I recently heard a freshman Democratic congressmen reasrk that the duplication
of Federal programs is Washington didn't bether his a bit. It meant, be caid,
that 11 city efficials from his district ran into a readbleck is one federal agency
they could always try another one where the perso strings night be looser.
I west to see the problems of our citice solved. And it will take billions
of dollars. But I don't believe all the empertise resides in Washington, and 1 do
think there is a tremendous deplication of effort, such whool-spinning and waste
motion. The emphasis now is on Federal solutions to lowel problems--and I don't
believe that is the only or bost snower in the decade shood.
Those who now make policy in Washington cell the present Federal approach to
leesl problem-selving "creative federalism." I submit that it often is destructive
federalism in its existing form. The reason is that the Federal government eats
up the ground rules and makes the big decisions.
While leeal officials wait for the Washington burneuersey to act, local
creativity often languishes or dies a-borning, And in the discouraging wait for
Federal funds, the line gats longer and longer, and lowel projects mark time for
years.
I feel certain that state and local efficials ⑉ solve their problems, given
the proper risources to de the job. then X speak of resources, I speak of money.
(YOUR)
7
The and local water leak is Washington Washington 11 the gians
tax collactor. Weshington being collects orbetantially more then $100 billion a
year while the states struggle along with 8 property tex, perhaps a sales tax, and
possibly a minimal income LIVE grafted ente the Federal income tax system.
The cities and other local writs, after relying principally on the property
tax for years, are are sacrching for now revenue sources, including unsicipal
income taxes.
Yet the states and cities run to Washington to try to greb off seem of the
somealled "geadies."
This is a system which produces progress only in fits and starts and leads
in sons cases to stall and delay is lessl projects. It Le not getting the job
done. Our cities are continuing to deteriorate, and the flight to the submittee
for those abla-se m.
What 10 the snower? Is it billions upon billions more in Federal grante=in-aid?
That is what President Johnson proposed in his sponch last August in Syraence,
W. r. Ea said Federal aid to oities has been increasing at 8 rate of 94 billion
a year and pronised nore.
But the grants-in-cid approach dowun't appear to be writing. the and sourthing
better, something that will improve the qualify of American life in eities all
morese America. 1 think thet"something" is Federal revenwe-sharing.
X believe Paterol taxeshering--diverting a persentage of Poderal revenue to
the states and cities with a minimum of strings attached is a ter better anover
to our urben 111. 1 believe st will de the job a estogories], specific
grentsoin-ald LITE folled. s believe this because lessl officials are better
(MEZ)
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
8
it
local
11:01:10
60
because ever community knows its our problems bost, and 2: 008 communicy's problems
are exactly like these of say other.
Mails w struggle with isflation and urban ills at have, yes find surselves
locked in . scondagly endlass conflist halfway around the world, eaught up in 0
was most Americans don't fully understand and some refuse to support.
Americans visa west fervently for on and to the Vietnax Mr. But beasees
- are a determined people and e moral people, - seek on and to that way only on
homerable terms and saly st is ending it - can preserve freeden of choice for
the people of South Vistase.
Perhaps the National Republican decrdinating Comuittee has best expressed
the general objective of the American people is Vietum. The Committee in
December, 1963, stateds "Wo do not sook the unconditional currentor of North
Vistama; we Bonk the unconditional security of South Vistase."
I have long folt that as netter key sustecafully we wight prosents the was
is Vistxam, we seald not truly visa it and - would not gain unconditional security
for the south Victamass unless we also via the was of pacification.
This is the key to ending the Victam Mas homorably and nsking it possible
for the South Vistabause to live in proce under a government of their swa choosing.
that 10 why I was planced to learn recearly that South Forse will send a
10,000== Kerean Poace Corpo to South Vietnam by the and of sext year to assist
is promoting the social and assusate development of that war-tern country. It 10
said that ultimately shio Kereau Face Corps will number 20,000.
It also use assounced secontly that abre then hall of the South Vistamuses army
(MM/D)
9
afforts.
la addition, the Administration has just undartaken a thorough reorgenization
of our AID [email protected] is South Vistnam.
These mores, 11 they prova productive, are the basic on which passe and
progress can be ashieved in Vistame. These are hopeful vigns.
But do not be deceived. Right now " are art vinning what 1 sell "the other
wer"oothe program of pacification. In areas presumably under government control,
the Visteons moves beck in at aight and takes STAT.
Our best hope for withdrawal of v.s. forees from Visiton lise in the success
of the pasification program.
If it doas not recesse, it maans nothing for the Baited States and six other
nations to next at Meaila and pladge a withdrawal of allied forces from Vietnam
once aggreesion correo and violance subsides.
If the pecification program fails, u.s. withdrawsl from Victage would seen
result is a takeover of the country by the Victoras,
1 have touched on seas hardware issues here today. Your impression may be
that the V.S. government is so beset with problems both foreign and domestic that
- don't know which way to ours.
You and I would all despeir if - didn't fully approciate the strength and
the vision of the American people.
Us know that our nation is strong and vital, its people rugges and persevering,
its character ons of indemitable and above all a serving sease of hunor.
All this plus & form of government unnatched in the history of mankins!
and we know that whatever the crisis, our Nation will provail because its people
are villing to take up the toreh of servifice and to stred up for freeion. Dark zen!
++++
GERALD
LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY AT 10 A.M., wednesday. DECEMBER 14, 1966
note: Same
ADDRESS BY REP, GERALD R. FORD (R-MICH.)
speech given
MINORITY LEADER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
places
AT FAIRLEIGH-DICKENSON UNIVERSITY, RUTHERFORD, N. J.
DEC. 8, 1966
SPEECH
"INSIGHT INTO COMPLEX ISSUES OF THE DAY"
I have set myself a formidable task--to discuss with you the complex issues
of the day.
The American people today have many concerns, many problems, and they are
indeed complex.
Many of these concerns were dramatised as issues in the 1966 election campaign.
I shall seek to discuss these issues as I see them. If at times I seem partisan,
it is not with deliberate intent. It is simply a reflection of my own views on
these critical issues.
What are the major issues of the day? Chiefly, they are inflation, the outlook
for the economy, success or failure in the war on poverty, how best to deal with
the persistent urban problems of air and water pollution, mass transit, traffic
congestion, and rising crime rates, how best to achieve equal rights for all our
citizens, how to bring the Vietnam War to an honorable conclusion while thwarting
Communist aggression and expansion in Southeast Asia.
Perhaps I can shed some light on these problems for you. I will try.
Americans this year have been very much concerned about a disturbing rise FORD
CRALD
LIBRARY
the cost of living. Slice them any way you like, these sharp price increases add
"In inflation We the dactmiation at stahility
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS - TO BE GIVEN BEFORE CONTEXT OF SPEECH
PAGE 1A
Ladies and gentlemen:
greatest four States and on The
It is wonderful to be in Ohio, one of the great states of the Midwest and & neighbor
campus of oneform finest Y nworke
of my Home State of Michigan. I am a little surprised at your warm welcome, however,
considering the fact that the school where I played my college football gave Ohio State a
few lumps this year. But, of course, thisgridirm result has been reversed many ony on occasion, too. in recent you
I am honored to be here, and I I was flattered by being invited to appear
on a Distinguished Speakers Series.
This reminds me of the PTA President who recently wrote and asked me to speak to her
group. In her letter of invitation, she added: "I realize you are very busy, so if you
can't accept we will understand.
We have had very distinguished speakers up to now."
have
I didn't quite know how to take that, but I was very glad to take the opportunity of
1
1
on this campus
speaking to you people today.
This is my 3rd speaking appearance since the Nov. 8 election. As you know, I am
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. In the flush of the Republican gain of
47 seats in the House, I feel compelled to comment that I am now more of a leader and
less of a minority.
The Republican cause is looking up, Plan, because top comedians like Bob Hope now
are using us for some of their gags. When the comedians ignore us, heaven help us!
-
But right now our Nielsen rating is up, and Republican National Chairman Ray Bliss--
an illustrious product of the Buckeye State--deserves a good slice of the credit.
In the last two years--since being elected Minority Leader of the House--I have made
nearl y 400 speeches, most of them impromptu.
One night after I had delivered a talk at a political fund-raising dinner, a woman
came up to me and asked if she could have a copy of my speech. I told her I was sorry but
I didn't have a prepared text.
"Oh, I see," she said. Then, after a moment of thought, she asked: "Do you think
your speech will ever be published?" Feeling a big mischievous, I replied, "Maybe
posthumously," "Good," she said, "I hope that will be soon."
If my speech here today is ever published, I hope I will live to see it.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
( INTO MAIN TEXT)