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Booster Club, May 4, 1965
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Booster Club, May 4, 1965
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Speeches
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Republican National Committee (U.S.)
U.S. Congress. 1789-
Education
Federal aid
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Right to labor
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1965
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1965
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The original documents are located in Box D18, folder "Booster Club, May 4, 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D18 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
may 4,1965
This is Mel Laird talking to you from Washington. I'm very sorry that
circumstances committee prevented my being with exicutive you in Chinago today D but the House appro.
in
Jense
of Representatives today is the Labor and ealth on and
1968.
one of the three Republican
Welfare Appropriation bill Because I am the ranking minority by member of
the Committee which handles this bill, it is necessary for me to manage
berein the Whekneton
bill for the minority and control debate on our side
I am particularay pleased that wer were able to work out this telephone
here in the Capitol
hook-wp because I know of nothing more important for the Republican cause
in 1966 than the work the Congressional Boosters Club is attempting to do.
I don't think I have to tell you how vitally important two party government
is in this country or that at this particular moment in our history we are
1
dangerously close to real one-party government with all the pitfalls that
entails. Nothing is more inportant for the country than the restoration of
a strong, viable and dynamic two party system. It goes without saying yhat
the keystone of that restoration is the rebuilding of the Republican Party
in the Congress of the United States. That has to be done in 1966.
That is the first order of business for our party, and its my understanding
following
that the next order of business on your agenda waite is to discuss in some
detail the Congressional Boosters Club and what it is gding to try to
fn the Republism Parts
accomplish with your help.
I can't stress to heavily the importance of the role you will be asked
to play in the rebuilding of our party and I know that Bob Wisson will cmme
back with a report that today's lunch was the most successful in the brief
history of the Congressional Boosters Club. Thank you for listeningxawdxemeaz
again
ur the leader in
FORD & LISRARY CERALD
BOOSTER CLUB SPEECH OUTLINE
(Informal opening)
At the half-way point in this 89th Congress, I have some first-hand
observations to make about the record that's been made 80 far.
I agree with our friend Bob Wilson, the Republican Congressional
Committee chairman, who says there is a dangerous mood in the House and
Senate.
The idea among Democrats poons to be---- do what the President asks
The a Charle
and don't argue. As Bob points out, the President with his huge Democratic
majorities is turning Congress into a rubber stamp. Charled N day their hub
Republicans here on Capitol Hill and elsewhere think the American
public deserves something better than the wasteful haste this Democrat-
controlled Congress has shown since Jenuary.
No longer is Congress given an opportunity to take a long, deliberate
look at important legislation. The medicare bill is a good example. One of
the most important pieces of legislation in 30 years, the bill was
ram-rodded through the House without hearings. Republican efforts to
improve the legislation were completely muffled by the loud trumpeting
from the White House.
The present Congress so far reminds me of the baseball team that has a
3
high batting average but an overall record of mediocracy.
Let me give you a good illustration of poor quality in the legislation
that has sailed through this Congress under Democrat control.
-more-
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
BOOSTER CLUB SPEECH OUTLINE
&
The Johnson Administration's federal aid-to-education bill is a
glaring example of wasteful haste on the part of Congress. It is full
of imperfections and it raises more questions than it answers.
The proposal--- as it came from the White House and as it was rammed
through Congress--- sidestepped three basic questions.
1. It fails to decide whether federal aid is THE answer to obtaining
quality education from kindergarten through college.
2. There 1s no answer to the critical, controversial issue of church
and state.
3. The cost of the program---- $1,300,000,000
This bill is extremely wasteful and inequitable in that it gives millions
of dollars to the wealthiest counties and virtually ignores the pocrest areas.
The only Way to improve legislation is the restoration of proper balance
in Congress. At present the White House absolutely controls two-thirds of
the House and Senate membership. This situation must be remedied.
Our Nation for almost 200 years grew and prospered because of a balance
in government--- a strong Congress*** a strong President- a strong
Supreme Court.
We no longer have an independent Legislative branch. Neither do we have
an effective two-party system.
Congress is a pawn in the hands of the White House. More than 50 percent
of the members are puppets that the President pulls and dangles on political
strings as he sees fit.
If we are to restore balance in government...if we are to adequately
GERALD
protect all segments of our society... we must re-establish the independence
of the Congress. This can be accomplished in the next election on Nov. 8, 1966.
BOOSTER CLUB SPEECH NOTES
-3-
The Congress by tradition has worked its independent will on foreign
and domestic problems. Over the years, the House and Senate have been
partners in America's progress. Today, a majority of the Congress is
far too subservient to the dictates of the White House.
This imbalance can---and must---be remedied before it is too late.
The election of 78 new Republicans, plus the re-election of our
small but unified band of 140 in the House is essential. To accomplish
this we need your help. I am happy to tell you that in all parts of the
country such help is evident.
In the meantime, we will be working---earning the respect of voters
in all 50 states.
As Republicans we will oppose the Johnson Administration when its
aims and methods are wrong. We will offer constructive alternatives to
the unworkable and expensive programs spawned by the Administration and
adopted without thought or debate by the Democrats.
We are victory-minded, dedicated to preserving this Democracy, and
working hard to be a forceful, optimistic, united and articulate majority
in the face of overwhelming present odds.
GERALD
INSERT (Government speech)
"EDUCATION"
The federal school aid bill, which will cost $1.3 billion in the first
year of operation, is a good example of the silence imposed on the
elected representatives on Capitol Hill.
House Republicans prepared 29 amendments each aimed at making the
proposed legislation more sensible, more meaningful and more within
the guidelines of the Constitution.
Of these, four were debated only five minutes and 14 were allowed
no debate. Authors of the latter amendments were given no opportunity
to explain them to their colleagues.
The silent treatment was given to several amendments that would have
concentrated $200 million in federal funds on the education needs of
economically-deprived children.
The silent treatment was ordered for another amendment requiring
state approval of supplementary educational centers to assure coordination
of Federal activities with state plans and policies.
FORD is LIBRARY DERALD
-more-
education INSERT
-2-
The silent treatment was given to an amendment demanding that Federally-
financed local education centers be conducted in accordance with state law.
The silent treatment was given to an amendment to remove the Federal
government from involvement in buying textbooks.
The silent treatment was given to an amendment that would remove Federal
standards of approval for local educational centers.
The silent treatment prevented exhaustive debate on at least three vital
and controversial issues involved in the education bill.
*Silenced in effect was the issue of state and church.
* Silenced was the vital issue of spending $1.3 billion from the
federal treasury in one year.
* Silenced for all intent and purpose was debate on the fundamental
issue of federal aid itself.
The muting of open debate falls short of serving the American people!
# # #
INSERT 14-B
One of the most brazen uses of gag rule was the restriction clamped
on debate of the proposal to repeal the right-to-work law---
more formally known as Section 14-B of the Taft-Hartley Act.
By the use of raw power---284 on one side of the House aisle versus
1411 on our side-- debate was severely limited. At the same time
and by the identical method, any opportunity tooffer meaningful
amendments was blocked.
Action by the Administration-controlled House ignored public opinion.
*
All the national polls consistently indicated most Americans favor
the right of each state to outlaw compulsory unionism.
The House in voting to repeal Section 14-B---failed to consider
proposals based on effective safeguards aimed at protecting the basic
rights of workers.
It failed to seriously consider outlawing the use of union dues
or assessments for political purposes. It failed to prohibit
unions from discriminating on account of race, color, or creed.
-more-
INSERT 14-B (2)
The House failed to have extended and searching debate on
a proposal that would have allowed thousands of workers to
make a free choice without being forced to choose between
their jobs, food and shelter for their families, and their
religious convictions.
American owes a debt of gratitude to Senator Everett Dirksen
for his courageous battle to have extended debate on Section
14-B of the Taft-Hartley Act.
For thus the issues--and all the issues--are discussed
in public forum....The American people deserve to be witness
to this kind of responsible dialogue in the Congress!
# # #
Tired American Speaks Out
guriet
S9-01
The following editorial, by Alan McIntosh, is reprinted
from the Rock County Herald, Luverne, Minnesota.
I
AM a tired American.
who see no evil in Castro, but sneer at President
I'm tired of being called the ugly American.
Johnson as a threat to peace.
I'm tired of having the world panhandlers use
I am a tired American-who has lost all patience
my country as a whipping boy 365 days a year.
with that civil rights group which is showing propa-
I am a tired American-weary of having Ameri-
ganda movies on college campuses from coast to
can embassies and information centers stoned,
coast. Movies denouncing the United States. Movies
made in Communist China.
burned, and sacked by mobs operating under orders
from dictators who preach peace and breed conflict.
I am a tired American-who is angered by the
I am a tired American-weary of being lectured
self-righteous breastbeater critics of America, at
by General De Gaulle (who never won a battle) who
home and abroad, who set impossible yardsticks for
poses as a second Jehovah in righteousness and
the United States but never apply the same stand-
wisdom.
ards to the French, the British, the Russians, the
Chinese.
I am a tired American-weary of Nasser and all
I am a tired American-sickened by the slack-
the other blood-sucking leeches who bleed Uncle Sam
jawed bigots who wrap themselves in bed-sheets in
white and who kick him on the shins and yank his
the dead of night and roam the country-side looking
beard if the flow falters.
for innocent victims.
I am a tired American who dislikes clergymen
I am a tired American-weary of the beatniks
who have made a career out of integration causes,
who say they should have the right to determine
yet send their own children to private schools.
what laws of the land they are willing to obey.
I am a tired American who resents those who
I am a tired American-fed up with the mobs
try to peddle the belief in schools and colleges that
of scabby faced, long-haired youths and short-haired
capitalism is a dirty word and that free enterprise
girls who claim they represent the "new wave" of
and private initiative are only synonyms for greed.
America and who sneer at the old-fashioned virtues
They say they hate capitalism, but they are al-
of honesty, integrity, and morality on which America
ways right at the head of the line demanding their
grew to greatness.
share of the American way of life.
I am a tired American-weary unto death of
I am a tired American-real tired of those who
having my tax dollars go to dictators who play both
sides against the middle with threats of what will
are trying to sell me the belief that America is not
happen if we cut off the golden stream of dollars.
the greatest nation in all the world-a generous
hearted nation-a nation dedicated to the policy
I am a tired American-who is tired of sup-
of trying to help the "have nots" achieve some of
porting families who haven't known any other source
the good things that our system of free enterprise
of income other than Government relief checks for
brought about.
three generations.
I am an American who gets a lump in his throat
I am a tired American-who is getting madder
when he hears the "Star Spangled Banner" and who
by the minute at the filth peddlers who have launch-
holds back tears when he hears those chilling high
ed Americans in an obscenity race-who try to foist
notes of the brassy trumpets when Old Glory reaches
on us the belief that filth is an integral part of
the top of the flag pole.
culture-in the arts, the movies, literature, the stage.
I am a tired American who thanks a merciful
I am a tired American-weary of the bearded
Lord that he was so lucky to be born an American
bums who tramp the picket lines and the sit-ins-
citizen-a nation under God, with truly mercy and
who prefer Chinese communism to capitalism-
justice for all.
College
-1-
When Benjamin Franklin was told that the war for independence
was over, he said, "The war of the revolution is over-- the
war
for independence has yet to be fought."
personal
That's where we are today. The war for/Andspendence has still to be
fought. I emphasize the word "personal."
It is not always easy for one generation to speak to another.
In this instance, communication is a matter of necessity. We
have something to say to you. And, I'm sure you have much you can
tell us.
This war for personal independence is one that must be fought
by all of us. The future of the Republic as we know it
rides on the outcome. It is not an easy battle we face. It
grows more formidible by the day.
In preparing for it, we can recall what Theodore Roosevelt told us:
GERALD
-more-
College
&
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win florious triumphs,
even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor
spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the
grey twilight that knows no victory or defeat."
In daring to fight for personal independence we face obstandes
on many sides.
The force of government is now directed more fully toward the
security of the weak than the encouragement of the strong.
Potomac paternalism is giving us a welfare state. There is far too
little concern for the state of the general welfare.
disobedience
Civil
shatters the tranquility of the land. Pickets
march in front of the White House carrying plecards asking "why die
for Viet Nam Draft cards are burned in defiance of the law.
Unwashed terrorists living their personal jungle code churn
chaotic disorder in communities, resorts, in our great cities.
Some parents go to court œfending their children's refusal to salute
the Flag.
College
-3-
The United States Military Academy found it necessary to place a
sign beside its parade grounds reminding spectators that it is
customary for men to remove their hats when the Flag passes by.
Irresponsible dissenters fling themselves on railroad tracks
seeking to halt troop trains. Young men pretend to be
imbeciles hoping to stay out of uniform.
FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover warns that peddlers of Communism
are aiming their sales spiel at American youth, mainly on college
and university campuses.
The cynics ask "what can you do for me?" rather than "What
can I do for you?" They jeer at the old-fashioned ideas of honesty,
loyalty, courage and thrift. They see an honest man as either a
fool or a liar. Their cry is "let somebody else do it!" If they
can't win, they figure there is no point in trying.
GERALD AUVASIA
On the other side of the battlefield where we must fight for
personal independence are those who always tear down and never
build up... who knock, belittle, down-grade.
College
4-
Among the forces we face in our fight for personal independance
are the advocates of centralized big government.
They believe that we cannot depend upon the individual to take
care of himself. They promote the idea of government planning
and controlling individual lives.
They allege that a Constitutional Republic is NO+ the best
ridicule
form of government for the UnitedStates. They the
thought that man is essentially a spiritual being.
"The majority should rule over what is right!" they cry.
I have given you a profile of the forces who would defeat us
in the battle for personal independence. I have tried to
define them... to pinpoint them.
The question then is how shall we fight?
First, we should try to "dare mighty things," as Theadore Roosevelt
advised us.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
more
College
-5-
XE Become participants, not spectators, in politics, in community
life, in the world around us. Those who sit in the grandstand
and on the sidelines criticizing without participating do little
to help solve the problems of our time.
By being a citizen-participant, you develop a loyalty to your
community, your city, your county, your state and your Nation.
This loyalty is basic to person service and community improvment.
Patriotism in action demands loyalty to a philosophy, to a set of
ideals, It begins where you are wherever you are.... on a college
campus, at home, at work.
Give purpose and direction to your role as a citizen by chosing
a political party...after careful study of the philosophies of
each. Perhaps, you will switch your alliances. This is a choice
independence
under freedom the for which we must fight.
-more-
FORD 3 LIBRARY GERALD
College
-6-
In fighting what Benjamin Franklin described as the war for
independence, I believe we must all work toward a strong
two-party system and a meaningful balance in government.
These goals must be achieved if our Republic is to exist and to
be strengthened.
A strong two-party system is bedrock assurance that our Democracy
will survive, prosper, grow and help others in the world to accept
their roles in the society of free nations.
A crushing over-balance of strength in either party for too long a
time makes a mockery of our traditions in government. weakens and
softens the voices of the people and places control in the hands
of a comparatively small majority.
Unfortunately for the country today, one political party has
heavy-handed control of national government with a 2 to 1 majority
in the Congress and awesome strength in the Executive branch.
GERALD
pmore-
College
÷
Xfxxx
Iron-fisted control by one party is reflected in an imbalance 01
government in the three branches of government.
I believe that if any branch becomes too strong or too weak the
foundations of our Republic will crack. our freedom will be threatened.
Without speaking on a partisan basis, I can say with complete candor
that there is imbalance in government today.
The first session of the 89th Congress reflects the results of one
party having 2 to 1 control and possession of the White House.
Although some meritorãous and needed legislation was adopted, Congress
too often acted hastily, blindly, and indiscriminately to be in fact
a satellite of the President and a rubber stamp for White House
proposals.
There is bi-partisan concern about the present imbalance in the
Congress
the legisiative branch.
ANDUS. GERALD
-more-
College
-8-
Senator Mike Mansfield, the Democrat leader, hasconfessed serious
deficiencies in laws enacted by Congress this yeat.
He has said that during the second session Congress should--in his words-
"spend less time on new legislation and more time correcting oversights
in legislation we have just passed."
The distinguished Senate Majority Leader also said Congress "must tighten
up the hasy enactments and must eliminate from some of the new Slaws
" a number of gaps and any number of rough edges, over-extensions and
over-laps."
With his own party dominating Congress, the President has even greater
power in his hands. The Executive branch includes a huge mass of
personnel more than five million, including the military services.
Casting aside partisan politics, I believe that the Nation MISSEX should
carefully observe the President's use of his power,
which already is
reflected in the operations of the Congress.
-more-
College
-9-
With too much power comes the possibility of stifling freedom
and gagging the American people by crushing the rights of States
to govern themselves.
The tenacles of federal paternalism and control now reach into almost
every community in America. This is a dangerous trend. It threatens
the personal independence of every person. It must be stopped and
reversed.
Reflecting on the duties and obligations of the third branch of
government, it can be said that the Federal Judiciary's function is to
interpret the Constitution and the laws.
There is evidence that the Judicial Branch is arbitraily pushing its
way to new positions of authority, disregarding the wise suggestions of
judicial restraint made by the late Justice Felix Frankfurter and others.
When the Supreme Court ordered states to resportion on the "one-man, one-vote"
concept, Justice Frankfurter in a dissenting opinion criticised the
Court for assuming in his words "destructively novel judicial power."
-more-
College
-10-
Justice Frankfurter emphasized that the Supreme Court's authority---
possessed neither of the purse nor the sword-=ultimately rests on
sustained public confidence in its moral sanction.
Certainly if the high tribunal assumes "destructively novel judicial
power" public confidence could be weakened....and thus would come
even more imbalance in the branches of government.
In conclusion, I can say that I have great confidence in the young
people of America today.
You are obtaining the power of knowledge. You are showing your
readiness to accept challenges as loyal citizens. You have imagination,
eagreness to learn, a willingness to sacrifice, areadiness to accept new
ideas with open minds, self confidence, and loyalty.
You will, I'm sure, help win the battle for personal independence...
a challenging task in an exciting, turbulent, demanding and changing
world.
Thank you.
# #