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The original documents are located in Box D21, folder "Young Republican National
Leadership Training School, Washington, DC, February 15, 1967" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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
ADDRESS BEFORE YOUNG REPUBLICAN NATL. LDRSP. TRAINING SCHOOL
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15,1967
AS YOU KNOW, I AM THE REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE HOUSE.
AND I NOW HAVE A CLEAR MANDATE BECAUSE I WAS REELECTED
UNANIMOUSLY LAST MONTH.
(GRIN)
SO NATURALLY YOU
EXPECT SOME ADVICE FROM ME.
YOU HEAR A LOT A LOT OF ADVICE THESE DAYS IN MANY
PLACES...FROM THE WHITE HOUSE, IN CONGRESS, FROM FULBRIGHT,
FROM HANOI. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN!
----
(GRIN)
NOT ALL ADVICE IS APPRECIATED, OF COURSE. THE OTHER
DAY IN A RESTAURANT, A WOMAN, HER SON AND HER HUSBAND WERE
ENGAGED IN CONVERSATION. THE MOTHER LOOKED AT HER SON--
A MAN IN HIS VERY LATE TWENTIES--WITH PRIDE; BUT THE FATHER KORARY
WAS COMPLAINING IN A VOICE THAT CARRIED FAR.
GERAL
-2-
THE MAN, ADDRESSING HIS REMARKS TO HIS SON, SAID:
"SO, MAMA AND I SCRIMPED AND SAVED TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY
TO SEND YOU THROUGH MEDICAL SCHOOL
YOU GRADUATED AND
NOW YOU'RE A DOCTOR. SO WHAT DO YOU DO IN RETURN FOR
OUR SACRIFICES? YOU JUST SIT THERE AND TELL ME TO STOP
SMOKING!"
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ALSO HAS ADVICE---IT'S
PRINTED IN SOMEWHAT STERN LANGUAGE ON INCOME TAX RETURN
FORMS. IN A SMALL BLOCK OF SPACE THERE IS THE WARNING---
DO NOT WRITE HERE!--AND, I'M TOLD THAT MANY AMERICANS
EACH YEAR--IN BOLD AND COURAGE OUS SCRAWL-PEN THIS
MESSAGE IN RETURN: "I'LL WRITE ANYWHERE 1 PLEASE!"
AT ANY RATE, I DO HAVE SOME ADVICE FOR YOU AND
I
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
HOPE IT MAKES SENSE AND WILL BE ACCEPTED BY YOU AS YOUNG
REPUBLICANS.
IN BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY MUST
EARN THE TRUST AND RESPECT OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.
THIS IS NOT A TIME TO STUMBLE, OR TO FALTER, OR TO
FEAR TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY.
YOUNG REPUBLICANS--ALL REPUBLICANS--CAN TAKE A LESSON
FROM EMERSON, WHO SAID: "THEY CONQUER WHO BELIEVE THEY CAN."
YOU, AS YOUNG REPUBLICANS, HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN
BUILDING OUR PARTY TO A POSITION OF STRENGTH.
THERE IS A STRONG NEED FOR THE IMAGINATION, TALENT,
ENERGY AND THE WILL TO WORK OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
SPECIFICALLY, WHAT CAN A YOUNG REPUBLICAN DO FOR THE
PARTY?
1.
STUDY THE HISTORY OF REPUBLICANISM, THE PARTY'S
-4-
BASIC PHILOSOPHY AND THE RELEVANCY OF ITS PRINCIPLES TO
TODAY'S WORLD.
2. VOLUNTEER TO WORK FOR THE PARTY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
IN A DEDICATED WAY.
3. DISCUSS POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT WITH OTHER YOUNG
PEOPLE SELL THEM; SELL THEM ON THE REPUBLICAN PHILOSOPHY
AND ADD MEMBERS TO OUR RANKS. BECOME MISSIONARIES IN THE
REPUBLICAN CAUSE. TO DO THAT YOU MUST KNOW THE REPUBLICAN
GOSPEL. ----
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WAS FOUNDED IN 1854 AS A CITIZENS
FORCE FOR POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
IN THE HEAT AND DUST OF JULY, MEN TRAVELED BY TRAIN
IN CARRIAGES--ON HORSEBACK--AND MANY WALKED--TO THE LITTLE
-5-
TOWN OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN, INSPIRED BY A COMMON CAUSE AND
COMMON IDEAL.
THEY WERE SELFLESS MEN. THEY WERE INSPIRED MEN.
THEY GATHERED IN PROTEST AGAINST A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
WHICH HAD REFUSED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE TIMES.
THEY PROTESTED AGAINST PROGRAMS AND POLICIES WHICH
SUBSTITUTED STATUS QUO FOR PROGRESS--WHICH CLUNG TO THE
PAST INSTEAD OF LOOKING AHEAD.
THEY PROTESTED AGAINST NEGATIVISM. THEY WANTED A
POSITIVE APPROACH TO THE FUTURE WHICH BECKONED TO AMERICA--
BUT WHICH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THAT DAY REFUSED TO
RECOGNIZE.
THEY WANTED OPPORTUNITY--ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL AND
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL CITIZENS.
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
-6-
SLAVERY WASN'T THE ONLY BURNING ISSUE OF THE DAY.
THERE WAS THE QUESTION OF OPENING UP THE WEST--OF NEW
ECONOMIC AREAS TO BE EXPLORED AND DEVELOPED--OF
INDUSTRIALIZATION--OF GIVING AN ALERT AND EAGER CITIZENRY
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FUTURE-OF ORGANIZING GOVERNMENTAL
PROCESSES TO BETTER SERVE THE PEOPLE.
THIS WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY--
AND THIS WAS THE GREAT GIFT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TO
THE NATION.
THE HANDFUL OF MEN WHO MET AT JACKSON, MICHIGAN,
DEDICATED THEMSELVES TO MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF THE
FUTURE, TO BUILDING A BETTER AMERICA.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
THEY GREW IN NUMBERS BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WANTED A NEW
AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN GOVERNMENT--ONE WHICH FACED UP TO
-7-
PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF RUNNING AWAY FROM THEM--ONE WHICH
EMPHASIZED INDIVIDUAL WORTH AND INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY AND
WHICH CREATED THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH AN INDIVIDUAL
COULD HAVE FULL OPPORTUNITY.
THIS CONCEPT, BASED ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES--THE CONCEPT
THAT FREE MEN CAN GOVERN THEMSELVES SUCCESSFULLY AND
ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY WHICH PROVIDES FULL OPPORTUNITY FOR
EACH INDIVIDUAL--IS STILL THE MOST REVOLUTIONARY POLITICAL
DOCTRINE OF ALL TIMES.
IT IS UNDER CONSTANT CHALLENGE.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
THE LATE JUSTICE LOUIS BRANDEIS ONCE SAID THAT THE
GREATEST RIGHT CONFERRED ON THE PEOPLE BY THE CONSTITUTION
OF THE UNITED STATES IS THE RIGHT TO BE LET ALONE.
-8-
THERE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT SOMEHOW THE CONSTITUTION
OF THE UNITED STATES CONFERS THE RIGHT TO MEDDLE.
THE RIGHT TO BE LET ALONE MUST BE DEFENDED AND PROMOTED
WITH REVOLUTIONARY ZEAL DAY IN AND DAY OUT AGAINST THE
MEDDLERS.
TODAY--AS PERHAPS NEVER BEFORE-THE RIGHT TO BE LET
ALONE IS BEING THREATENED.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNISM IS OUT TO PROVE THAT ITS SYSTEM
OF A TIGHTLY CONTROLLED ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL
SYSTEM IS SUPERIOR TO OURS.
GERALD FORD
THE BEST--THE ONLY REAL--ANSWER TO THE COMMUNISTS IS
TO PROVE THAT OUR SYSTEM TRULY WORKS TO PROVIDE GREATER
SPIRITUAL, MORAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE PEOPLE.
-9-
THE GREATEST PRODUCTIVE FORCE IN THE WORLD IS THE
TALENT, THE IMAGINATION, THE VITALITY, THE ENERGY, THE
ABILITY, THE DETERMINATION OF INDIVIDUAL HUMAN BEINGS.
THE WHOLE HISTORY OF HUMAN PROGRESS IS ONE OF INDIVIDUAL
SEARCHING, EXPERIMENTATION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT.
THE BASIC PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT IN OUR SYSTEM SHOULD
BE TO CREATE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS GREAT PRODUCTIVE
FORCE OF INDIVIDUAL TALENT, IMAGINATION, VITALITY, ENERGY,
ABILITY AND DETERMINATION CAN BE EMPLOYED TO BUILD A BETTER
SOCIETY.
GOVERNMENT ACTION WHICH SEEKS TO CONTROL, DIRECT AND
HAMPER THE INDIVIDUAL IS WORSE THAN WRONG--IT IS IMMORAL
WHEN MEASURED AGAINST OUR BASIC CONCEPTS.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
-10-
FOR FAR TOO LONG, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS BEEN IN
THE POLITICAL POSITION OF THE "OUTS"--THE PARTY OF OPPOSITION
WE HAVE LET OUR POLITICAL OPPONENTS LEAD, THEN HAVE EITHER
SAID "NO" OR COMPROMISED ON HALF A LOAF.
TODAY, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY CAN UNIQUELY SERVE THE
CAUSE OF FREEDOM EVERYWHERE AND REAFFIRM THE STRENGTH
OF AMERICA WITH A POSITIVE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEMS FACING
THE NATION.
I WOULD DEFINE THE GOALS OF A POSITIVE REPUBLICAN
APPROACH IN THESE TERMS:
--TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL THROUGH
AN ECONOMIC SYSTEM IN WHICH EVERY CITIZEN CAN WIN JUST
REWARDS FOR HIS IDEAS, HIS ABILITY AND HIS ENERGY;
GERALD FORD MERARY
-11-
--TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE ACTIONS
WHICH RESULT IN ECONOMIC EXPANSION AND ECONOMIC GAIN FOR ALL;
--TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY THROUGH THE BEST EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM THAT WE CAN BRING INTO BEING IN AN ERA WHEN SOCIETY
DEMANDS TECHNICAL SKILLS AND THE UNSKILLED AND UNTRAINED
WIND UP AS STATISTICS IN THE RANKS OF THE CHRONICALLY
UNEMPLOYED;
--TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRULY IN
NEED AND REQUIRE HELP.
TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, WE MUST THINK IN TERMS OF WHAT IS
BEST FOR THE NATION AS A WHOLE. WE CANNOT AND MUST NOT
THINK IN TERMS OF GROUPS AND CLASSES AND ECONOMIC SEGMENTS.
THIS REQUIRES CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC PROBLEMS IN TERMS
OF THE ENLIGHTENED SELF-INTEREST OF ALL CITIZENS--NOT THE
-12-
SELFISH SELF-INTEREST OF POWERFUL CLIQUES AND SELF-SERVING
ORGANIZATIONS.
IT REQUIRES A REVERSAL OF THE TREND TOWARD A BIGGER
AND MORE POWERFUL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, FEEDING
ITSELF ON THE "SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY" PHILOSOPHY AND
SNEAKING AWAY A LARGER AND LARGER SHARE OF AN INDIVIDUALS
PRODUCTION THROUGH TAXES.
IT REQUIRES AN END TO THE BELIEF THAT GOVERNMENT PRODUCES
ANYTHING, AND THAT BIGGER GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND BIGGER
GOVERNMENT DEFICITS SOMEHOW GUARANTEE PROSPERITY FOR ALL.
IT REJECTS A TAX INCREASE OFFERED IN PREFERENCE TO A
CUT IN THE BUDGET--AND WHICH RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS WHEN
YOU PONDER ITS POSSIBLE IMPACT.
-13-
IT TURNS ITS BACK ON GOVERNMENT ACTION PREDICATED ON
THE PAST--A "GREAT SOCIETY" DREAM WHICH FALLS FAR SHORT
OF REALITY BECAUSE IT SPRINGS FROM THE TIRED THEORIES OF
THE THIRTIES.
THE WHOLE TROUBLE WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS THAT IT
HAS NEVER RECOVERED FROM 1933. THIRTY-FOUR YEARS LATER,
ITS BASIC ATTITUDE AND BASIC APPROACH REMAIN UNCHANGED
DESPITE THE EMERGENCE OF NEW PROBLEMS WHICH DEMAND NEW
ANSWERS.
THESE TROUBLED TIMES DEMAND OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
THAT IT MEASURE UP TO ITS GREAT HERITAGE.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
I BELIEVE THE 1966 ELECTIONS MARKED A TURNING POINT IN
AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY. IN MY VIEW, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
-14-
REPUDIATED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND ITS DEPRESSION ERA
POLITICS AND BEGAN LOOKING TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FOR
ANSWERS.
THE REPUBLICAN ANSWER IS FEDERAL TAX-SHARING, GIVING
THE STATES AND CITIES A PERCENTAGE SLICE OF THE FEDERAL
INCOME TAX TAKE WITHOUT STRINGS. THIS IS THE WAY TO
REBUILD STATE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS THE WAY TO CURE THE
ILLS OF THE CITIES, THIS IS THE WAY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND
BUILD GOOD GOVERNMENT AT EVERY LEVEL--LOCAL, STATE AND
FEDERAL.
A RECENT GALLUP POLL SHOWS THAT SEVEN OUT OF 10
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
AMERICANS FAVOR FEDERAL TAX-SHARING. REPUBLICANS HAVE
TAKEN THE LEAD IN PROMOTING THIS PROPOSAL. THERE WILL BE
MORE CONVERTS TO FEDERAL TAX-SHARING AS THE WORD SPREADS.
-15-
FEDERAL TAX-SHARING HAS OVERWHELMING REPUBLICAN SUPPORT
BECAUSE IT GOES DIRECTLY TO A BASIC PHILOSOPHIC DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES.
THE DEMOCRATS BELIEVE IN FEDERAL SOLUTIONS, DICTATED
FROM WASHINGTON. REPUBLICANS HAVE FAITH IN THE ENERGIES
AND INITIATIVE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, OF CIVIC-
MINDED INDIVIDUALS AND FOUNDATIONS, AND OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
FOR INSTANCE, REPUBLICANS BELIEVE IT IS BECAUSE THESE
ENERGIES ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TAPPED THAT WE ARE LOSING THE
WAR ON POVERTY. WE BELIEVE A REPUBLICAN-DIRECTED POVERTY
WAR WOULD SUCCEED BECAUSE WE WOULD DRAW UPON ALL OF THE
NATION'S RESOURCES--PRIVATE AS WELL AS GOVERNMENTAL--TO
GAIN VICTORY OVER MISERY AND WANT.
GERALD
-16-
THESE ARE POSITIVE SOLUTIONS. THESE ARE REPUBLICAN
SOLUTIONS. ALL WE NEED IS A CHANCE TO MAKE THEM WORK.
WHAT WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT HERE--JUST AS THE FOUNDERS
OF OUR PARTY DID IN 1854--IS BELIEF IN THE INDIVIDUAL
AMERICAN AND FAITH THAT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN
REALLY DO A JOB IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
THIS IS THE CONCEPT OF FREE CHOICE--OF NEW OPPORTUNITY--
SO NOBLY EXPOUNDED IN 1854. TODAY'S REPUBLICANS MUST FIGHT
TO PRESERVE AND EXTEND IT. TO US FALLS THE TASK OF CHARTING
NEW DIRECTIONS FOR AMERICA, NEW PATHS TO PROGRESS THROUGH
NEW AND POSITIVE POLICIES.
THIS IS THE CHALLENGE FACING US. THIS IS THE CHALLENGE
WE MUST BE READY AND EAGER TO MEET IF WE ARE TO RENDER THE
GREATEST POSSIBLE SERVICE TO OUR NATION. ----THANK YOU!----
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY AT 10:30 A.M., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1967
ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH
BEFORE THE YOUNG REPUBLICAN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHOOL
AT THE SHERATON PARK HOTEL, WASHINGTON, D. C.
In building for the future the Republican Party must earn the trust and respect
of millions of Americans.
This is not a time to stumble, or to falter, or to fear to accept responsibility.
Young Republicans--all Republicans--can take a lesson from Emerson, who said,
"They conquer who believe they can."
You, as Young Republicans, have an important role in building our Party to a
position of strength.
There is a strong need for the imagination, talent, energy and the will to
work of young people.
Specifically, what can a Young Republican do for the Party?
1. Study the history of Republicanism, the Party's basic philosophy and
the relevancy of its principles to today's world.
2. Volunteer to work for the Party at the local level in a dedicated way.
3. Discuss politics and government with other young people....Sell them;
sell them on the Republican philosophy and add members to our ranks.
Become missionaries in the Republican cause. To do that you must know
the Republican gospel.
***
The Republican Party was founded in 1854 as a citizens' force for political,
social and economic freedom.
In the heat and dust of July, men traveled by train--in carriages--on horse-
back--and many walked--to the little town of Jackson, Michigan, inspired by a common
cause and common ideal.
They were selfless men. They were inspired men.
They gathered in protest against the political parties of that day and against
a Federal government which had refused to meet the challenges of the times.
They protested against programs and policies which substituted status quo for
progress--which clung to the past instead of looking ahead.
They protested against negativism. They wanted a positive approach to the
future which beckoned to America--but which the Federal government in that day refused
to recognize.
They wanted opportunity--economic and political and social opportunity for all
citizens.
Slavery wasn't the only burning issue of the day. There was the question of
(MORE)
-2-
opening up the west--of new economic areas to be explored and developed--of industrial-
ization--of giving an alert and eager citizenry opportunity for the future--of
organizing governmental processes to better serve the people.
This was the inspiration for the Republican Party--and this was the great gift
of the Republican Party to the nation.
The handful of men who met at Jackson, Michigan, dedicated themselves to
meeting the challenge of the future, to building a better America.
They grew in numbers because the people wanted a new and positive attitude in
government--one which faced up to problems instead of running away from them--one
which emphasized individual worth and individual dignity and which created the con-
ditions under which an individual could have full opportunity.
This concept, based on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of
the United States--the concept that free men can govern themselves successfully and
establish a community which provides full opportunity for each individual--is still
the most revolutionary political doctrine of all times.
It is under constant challenge.
The late Justice Louis Brandeis once said that the greatest right conferred on
the people by the Constitution of the United States is the right to be let alone.
There are those who believe that somehow the Constitution of the United States
confers the right to meddle.
The right to be let alone must be defended and promoted with revolutionary
zeal day in and day out against the meddlers.
Today--as perhaps never before--the right to be let alone is being threatened.
International communism is out to prove that its system of a tightly con-
trolled economic, political and social system is superior to ours.
The best--the only real--answer to the communists is to prove that our system
truly works to provide greater spiritual, moral and economic opportunity for more
people.
The greatest productive force in the world is the talent, the imagination, the
vitality, the energy, the ability, the determination of individual human beings.
The whole history of human progress is one of individual searching, experimen-
tation and accomplishment.
The basic purpose of government in our system should be to create the conditions
under which this great productive force of individual talent, imagination, vitality,
energy, ability and determination can be employed to build a better society.
Government action which seeks to control, direct and hamper the individual is
worse than wrong--it is immoral when measured against our basic concepts.
For far too long, the Republican Party has been in the political position of
(MORE)
-3-
the "outs" the party of opposition. We have let our political opponents lead, then
either said "no" or compromised on half a loaf.
Today, the Republican Party can uniquely serve the cause of freedom everywhere
and reaffirm the strength of America with a positive approach to the problems facing
the Nation.
I would define the goals of a positive Republican approach in these terms:
*
To provide opportunity for the individual through an economic system in which
every citizen can win just rewards for his ideas, his ability and his energy;
*
To provide opportunity through constructive actions which result in economic
expansion and economic gain for all;
*
To provide opportunity through the best educational system that we can bring
into being in an era when society demands technical skills and the unskilled and
untrained wind up as statistics in the ranks of the chronically unemployed;
*
To provide assistance for those who are truly in need and require help.
To accomplish this, we must think in terms of what is best for the Nation as
a whole. We cannot and must not think in terms of groups and classes and economic
segments.
This requires consideration of public problems in terms of the enlightened
self-interest of all citizens--not the selfish self-interest of powerful cliques and
self-serving organizations.
It requires a reversal of the trend toward a bigger and more powerful Federal
government structure, feeding itself on the "something for everybody" philosophy and
sneaking away a larger and larger share of an individual's production through taxes.
It requires an end to the belief that government produces anything, and that
bigger government spending and bigger government deficits somehow guarantee prosperity
for all.
It rejects a tax increase offered in preference to a cut in the budget--and
which raises serious questions when you ponder its possible impact.
It turns its back on government action predicated on the past--a "Great Society"
dream which falls far short of reality because it springs from the Tired Theories of
the Thirties.
The whole trouble with the Democratic Party is that it has never recovered
from 1933. Thirty-four years later, its basic attitude and basic approach remain
unchanged despite the emergence of new problems which demand new answers.
These troubled times demand of the Republican Party that it measure up to its
great heritage.
I believe the 1966 elections marked a turning point in American political
history. In my view, the American people repudiated the Democratic Party and its
(MORE)
-4-
Depression Era politics and began looking to the Republican Party for answers.
The Republican Party has the answers because it is looking down the road for
solutions while the Democrats are gazing into a rear-view mirror.
One Republican answer is federal tax-sharing, giving the states and cities a
percentage slice of the federal income tax take without strings. This is the way to
rebuild state government. This is the way to cure the ills of the cities. This is the
way to solve problems and build good government at every level--local, state and
federal.
A recent Gallup Poll shows that seven out of 10 Americans favor federal tax-
sharing. Republicans have taken the lead in promoting this proposal. There will be
more converts to federal tax-sharing as the word spreads.
Federal tax-sharing has overwhelming Republican support because it goes
directly to a basic philosophic difference between the Republican and Democratic
parties.
The Democrats believe in Federal solutions, dictated from Washington. Repub-
licans have faith in the energies and initiative of state and local governments, of
civic-minded individuals and foundations, and of private enterprise.
For instance, Republicans believe it is because these energies are not
adequately tapped that we are losing the war on poverty. We believe a Republican-
directed poverty war would succeed because we would draw upon all of the Nation's
resources--private as well as governmental--to gain victory over misery and want.
These are positive solutions. These are Republican solutions. All we need
is a chance to make them work.
What we've been talking about here--just as the founders of our party did in
1854--is belief in the individual American and faith that state and local governments
can really do a job in partnership with the federal government.
This is the concept of free choice--of new opportunity--so nobly expounded in
1354. Today's Republicans must fight to preserve and extend it. To us falls the
task of charting New Directions for America, new paths to progress through new and
positive policies.
This is the challenge facing us. This is the challenge we must be ready and
eager to meet if we are to render the greatest possible service to our Nation.
###
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY AT 10:30 A.M., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1967
ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH
BEFORE THE YOUNG REPUBLICAN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHOOL
AT THE SHERATON PARK HOTEL, WASHINGTON, D. C.
In building for the future the Republican Party must earn the trust and respect
of millions of Americans.
This is not a time to stumble, or to falter, or to fear to accept responsibility.
Young Republicans--all Republicans--can take a lesson from Emerson, who said,
"They conquer who believe they can."
You, as Young Republicans, have an important role in building our Party to a
position of strength.
There is a strong need for the imagination, talent, energy and the will to
work of young people.
Specifically, what can a Young Republican do for the Party?
1. Study the history of Republicanism, the Party's basic philosophy and
the relevancy of its principles to today' world.
2. Volunteer to work for the Mrty at the local level in a dedicated way.
3. Discuss politics and government with other young people Sell them;
sell them on the Republican philosophy and add members to our ranks.
Become missionaries in the Republican cause. To do that you must know
the Republican gospel.
***
The Republican Party was founded in 1854 as a citizens' force for political,
social and economic freedom.
In the heat and dust of July, men traveled by train--in carriages--on horse-
back--and many walked--to the little town of Jackson, Michigan, inspired by a common
cause and common ideal.
They were selfless men. They were inspired men.
They gathered in protest against the political parties of that day and against
a Federal government which had refused to meet the challenges of the times.
They protested against programs and policies which substituted status quo for
progress--which clung to the past instead of looking ahead.
They protested against negativism. They wanted a positive approach to the
future which beckoned to America--but which the Federal government in that day refused
to recognize.
They wanted opportunity--economic and political and social opportunity for all
citizens.
Slavery wasn't the only burning issue of the day. There was the question
FORD of LIBRARY
(MORE)
-2-
opening up the west--of new economic areas to be explored and developed--of industrial-
ization-of giving an alert and eager citizenry opportunity for the future--of
organizing governmental processes to better serve the people.
This was the inspiration for the Republican Party--and this was the great gift
of the Republican Party to the nation.
The handful of men who met at Jackson, Michigan, dedicated themselves to
meeting the challenge of the future, to building a better America.
They grew in numbers because the people wanted a new and positive attitude in
government--one which faced up to problems instead of running away from them--one
which emphasized individual worth and individual dignity and which created the con-
ditions under which an individual could have full opportunity.
This concept, based on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of
the United States--the concept that free men can govern themselves successfully and
establish a community which provides full opportunity for each individual--is still
the most revolutionary political doctrine of all times.
It is under constant challenge.
The late Justice Louis Brandeis once said that the greatest right conferred on
the people by the Constitution of the United States is the right to be let alone.
There are those who believe that somehow the Constitution of the United States
confers the right to meddle.
The right to be let alone must be defended and promoted with revolutionary
zeal day in and day out against the meddlers.
Today--as perhaps never before--the right to be let alone is being threatened.
International communism is out to prove that its system of a tightly con-
trolled economic, political and social system is superior to ours.
The best--the only real--answer to the communists is to prove that our system
truly works to provide greater spiritual, moral and economic opportunity for more
people.
The gréatest productive force in the world is the talent, the imagination, the
itality, the energy, the ability, the determination of individual human beings.
The whole history of human progress is one of individual searching, experimen-
tation and accomplishment.
The basic purpose of government in our system should be to create the conditions
under which this great productive force of individual talent, imagination, vitality,
energy, ability and determination can be employed to build a better society.
Government action which seeks to control, direct and hamper the individual is
worse than wrong--it is immoral when measured against our basic concepts.
For far too long, the Republican Party has been in the political position of
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the "outs"--the party of opposition. We have let our political opponents lead, then
either said "no" or compromised on half a loaf.
Today, the Republican Party can uniquely serve the cause of freedom everywhere
and reaffirm the strength of America with a positive approach to the problems facing
the Nation.
I would define the goals of a positive Republican approach in these terms:
* To provide opportunity for the individual through an economic system in which
every citizen can win just rewards for his ideas, his ability and his energy;
* To provide opportunity through constructive actions which result in economic
expansion and economic gain for all;
* To provide opportunity through the best educational system that we can bring
into being in an era when society demands technical skills and the unskilled and
untrained wind up as statistics in the ranks of the chronically unemployed;
* To provide assistance for those who are truly in need and require help.
To accomplish this, we must think in terms of what is best for the Nation as
a whole. We cannot and must not think in terms of groups and classes and economic
segments.
This requires consideration of public problems in terms of the enlightened
self-interest of all citizens--not the selfish self-interest of powerful cliques and
self-serving organizations.
It requires a reversal of the trend toward a bigger and more powerful Federal
government structure, feeding itself on the "something for everybody" philosophy and
sneaking away a larger and larger share of an individual's production through taxes.
It requires an end to the belief that government produces anything, and that
bigger government spending and bigger government deficits somehow guarantee prosperity
for all.
It rejects a tax increase offered in preference to a cut in the budget--and
which raises serious questions when you ponder its possible impact.
It turns its back on government action predicated on the past--a "Great Society"
dream which falls far short of reality because it springs from the Tired Theories of
the Thirties.
The whole trouble with the Democratic Party is that it has never recovered
from 1933. Thirty-four years later, its basic attitude and basic approach remain
unchanged despite the emergence of new problems which demand new answers.
These troubled times demand of the Republican Party that it measure up to its
great heritage.
I believe the 1966 elections marked a turning point in American political
history. In my view, the American people repudiated the Democratic Party and its
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Depression Era politics and began looking to the Republican Party for answers.
The Republican Party has the answers because it is looking down the road for
solutions while the Democrats are gazing into a rear-view mirror.
One Republican answer is federal tax-sharing, giving the states and cities a
percentage slice of the federal income tax take without strings. This is the way to
rebuild state government. This is the way to cure the ills of the cities. This is the
way to solve problems and build good government at every level--local, state and
federal.
A recent Gallup Poll shows that seven out of 10 Americans favor federal tax-
sharing. Republicans have taken the lead in promoting this proposal. There will be
more converts to federal tax-sharing as the word spreads.
Federal tax-sharing has overwhelming Republican support because it goes
directly to a basic philosophic difference between the Republican and Democratic
parties.
The Democrats believe in Federal solutions, dictated from Washington. Repub-
licans have faith in the energies and initiative of state and local governments, of
civic-minded individuals and foundations, and of private enterprise.
For instance, Republicans believe it is because these energies are not
adequately tapped that we are losing the war on poverty. We believe a Republican-
directed poverty war would succeed because we would draw upon all of the Nation's
resources--private as well as governmental--to gain victory over misery and want.
These are positive solutions. These are Republican solutions. All we need
is a chance to make them work.
What we've been talking about here--just as the founders of our party did in
1854--is belief in the individual American and faith that state and local governments
can really do a job in partnership with the federal government.
This is the concept of free choice-of new opportunity--so nobly expounded in
1854. Today's Republicans must fight to preserve and extend it. To us falls the
task of charting New Directions for America, new paths to progress through new and
positive policies.
This is the challenge facing us. This is the challenge we must be ready and
eager to meet if we are to render the greatest possible service to our Nation.
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