38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford
1913 - 2006
'A man of integrity'
Local Republicans and Democrats mourn Ford's passing
By DIONNE GLEATON
T&D Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
As the nation mourns the death of America's 38th president, local residents and political leaders remember Gerald Ford as a man of honesty and integrity.
Ford was House minority leader when President Richard Nixon chose him to replace Vice President Spiro Agnew, who resigned in 1973. Ford became president on Aug. 9, 1974, when Nixon resigned amid the Watergate scandal.
"I think he came in at an extremely difficult time, when our country was really confused by all that had gone on. I think he was a calming influence at a very, very difficult time. The country needed someone they could trust. I think Ford fit that bill," said the Rev. James R. McGee, president and chief executive officer of The Methodist Oaks retirement community in Orangeburg.
Several other political leaders say while he will mainly be remembered for replacing and pardoning Nixon, his character and work ethic were in a class of their own.
"Once he got in, he did a very good job of restoring integrity to the Oval Office after Nixon. I think he will be remembered for that. He was a man of integrity that came in at a time when the country was wondering if they could trust government again. He put the presidency back on sound footing," said state Sen. Brad Hutto, an Orangeburg Democrat.
State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg said she was saddened by Ford's passing and classified him as a one-of-a-kind politician. On the national level, Cobb-Hunter is national committeewoman to the Democratic National Committee and also represents South Carolina on the DNC and the Southern Caucus on the DNC Executive Committee.
"He was the last of the real civil servants, and I mean civil from the standpoint of being courteous, respectful and really understanding how to disagree without being disagreeable. I thought he was a real gentleman, and I believe he will get his just reward from history," Cobb-Hunter said.
"His kind of politician is so rare nowadays. His integrity, character, speaking plainly so folks can understand what you're saying and then saying something when you do speak is so rare in political circles nowadays," she said. "I see his pardoning of Richard Nixon as a perfect example of his love for the country. What I appreciated most about him was his ability to put people over partisan politics. That is, again, something that is so rare in either side of the aisle nowadays."
Orangeburg County Republican Party Chairman Roy Lindsey said Ford provided the healing that the country needed following the Watergate scandal.
"That's about the biggest single thing he did. He was a voice of moderation at a time when we needed it. After Watergate, the country was about to tear itself apart. He brought us back together. He lived a long and fruitful life," Lindsey said.
North resident Zilla Hinton said Ford's long life will be remembered with fondness.
"I think he will be remembered as a good person, and he did a great thing for the country in pardoning President Nixon. I think that's what he will be most remembered for. This is a tremendous loss for his family, and I'm sure that we all need to keep them in our prayers," Hinton said. "I feel that he has gone to a better place, and this is what most of us hope for. I knew he served well and faithfully in the Congress, and he was an outstanding athlete. He was really a smart man."
Gov. Mark Sanford also touted Ford's honor and integrity.
"That leadership came at an incredibly important and pivotal time in our nation's history, and it's my belief that future generations will come to realize just how crucial his tenure was in leading us through that time," Sanford said. "Jenny, the boys and I will join the rest of our state and nation in keeping President Ford's family in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead."
Other leaders also mourned the loss of Ford.
"In an unprecedented time of political crisis and division, President Gerald Ford assumed power and unified the nation. He was a man of character who brought trust back to the White House," 2nd District Congressman Joe Wilson said.
"He should always be appreciated for bringing people together and helping us to understand that we have more similarities than differences. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Betty, and their family," Wilson said.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said, "It is gratifying to see an increased appreciation of the presidency of Gerald R. Ford. He inherited a battered institution and within two and a half years was able to pass on to his successor a restored presidency.
"In 1974, America desperately needed a decent and honorable leader who could heal a wounded nation. That is exactly what we had in Gerald Ford. Without any doubt, Gerald Ford made decisions as president that put country above self. It should be an inspiration to all serving in public office today."
U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., said, "President Ford will long be remembered for a lifetime of service to our nation. From his years spent defending freedom in World War II to his leadership in Congress and the White House, Gerald Ford was a patriot and inspiration to us all."
House Majority Whip-elect James E. Clyburn said it was indeed Ford's humble and resourceful nature that moved the country forward during a tough time.
"President Ford was most poignant in his declaration to Congress when he took the highest office. (He said), 'I am a Ford, not a Lincoln.' It was with that humble, practical and resourceful approach that he led this country through a turbulent time," Clyburn said.
"As we approach a new year and a new majority, our leaders would serve this nation well to learn from President Ford's conciliatory style and steady vision. Our prayers are with Mrs. Ford and the Ford family during this difficult time. We remain grateful for his dedicated service to our country," Clyburn said.
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Despite certain political issues, what an honorable President he was!
For more information on Gerald Ford:
Click Here (His Wikipedia page)
Wow, we've lost a lot of great & famous men within these past couple of weeks. (Peter Boyle, Mr. Barbera, James Brown, and now Mr. Ford)
