Gerald R. Ford

There are no adequate substitutes for father, mother, and children bound together in a loving commitment to nurture and protect. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can take the place of the family in the scheme of things. ”

In all my public and private acts as your president, I expect to follow my instincts of openness and candor with full confidence that honesty is always the best policy in the end. ”

I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, so I ask you to confirm me with your prayers. ”

Our Constitution works; our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule. ”

Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time. ”

My commitment to the security and future of Israel is based upon basic morality as well as enlightened self-interest. Our role in supporting Israel honors our own heritage. ”

All my children have spoken for themselves since they first learned to speak, and not always with my advance approval, and I expect that to continue in the future. ”

History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion. ”

I cannot imagine any other country in the world where the opposition would seek, and the chief executive would allow, the dissemination of his most private and personal conversations with his staff, which, to be honest, do not exactly confer sainthood on anyone concerned. ”