President Gerald Ford was a good and honorable man, a refreshing change from and after Nixon resigned. Ford made a decision, which he thought correct, to pardon Richard Nixon for his crimes and corruption. He knew the decision would be unpopular and could cost him the upcoming election. Despite the seriousness of the crimes, he thought it was better for the nation to move on. It is intriguing to think what if Biden had done the same for his predecessor, allowing the nation to move on. Of course, we will never know in either case what the better decision would have been. I had wanted to visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum to see what they had to say about the pardon, but alas, the museum was closed due to the current government shutdown. The museum is administered by the National Archives. The shutdown is a good example that the Congress of today is nothing like the Congress of Ford's era. Most people would love to believe Ford's claim that "Here the people rule." However, money seems to rule.
President Ford's Burial Site
Ford was a proud son of Michigan and in particular Grand Rapids. You see references to him all over the region. The museum is beautifully sited along the banks of the Grand River in a park-like setting, which includes and preserves ancient burial mounds from the Native American Hopewell culture. The glistening skyline of downtown Grand Rapids is just across the river. Grand Rapids developed as a lumber and furniture manufacturing center. Growing up, most of the furniture in our house came from Grand Rapids. The Ford Museum is just one of many sites to see in Grand Rapids. If you get the chance, you should check it out.
Take a walk with Birkenstock.
