As I rejected amnesty, so I reject revenge. I ask all Americans who ever asked for goodness and mercy in their lives, who ever sought forgiveness for their trespasses, to join in rehabilitating all the casualties of the tragic conflict of the past.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ford rejects revenge and amnesty, asking Americans to forgive and heal from past conflicts.
- In plain terms
- I do not want revenge or pardon, but I want everyone to forgive and move on.
- What can you take from it?
- Choose healing and forgiveness over punishment after conflict.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we heal after war?
- Is forgiveness enough for justice?
Another view
Rejecting revenge might feel like ignoring past injustices.
More from Gerald Ford
All of us who served in one war or another know very well that all wars are the glory and the agony of the young.
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