I am a little late getting around to it, but confession is good for the soul. I have sometimes voted to spend more taxpayer's money for worthy Federal projects in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while I vigorously opposed wasteful spending boondoggles in Oklahoma. [Laughter] Be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, you and I have always stood together against unwarranted cuts in national defense. This is no time to change that nonpartisan policy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker admits past spending inconsistencies but emphasizes consistent bipartisan support for defense.
- In plain terms
- I made mistakes but stand by this policy.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledge errors while maintaining principles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you admit mistakes?
- What principles guide you?
Another view
Past votes may contradict stated values.
More from Gerald Ford
A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.
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