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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ford calls for shifting the balance between citizens and government toward more personal freedom and independence.
In plain terms
We need more personal freedom and less government control.
What can you take from it?
Individual freedom and self-reliance should guide governance.

Where it applies

  • policy reform
  • civic debate

Putting it to work

  • deregulation
  • empowering citizens

Questions to consider

  • Where is the right balance?
  • How much self-reliance is needed?

Another view

Less government may not solve all societal issues.

More from Gerald Ford

  1. Government exists to create and preserve conditions in which people can translate their ideas into practical reality. In the best of times, much is lost in tra…

    Permalink to quote #61
  2. History and experience tells us that moral progress cannot come in comfortable and in complacent times, but out of trial and out of confusion.

    Permalink to quote #63
  3. We came from many roots, and we have many branches.

    Permalink to quote #60

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