The American people want a dialogue between them and their president . . . And if we can't have that opportunity of talking with one another, seeing one another, shaking hands with one another, something has gone wrong in our society.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ford emphasizes that direct communication between citizens and leaders is essential for a healthy society.
- In plain terms
- People need to talk directly to their leaders to show society is working well.
- What can you take from it?
- Open dialogue between leaders and citizens strengthens democracy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How accessible are today's leaders to citizens?
- Is direct contact still possible in modern politics?
Another view
Modern media often replaces direct interaction with filtered messaging.
More from Gerald Ford
Teddy Roosevelt . . . once said, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.' Jimmy Carter wants to speak loudly and carry a fly swatter.
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