Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.
Gerald R. FordRead
I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, so I ask you to confirm me with your prayers.
Interpretation
The speaker acknowledges that their position is not backed by popular vote and seeks validation through spiritual support.
In this quote, Gerald R. Ford humbly recognizes that his presidency was not the result of a direct election by the people, but rather an appointment following a challenging political transition. He appeals to the public for their prayers and support, suggesting that leadership is not only about authority derived from votes but also about gaining the trust and goodwill of the people.
In practice
During a speech at a community gathering to promote unity and support.
Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.
For millions of men and women, the church has been the hospital for the soul, the school for the mind and the safe depository for moral ideas.
History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion.
My mother was the strong wife, partner, and co-worker Martin Luther King, Jr. needed to be an effective leader, and he said so on many occasions.
This fulfils my ambition. I still have my father's robe as Chancellor. I shall be proud to serve you in this splendid office.
Leadership contains certain elements of good management, but it requires that you inspire, that you build durable trust. For an organization to be not just good but to win, leadership means evoking participation larger than the job description, commitment deeper than any job contract's wording.
My theory is, strong people don't need strong leaders.
The President hears a hundred voices telling him that he is the greatest man in the world. He must listen carefully indeed to hear the one voice that tells him his is not.
The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.
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