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.
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.
A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.
I think your team evolves every year. The more you know about it, the better you can coach it.
I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.
A man-of-war is the best ambassador.
Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young and perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am sure that very few have more real good will and more real desire to do what is fit and right than I have.
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