It really is. For you and Scott, Ford's passing is just another opportunity for bitterness and outrageous accusations. For decent folks, it's a time to remember and honor a man who served his country well, and at no small cost to his own plans and ambitions.

In an alternate universe Gerry Ford moved up to the Senate, served several terms, and ended his career a distinguished elder statesman. In our universe he accepted the Vice Presidency knowing only that it would be the end of his political career; in 1973 it didn't look like a stepping-stone to the Presidency, only an opportunity to languish in obscurity in the traditionally superfluous role of VP. Serving out Richard Nixon's term had to have been more an odious duty than a pleasure, yet Gerry Ford did his duty when the country needed him.

What I'll never understand, Tom, is where you find the depths of bitterness to project so much of it on to other people. I can't think of a President in the last half century who made so few enemies and left so much goodwill in his wake as Gerry Ford, yet there you are claiming that he was hated and despised. Maybe Gerry Ford didn't inspire fanaticism, pro or con, but what could possibly be wrong with that? Is the only measure of good leadership a knack for dividing the country and inspiring hatred?

I don't think so, Tom. The country could use a leader like Gerald Ford, now more than ever.