I caught this interesting bit as I was watching the coverage of Gerald Ford’s memorial service — 40% of the current U.S. population wasn’t even born when President Ford was in office.

The first cup is for the guest, the second for enjoyment, the third for the sword. ~ An old Arabic saying

Blue Crab Boulevard (Gaius) Gerald R. Ford, 1913-2006 – Rest In Peace

I’m proud that I voted for him when he ran for (re) election against Jimmy Carter.

Leaning Straight Up (Karl) RIP Gerald Ford

He will not be remembered as the greatest, the worst, the most inspiring or the most uninspiring, but despite his relative ambiguity, and almost obscurity, he will always be remembered, and that is a greater legacy in its own right.

Captain’s Quarters (Ed Morrissey) Gerald Ford Passes

Gerald Ford may have been at the center of more than one controversy, but he left with his reputation as an honest man more or less intact. Unlike Jimmy Carter, he never felt the need to campaign for affection or respect; it came to him naturally. He did an admirable job leading the nation during one of the worst times in our history.

My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. ~ President Gerald R. Ford

I woke up this morning to the sad news that President Gerald R. Ford passed away late yesterday afternoon.

The nation’s 38th president, and the only one not elected to the office or the vice presidency, died at his desert home at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.

“His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country,” his wife, Betty, said in a statement.

Ford was the longest living former president, surpassing Ronald Reagan, who died in June 2004, by more than a month.

President Ford is mostly remembered as the only president who was not elected to the office.

A Michigan Republican elected to Congress 13 times before becoming the first appointed vice president in 1973 after Spiro Agnew left amid scandal, Ford was Nixon’s hand-picked successor, a man of much political experience who had never run on a national ticket. He was as open and straightforward as Nixon was tightly controlled and conspiratorial.

He took office moments after Nixon resigned in disgrace over Watergate and went into exile.

“My fellow Americans,” Ford said, “our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule.”

And, true to his reputation as unassuming Jerry, he added: “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.”

He was the first president I voted for, when he ran for a full term in 1976.

President Bush issued this statement:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford.

President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as Vice President, he assumed the Presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the Presidency.

The American people will always admire Gerald Ford’s devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th President will always have a special place in our Nation’s memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford’s family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

I echo those sentiments.

Let me close this with another quote from President Ford:

“A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.”

I wish former President Ford a quick recovery.

Former President Ford was admitted to a hospital for shortness of breath but was expected to be released later Wednesday, his spokeswoman said.

[...]

Ford, the nation’s oldest living former president, celebrated his 93rd birthday on July 14. He has made few public appearances in recent months and has had some health setbacks, including a 12-day hospitalization in January for pneumonia.

Get well soon.