President Ford R.I.P.

Maybe I always sold the man short, but Gerald Ford seemed to be perpetually out of his depth as President.

A man who, through the accidents of history and the line of succession to the Executive Branch, woke up and found himself President one day. For a short period not extending much beyond two years.

But I believe he was also a stand up type who wasn't afraid to do what was right for the country.

I remember the outcry when he pardoned Nixon. Right there, IMHO, he cut his own political throat. Had he wanted to be a serious contender for election I believe he could have thrown Tricky Dick to the wolves and maybe got elected in his own right. Let's face it, his opponent was Jimmy Carter. 'Nuff said.

But I think he knew just how divisive that would be and took the only option that would help heal the country. He pardoned the man, not because Nixon deserved it but because the country did. Gerald Ford did the right thing, the courageous thing, the thing guaranteed to end his career. God bless him for that.

May President Ford rest in peace.