Who Is Betty Ford And The Realism Within The White House
Betty Ford: Redemption and the Realism Within the White House
History is moments. Within these precious moments, there comes a time and a place for a leader to rise and break the mold of all who came before them. In America, the President of the United States is one of the most highly esteemed positions of power. But what people often forget is that behind every good man, besides some scotch, stands a great woman. Betty Ford was a leader because she was not afraid to be honest with the public and help instill positive changes in their lives. She made people feel comfortable with who they were, imperfections and all. Betty Ford became more of a section in a history book than she ever dreamed, or hoped for. She became an inspiration, a role model, …show more content…
a symbol of change within herself, and opened up new doors for others all struggling out in the world. Because of her courage to fight the social stigma of being known as the “disgraced first lady”, she brought morality and a connection from the White House to the American people that would last for years to come.
Betty Ford lived a simple life before she became the First Lady of the United States. Betty was married to her second husband, Gerald Ford, for many years. They were planning to retire and live a quiet life until they were put in the center of the media frenzy that was Watergate. “Just two years after Nixon won reelection by a huge margin, his abuse of power and efforts to cover up the crimes by subordinates, forced the first presidential resignation is history. His successor, Gerald Ford, faced the aftermath of Watergate and severe economic problems.” (Roark 823). The Fords were thrown into their new roles quicker than any of them could adjust. During her time in the White House, Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and announced her diagnosis and treatment to the public, which was a very courageous move as announcing in 1984 to the renowned Ms. Magazine that:
“We were in a position where my husband had been sworn into office during a very, very difficult time. There had been so much cover-up during Watergate that we wanted to be sure there would be no cover-up in the Ford Administration. So rather than continue this traditional silence about Breast Cancer, we felt we had to be public” (Smeal).
Gerald and Betty Ford did not see the point in keeping secrets from the public, similar to the Watergate scandal. The Ford Administration wanted to ensure the people that nothing close to the Watergate scandal would happen during Ford’s time in office. By doing so, the public was very pleased about her openness and vulnerability. It showed that she was real and a normal being with everyday issues. “Just like us”, was a common slogan people would say when referring to Mrs. Ford. Betty Ford also supported the Equal Rights Amendment, this law declared that no one can deny the rights of others because of their gender. Betty wanted to guarantee the same rights to women (“Betty” 2). She urged the president to employ women to high level positions, such as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Ambassador for Great Britain (“Betty” 3). During an interview, Betty Ford ‘bragged’, by saying “I’m the only First Lady to ever have a march organized against her.” The incident was a group of women dressed in black stood in front of the White House protesting against Betty’s urging of the Equal Rights Amendment. Betty shook off the protest and continued to make a difference by promoting serious issues. (Gibbs 1).
Since Betty Ford became First Lady, she was very out spoken about topics people feared about discussing. At first, the public was very shocked by Betty Ford’s outspokenness, but she simply did not care about the criticism by the public. Betty cared more about the people’s actions when they heard her talk and how she could help them (Gibbs 1). Although Betty Ford spoke her mind in public, she did draw a line when it came to her husband’s reputation. She did not put herself in a position where her husband would be hurt. Even when times were difficult as, “President Ford carried burdens like high unemployment, foreign trade deficit and a low growth rate into the election campaign of 1976” (Roark 828).
Many people disagreed with the free will of Betty’s talks in public.
“Some people believed that the expression of Betty’s liberal opinion was inappropriate for her position. Many others rallied behind her and her popularity rose” (“Betty” 2). Many people believed she was too outspoken and thought she caused problems for her husband’s presidency, but that did not stop her. More than half of the nation found her appealing and approved of what she did (“Betty” 2). Betty Ford was also a symbol of change for the people. She was a strong believer in woman having the right to make their own choices, such as abortion and other decisions that affect their …show more content…
lives.
All strong leaders must first reflect and improve on themselves at times. Betty Ford was under tremendous amounts of stress being in the public eye. She started to depend on alcohol and drugs to relieve pain from an injury that occurred during her many years of being a dancer. During the early 1970’s, she hid her addiction very well but by 1978, her family began to notice Betty’s alcohol and drug use. Her family was heartbroken to see her abusing these substances. Her family saw the growing problem and staged an intervention. After being in denial, Betty agreed to seek help for her addictions (Quan 2). Betty tried to stay home under a monitored detoxification program, but was soon committed into the Long Beach Naval Hospital for alcohol and drug treatment. While she was at the treatment center, she was roomed with other women who had similar issues. Also at the facility, Betty would do simple chores, such as cleaning the restroom and laundry. Betty also took part in therapy sessions. Betty Ford’s experience of rehab was the start of something great. As she recalls on her drinking and substance abuse in A Great Awakening, “And the more I allowed myself to be a doormat, the more pity overwhelmed me. Hadn’t I once been somebody in this world?” (Ford 35). These thoughts motivated Betty to be the change she wished to see in her world.
When Betty was released from rehab, she realized that there were no rehabilitation facilities for recovering women with similar problems. In 1982, Betty and her neighbor Leonard Firestone opened up the Betty Ford Center in California. She saw the power that she held and wanted to make a difference, and stand up for a cause that was so close to home for her. “Since 1982, the Clinic has treated more than 60,000 people, 50 percent of them women” (Ballard 145). Today, the center has helped many celebrities and is one of the most common places for care. For example, Steven Tyler, Aerosmith singer, went to the Betty Ford center for his drug addiction and was pleased to be in good care. After Betty Ford died he said, “Betty Ford took a risk at one of the worsts times of her life and came forward to share a message of recovery in order to serve others. Her vision, passion and amazing heart led to the Betty Ford Center, the gold standard of treatment facilities. She will be missed, but her work in recovery will live on” (Quan 3). Betty Ford continued to inspire people to not hide their problems, but to confront them and get help. Betty allowed people to realize that addiction to strike anyone, “not always down- and- out types- most in fact, are functioning members of society” (Ballard 145).
In the smallest ways, people can make a huge difference. Betty Ford used all the power that she had to make sure people knew they were not alone in dealing with certain issues. Betty Ford stood as a symbol of change for the people, by speaking out into the public of her own inner demons. By participating in interviews and discussing her experience with breast cancer, Betty was able to motivate others to get examinations and get proper treatment without being embarrassed. Betty Ford stood up for the silent and did not hold back. She was all in or all out. There was no talking her out of her mission once she put her mind to it. In her second book, A Glad Awakening, which I was lucky enough to get my hands on and read, she talks about how things come full circle. “Not only did Jerry not abandon me but I have also been the recipient of a great deal of good will from strangers” (Ford 125).
Betty Ford was more than a First Lady; she was a leader in the making. She did not just stand there and look pretty, she actually made a difference no matter what the critics thought. When someone is a leader, nothing holds that person back from reaching their goal. All people need is a desire and the motivation to make a change to start something. Betty Ford was able to lead people to new opportunities than many had never imaged were out there. In the end, Betty Ford became so more of an icon than she ever could have possibly dreamed of. People are often mistaken that leaders are created because of their looks or wealth, but really, it all depends on what they wish to accomplish and if they have the determination to make a change. Nobody was ever successful sitting around and looking pretty. With flaws and all, Betty Ford took action to her words and people responded. The Ford’s strong family bond alongside the American public in her corner, Betty was able to live an honest life. In the words of Eleanor Smeal, former president of the National Organization for women, “She inspired. She made a difference for millions of women. Those of us who were privileged to work with her appreciated and admired her” (Smeal). Betty Ford will never be forgotten for her leadership as First Lady, and changing the way they were forever looked at. I believe her legacy has helped thousands of people and with conditions held close to my heart, Betty will always be a relevant American hero.
Works Cited
Ballard, Melody. "Healing and Hope: Six Women from the Betty Ford Center Share Their
Powerful Journeys of Addiction and Recovery (Book)." Library Journal, vol.
128, no.
20, 15 Dec. 2003, p. 145. EBSCOhost, libproxy.ocean.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true& db.=aph&AN=11750391&site=ehost-live&scope=site. "Betty Ford." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 28 Apr. 2017. Web. 11 May 2017.
Ford, Betty, and Chris Chase. Betty, A Glad Awakening. Boston, MA: G.K. Hall, 1988. Print.
Carter, Rosalynn. "Betty Ford." Time, vol. 178, no. 25, 26 Dec. 2011, p. 129. EBSCOhost, libproxy.ocean.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true& db.=aph&AN=69840743&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Gibbs, Nancy. "Betty Ford." Time, vol. 178, no. 4, 25 July 2011, p. 48. EBSCOhost, libproxy.ocean.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true& db.=aph&AN=63004636&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Quan, Denise. "Ex-first Lady, Advocate for Substance Abuse Treatment Betty Ford
Dies." CNN. Cable News Network, 11 July 2011. Web. 2. May 2017.
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A Concise History. 5th ed., vol. 2, Boston,
Bedford/St. Martin's, 2014.
Smeal, Eleanor. "Betty Ford, Champion of Women's Rights." CNN. Cable News Network, 09
July 2011. Web. 2. May
2017.
History is moments. Within these precious moments, there comes a time and a place for a leader to rise and break the mold of all who came before them. In America, the President of the United States is one of the most highly esteemed positions of power. But what people often forget is that behind every good man, besides some scotch, stands a great woman. Betty Ford was a leader because she was not afraid to be honest with the public and help instill positive changes in their lives. She made people feel comfortable with who they were, imperfections and all. Betty Ford became more of a section in a history book than she ever dreamed, or hoped for. She became an inspiration, a role model, …show more content…
a symbol of change within herself, and opened up new doors for others all struggling out in the world. Because of her courage to fight the social stigma of being known as the “disgraced first lady”, she brought morality and a connection from the White House to the American people that would last for years to come.
Betty Ford lived a simple life before she became the First Lady of the United States. Betty was married to her second husband, Gerald Ford, for many years. They were planning to retire and live a quiet life until they were put in the center of the media frenzy that was Watergate. “Just two years after Nixon won reelection by a huge margin, his abuse of power and efforts to cover up the crimes by subordinates, forced the first presidential resignation is history. His successor, Gerald Ford, faced the aftermath of Watergate and severe economic problems.” (Roark 823). The Fords were thrown into their new roles quicker than any of them could adjust. During her time in the White House, Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and announced her diagnosis and treatment to the public, which was a very courageous move as announcing in 1984 to the renowned Ms. Magazine that:
“We were in a position where my husband had been sworn into office during a very, very difficult time. There had been so much cover-up during Watergate that we wanted to be sure there would be no cover-up in the Ford Administration. So rather than continue this traditional silence about Breast Cancer, we felt we had to be public” (Smeal).
Gerald and Betty Ford did not see the point in keeping secrets from the public, similar to the Watergate scandal. The Ford Administration wanted to ensure the people that nothing close to the Watergate scandal would happen during Ford’s time in office. By doing so, the public was very pleased about her openness and vulnerability. It showed that she was real and a normal being with everyday issues. “Just like us”, was a common slogan people would say when referring to Mrs. Ford. Betty Ford also supported the Equal Rights Amendment, this law declared that no one can deny the rights of others because of their gender. Betty wanted to guarantee the same rights to women (“Betty” 2). She urged the president to employ women to high level positions, such as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Ambassador for Great Britain (“Betty” 3). During an interview, Betty Ford ‘bragged’, by saying “I’m the only First Lady to ever have a march organized against her.” The incident was a group of women dressed in black stood in front of the White House protesting against Betty’s urging of the Equal Rights Amendment. Betty shook off the protest and continued to make a difference by promoting serious issues. (Gibbs 1).
Since Betty Ford became First Lady, she was very out spoken about topics people feared about discussing. At first, the public was very shocked by Betty Ford’s outspokenness, but she simply did not care about the criticism by the public. Betty cared more about the people’s actions when they heard her talk and how she could help them (Gibbs 1). Although Betty Ford spoke her mind in public, she did draw a line when it came to her husband’s reputation. She did not put herself in a position where her husband would be hurt. Even when times were difficult as, “President Ford carried burdens like high unemployment, foreign trade deficit and a low growth rate into the election campaign of 1976” (Roark 828).
Many people disagreed with the free will of Betty’s talks in public.
“Some people believed that the expression of Betty’s liberal opinion was inappropriate for her position. Many others rallied behind her and her popularity rose” (“Betty” 2). Many people believed she was too outspoken and thought she caused problems for her husband’s presidency, but that did not stop her. More than half of the nation found her appealing and approved of what she did (“Betty” 2). Betty Ford was also a symbol of change for the people. She was a strong believer in woman having the right to make their own choices, such as abortion and other decisions that affect their …show more content…
lives.
All strong leaders must first reflect and improve on themselves at times. Betty Ford was under tremendous amounts of stress being in the public eye. She started to depend on alcohol and drugs to relieve pain from an injury that occurred during her many years of being a dancer. During the early 1970’s, she hid her addiction very well but by 1978, her family began to notice Betty’s alcohol and drug use. Her family was heartbroken to see her abusing these substances. Her family saw the growing problem and staged an intervention. After being in denial, Betty agreed to seek help for her addictions (Quan 2). Betty tried to stay home under a monitored detoxification program, but was soon committed into the Long Beach Naval Hospital for alcohol and drug treatment. While she was at the treatment center, she was roomed with other women who had similar issues. Also at the facility, Betty would do simple chores, such as cleaning the restroom and laundry. Betty also took part in therapy sessions. Betty Ford’s experience of rehab was the start of something great. As she recalls on her drinking and substance abuse in A Great Awakening, “And the more I allowed myself to be a doormat, the more pity overwhelmed me. Hadn’t I once been somebody in this world?” (Ford 35). These thoughts motivated Betty to be the change she wished to see in her world.
When Betty was released from rehab, she realized that there were no rehabilitation facilities for recovering women with similar problems. In 1982, Betty and her neighbor Leonard Firestone opened up the Betty Ford Center in California. She saw the power that she held and wanted to make a difference, and stand up for a cause that was so close to home for her. “Since 1982, the Clinic has treated more than 60,000 people, 50 percent of them women” (Ballard 145). Today, the center has helped many celebrities and is one of the most common places for care. For example, Steven Tyler, Aerosmith singer, went to the Betty Ford center for his drug addiction and was pleased to be in good care. After Betty Ford died he said, “Betty Ford took a risk at one of the worsts times of her life and came forward to share a message of recovery in order to serve others. Her vision, passion and amazing heart led to the Betty Ford Center, the gold standard of treatment facilities. She will be missed, but her work in recovery will live on” (Quan 3). Betty Ford continued to inspire people to not hide their problems, but to confront them and get help. Betty allowed people to realize that addiction to strike anyone, “not always down- and- out types- most in fact, are functioning members of society” (Ballard 145).
In the smallest ways, people can make a huge difference. Betty Ford used all the power that she had to make sure people knew they were not alone in dealing with certain issues. Betty Ford stood as a symbol of change for the people, by speaking out into the public of her own inner demons. By participating in interviews and discussing her experience with breast cancer, Betty was able to motivate others to get examinations and get proper treatment without being embarrassed. Betty Ford stood up for the silent and did not hold back. She was all in or all out. There was no talking her out of her mission once she put her mind to it. In her second book, A Glad Awakening, which I was lucky enough to get my hands on and read, she talks about how things come full circle. “Not only did Jerry not abandon me but I have also been the recipient of a great deal of good will from strangers” (Ford 125).
Betty Ford was more than a First Lady; she was a leader in the making. She did not just stand there and look pretty, she actually made a difference no matter what the critics thought. When someone is a leader, nothing holds that person back from reaching their goal. All people need is a desire and the motivation to make a change to start something. Betty Ford was able to lead people to new opportunities than many had never imaged were out there. In the end, Betty Ford became so more of an icon than she ever could have possibly dreamed of. People are often mistaken that leaders are created because of their looks or wealth, but really, it all depends on what they wish to accomplish and if they have the determination to make a change. Nobody was ever successful sitting around and looking pretty. With flaws and all, Betty Ford took action to her words and people responded. The Ford’s strong family bond alongside the American public in her corner, Betty was able to live an honest life. In the words of Eleanor Smeal, former president of the National Organization for women, “She inspired. She made a difference for millions of women. Those of us who were privileged to work with her appreciated and admired her” (Smeal). Betty Ford will never be forgotten for her leadership as First Lady, and changing the way they were forever looked at. I believe her legacy has helped thousands of people and with conditions held close to my heart, Betty will always be a relevant American hero.
Works Cited
Ballard, Melody. "Healing and Hope: Six Women from the Betty Ford Center Share Their
Powerful Journeys of Addiction and Recovery (Book)." Library Journal, vol.
128, no.
20, 15 Dec. 2003, p. 145. EBSCOhost, libproxy.ocean.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true& db.=aph&AN=11750391&site=ehost-live&scope=site. "Betty Ford." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 28 Apr. 2017. Web. 11 May 2017.
Ford, Betty, and Chris Chase. Betty, A Glad Awakening. Boston, MA: G.K. Hall, 1988. Print.
Carter, Rosalynn. "Betty Ford." Time, vol. 178, no. 25, 26 Dec. 2011, p. 129. EBSCOhost, libproxy.ocean.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true& db.=aph&AN=69840743&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Gibbs, Nancy. "Betty Ford." Time, vol. 178, no. 4, 25 July 2011, p. 48. EBSCOhost, libproxy.ocean.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true& db.=aph&AN=63004636&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Quan, Denise. "Ex-first Lady, Advocate for Substance Abuse Treatment Betty Ford
Dies." CNN. Cable News Network, 11 July 2011. Web. 2. May 2017.
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A Concise History. 5th ed., vol. 2, Boston,
Bedford/St. Martin's, 2014.
Smeal, Eleanor. "Betty Ford, Champion of Women's Rights." CNN. Cable News Network, 09
July 2011. Web. 2. May
2017.