History may not dust off one of its highest seats of honor for Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States. But Mr. Ford was the right man at the right time to lead out in restoring respect to American politics and government after the Watergate scandal – and in the Herald’s view he filled the assignment with considerable effectiveness and dignity. rin all. he served as president for almost 29 months, having taken over in the nightmarish crisis when Richard M. Nixon was A Tough Bird Let’s hear it for the white tailed kite. A few years ago, this smaller member of the hawk family was on the rare and endangered, species list. Now it is reported to be flourishing in, of all unlikely environments, the Los Angeles freeway system. It seems that the broad, grassy shoulders and divider strips of the freeways have become havens for mice, lizards and grasshoppers, which are the natural prey of the kite. One estimate is that the number of the birds is approaching 1,000. Flocks of 100 at a time are not an unusual sight for motorists. An abundance of food and freedom from human molestation notwithstanding, any bird that can survive the pollution generated by a modern urban freeway has got to be tougher than anyone gave it credit for. forced to resign. Not long before, he had been nominated by Nixon and confirmed as vice president after Spiro T. Agnew had resigned in another scandal dating back to the Iatter’s governorship of Maryland. Thus, Mr. Ford, long-time U.S. representative from Michigan, had the unique experience of being elevated to the White House without ever having been elected either vice president or president. He barely failed in his bid to win an elective term of his own last fall, losing in a close race to Democrat Jimmy Carter after edging out Ronald Reagan for the Republican nominations at the GOP convention. President Ford inherited difficult problems, including a growing energy crisis and economic problems fed by continuing inflation. Being a Republican president, he found an adversary relationship, in many respects, working with a Democratic Congress. Frequent presidential vetoes resulted, particularly on spending issues, but progress was made on many fronts, including the economy which spun and sputtered although emerging somewhat from its recession, Almost everyone acknowledged that President Ford was a good and decent man with exemplary personal qualities. His wife Betty proved to be.one of the more popular First Ladies. Now, after nearly three decades in Washington as a congressman, vice president, and president, the Fords have departed the capital. They left after a touching farewell on President Carter’s inauguration day. As we’re already indicated, President Ford may not make a great splash on the pages of history, but he served well and honorably and America can be proud of his record. It is hoped that in the years immediately ahead some appropriate way can be found to continue utilizing his talents and experience in furthering the interests of this r-mmtru So They Suy “If there once was a military rationale for a successor manned bomber, this design, the B1, is far more the product of irresistable corporate desires and military dreams. It is to basic manned bomber roles what the Rolls Royce is to basic transportation.” -Sen. George McGovern (DS.D.), urging President Carter to halt production of the controversial strategic bomber.