Although I am a registered Democrat, in 1976 I voted for President Ford because I thought he deserved to be elected in his own right.

I was appalled by people who wanted President Nixon to be convicted and sentenced to prison, regardless of the damage a full impeachment and trial would have done to the nation.

Our federal government would have been brought to a standstill, much as occurred under President Clinton.

I thought, and still think, that President Ford showed great courage in pardoning Nixon, although it was practically political suicide. President Ford really understood the workings of our form of government ... unlike some of his successors.

Richmond Parker

Auburn