WIST

I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference. I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy.

President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) US President, 1974-77 [b. Leslie Lynch King, Jr.]
Announcing his decision to pardon Nixon (8 Sep. 1974)

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

President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) US President, 1974-77 [b. Leslie Lynch King, Jr.]
Speech to the Republican National Convention (19 Aug 1976)
Also cited as a speech to Congress (12 Aug 1976) Also attrib. B. Goldwater