 | Redoedo (39)
10/05/2003 |  Ford became President under difficult circumstances. The nation was still recovering from the Vietnam War, and with Watergate came a widespread distrust of the government. In response to this, Ford attempted to be open with the public in an effort to restore national confidence in the government. Nonetheless, the public's distrust of the government was not curbed until Ronald Reagan became President in 1981. Ford's most controversial action as President was his decision to pardon Richard Nixon. While I am still torn on whether I agree with this decision, one thing is for certain: at that point, the country had been through so much, and a long trial would've been bad for the country, just as Vietnam was. A cease-fire had been called in Vietnam under Nixon, and the war ended officially in 1975. Within a few weeks, Saigon fell. Ford ordered a dramatic evacuation of American citizens and Vietnamese sympathizers. More than 100,000 Vietnamese refugees entered the United States and were resettled throughout the country. This was truly the right and humane thing to do, and it was actually quite bold. By initiating an immediate evacuation, Ford saved American lives and brought freedom to thousands of Vietnamese who settled in our country. Cambodia also fell a few weeks prior. In early May the new Cambodian government seized an American ship, the cargo vessel Mayaguez, in what was widely interpreted as a challenge to American resolve. After diplomatic initiatives failed to gain release of the ship, Ford ordered a limited Marine and air action to retrieve the ship and crew. Ford's response to both the overrun of South Vietnam and the Mayaguez situation can be considered bold and prudent. He truly tried his best to heal the nation's wounds and displayed resolve in dealing with the crises that he faced.
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