Several West Michigan lawmakers gathered at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids Sunday as guests at the annual wreath-laying to honor him, and his wife former first lady Betty Ford.
The shooting of former President Donald Trump and the heated political climate were the overlying topics of the day with references to Ford leading the country at a divisive, difficult time as well.
“Reminding us how leaders like Ford showed us a path forward at a tumultuous time in our country through civility, respect, lowering the temperature in our country bring us together around the thigs that truly matter.”
Democrat Congresswoman Hillary Scholten is the U.S. Representative from Grand Rapids. She says the shooting can spur change for the better in political rhetoric.
“Not to demonize, not to ‘otherize,’ to build something new here in West Michigan, tht can bring people together around ideas, policies, shared values, not around pointing fingers and putting other people down.”
Ford family friend, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell represents the 6th District on the state’s southeast side. She says the violence should be a wakeup call that words and tone matter when it comes to political debate.
“My best friends - my good friends - are people I work with across the aisle. We have different life experiences. We bring different perspectives, but we love this country, and we have to make sure we don’t destroy it.”
