An anomaly in American history

Gerald Ford, we hardly knew ye.

The 38th (and only unelected) President in United States history has died at age 93.

Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) took over the Presidency on August 9, 1974 when Richard Nixon resigned in scandal. He was never elected to that office and served less than 900 days as President. In fact, he was never elected to the Vice Presidency either. Ford assumed that office after Spiro T. Agnew resigned, being chosen under terms of the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution.

Even after leaving the Presidency in January 1977, Mr. Ford was not much of a public figure. You never read about him in the news and unlike his successor, Jimmy Carter, had never - if ever - spoke publicly about any topic.

Unlike Ronald Reagan's absecnce from the public scene due to Alzheimers and other health problems, the American people never really knew how Mr. Ford's health was holding out.

I wonder how much he will be mourned by the American people. I remember when Richard Nixon died in the early 1990's flags were only raised to half staff and all government offices, including the post office, closed in his memory. I suspect Mr. Ford will garner at least as much respect.

There are now just four living Presidents: Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and the lame duck George W. Bush. I'd suspect Carter will be the next to go. Isn't he in his late 80's- early 90's as well?

12/30 Update: I watched most of the funeral service tonight which was held in the Capitol Rotunda. The news people said that Ford's body will lie in state all day Sunday and Monday and on Tuesday all government offices will be closed. Mr. Ford is to be buried at his Presidential Library in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Thursday.

Did you know that the bier on which the Presidential coffin is laid in the Rotunda was originally built for Abraham Lincoln, and has been used by every President since then.