Gerald R. Ford Quotes

Fear attracts attack.

Weakness is provocation.

There is no safety where there is no strength.

Weakness and ambivalence lead to war

… without the steel helmet and gun barrel, we shall not be able to plant a tree or build a house.... Let us not be afraid to see the hatred that accompanies and consumes the lives of hundreds of thousands of Arabs who sit all around us and wait for the moment when their hands will be able to reach our blood.

People don't seem to understand that it's a damn war out there.

I just want my family to be safe. Because I am sometimes polarizing, I fear for their safety.

We remain essentially a nation under siege.

Russia has been too weak, and the weak get beaten.

Why are we going after those who were not going after us?

No one will have mercy on those who cannot defend themselves in the Middle East.

No man could know whether war might not at any moment break out.

The distinction between preparations made with the intention of going to war and preparations against attack is it true distinction, clear and definite than the mind of those who build up armaments. But it is a distinction that is not obvious or certain to others. The moral is obvious: it is that that armaments lead inevitably to war.

The government assures the people that they are in danger from the invasion of another nation, or from foes in their midst, and that the only way to escape this danger is by the slavish obedience of the people to their government. This fact is seen most prominently during revolutions and dictatorships, but it exists always and everywhere that the power of the government exists.

He was afraid of war [with America]. Stain never did anything to provoke a war with the United States. He knew his weakness

The way to feel safe is never to feel secure.

Those who want peace should prepare for war and be strong.

Threats alone, are the weapons of the threatened man.

We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.

I have some security that could protect me against provocations but of course there are more terrible actions that could not be stopped by any security.

Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.

Peace is purchased from strength. It's not purchased from weakness or unilateral retreats.

The fact is that violence gives you a rush.

That is the best Government, which best provides for war.

Dangers bring fears, and fears more dangers bring.