Editorial: 'Let us restore the Golden Rule to our political process

May the words of Gerald Ford, taken from his historic speech of reconciliation upon taking office on August 9, 1974, counsel us now:

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"Thomas Jefferson said the people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. And down the years, Abraham Lincoln renewed this American article of faith asking, 'Is there any better way or equal hope in the world?'"

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"Even though this is late in an election year, there is no way we can go forward except together and no way anybody can win except by serving the people's urgent needs.

"We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together."

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"I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our government but civilization itself. That bond, though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad."

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"Our Constitution works; our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher power, by whatever name we honor him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.

"As we bind up the internal wounds of Watergate, more painful and more poisonous than those of foreign wars, let us restore the Golden Rule to our political process, and let brotherly love purge our hearts of suspicion and of hate.

"In the beginning, I asked you to pray for me. Before closing, I ask again your prayers, for Richard Nixon and for his family. May our former president, who brought peace to millions, find it for himself.

"May God bless and comfort his wonderful wife and daughters, whose love and loyalty will forever be a shining legacy to all who bear the lonely burdens of the White House."