Document 56: "Speech by Betty Ford, National Commissioner and Former First Lady, First Plenary Session," in National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year, The Spirit of Houston: The First National Women's Conference (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1978), pp. 220-21.

Betty Ford. From The Spirit of Houston: The First National Women's Conference, p. 245.

p. 220

SPEECH BY BETTY FORD
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER AND FORMER FIRST LADY

FIRST PLENARY SESSION
NOVEMBER 19, 1977

   It is absolutely thrilling to see such a tremendous crowd here this morning, to act as ourselves, and I want everybody in the world to know it.

   Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Johnson, and all of you who are here on behalf of the IWY, the first thing I would like to say is that I am honored by the company I'm with.

   This points out how dramatic are the common cause and hopes of so many people of so many different persuasions. I told Jerry I was determined to go to Houston and have my voice here. Jerry answered to me, "Well, naturally. Okay, Betty. I expected it."

   Well, that lighthearted exchange really has a serious side for Jerry and for me. We have both found a great deal of respect and appreciation in knowing that each of us can speak our own minds as we feel necessary. Jerry sends his warmest regards and certainly his best wishes for this Conference.

   I am sure a great many of you, perhaps, read about Amelia Bloomer and perhaps know who she was. Well, it was way back in the 1800's that Amelia Bloomer designed the first pants. And now some of you may also recall that my maiden name, if you'll pardon the expression, was "Bloomer."

   We haven't had time to determine for sure that we're relatives, but I don't think there are many of us around. However, if she came up with the idea of pants for women, she sounds like my kind of gal.

   Very seriously, I am proud to be here, and I am very honored by the privilege to participate with each and every one of you. However, in terms of advice let me say this: we must keep focus on our goals in business, education, employment, and politics, or in the home. We may have different interests, but we shouldn't be dismayed

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by the clash of opinion and ideas. It has been said the "evils" of controversy will pass, but its benefits are permanent.

   Thank you again for having me here. I'm proud to be part of it. So let's keep it all together.

   

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