olga Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Betty Ford died on Friday, after surviving alcoholism, breast cancer and being a political wife. Everything is so open now in this society, that it's hard to understand what a breath of fresh air she was when she talked frankly about her breast cancer back in the 70s. She was also very open about her problem with alcohol, and her stay in a rehab facility. This lead her to establish the Betty Ford Clinic, which quickly became popular with celebrities who needed treatment for addiction. Betty also spoke her mind about issues important to her, and she never made a secret of the fact that she voted her conscience instead of the straight Republican ticket. Her husband and kids were devoted to her, which is a good indication of her warmth and loyalty to them. Here's an article about her from the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/betty-ford-dies-at-93-former-first-lady-founded-iconic-clinic/2011/07/08/gIQAOspd4H_story.html She and her husband were a welcome change from Richard Nixon, and I don't think they got the credit that they should have for trying to be a stable influence after the shenanigans of Nixon and his Watergate lies. olga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Betty Ford did more to remove the stigma surrounding two major and majorly common things - breast cancer and addiction. She put these things into everyday language in a way that they weren't before. She made them okay to acknowledge and talk about. She was an amazing woman in many ways and deserves a notable place in history and tribute right now. ETA: In case you are too young to recall, there was a time when acknowledging cancer was taboo. It was kept secret and people bravely and tragically suffered in isolation. Breast cancer also was a humiliation. All very sad and hard to believe today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo 'n dye Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 The most fitting tribute that I have read to date: " Betty Ford said things that first ladies just don't say, even today." Yeah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I have always admired her, but I learned even more fascinating things about her in her NY Times Obit. I felt bad for Pres. Ford, talk about being caught in the crossfire. I think he made a mistake pardoning Nixon, but he thought he was doing the right thin. But my family is pretty rabidly Dem, anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Oh, that's sad news. the betty ford clinic is awesome. At my last training I met a bunch of the providers there and they were wonderful. Spent a long time talking to the guy who runs the children's program, he rocks. Ended up buying a bunch of his books (he was so sweet, he signed them) including his book on how to develop a week long program to help children of substance abusing parents. in a bit, i plan to ask my boss if we can do one over the summer. I already have another guy on board at my work, heh. I think she will go for it it is SO NEEDED in the community where I work. We do not have one and we should. If I could ever afford it and needed it, I think I'd rather go to Betty Ford than anywhere else. Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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