Ford Gerald Gerald Ford Fantastic Civil Rights Letter2pp typed letter signed by future 38th U.S. President and then Michigan Congressman Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (1913-2006) as "Jerry Ford" near the center of the second page. Written in Washington, D.C. on January 28, 1950. On watermarked cream stationery paper with "Congress of the United States / House of Representatives / Washington, D.C. / Gerald R. Ford, Jr." letterhead. Docketed at upper right. Stapled in the upper left corner, and with a ghost paperclip indentation on the second page. Expected paper folds and uneven toning on the first page. Else very good to near fine. 8" x 10.5".Congressman Gerald R. Ford, Jr. had been elected to represent Michigan's 5th district, located in the lower peninsula of the state, just over one year earlier, in January 1949. (Indeed, Ford would serve these same constituents until 1973, when he was called to act as President Nixon's Vice President.)Ford addressed this letter to the "Very Reverend Monsignor A.F. Bukowski", otherwise known as Arthur F. Bukowski (died 1989), a Catholic priest who served as president of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan between 1937-1969.The two men were discussing recent lobbying in the House of Representatives to propose a permanent Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC). This legislation implemented by FDR for the purpose of preventing job discrimination had expired in 1946. For the next six years or so, Congress would debate vociferously on if or how its practices should be reinstated on the federal level. (They are still arguing about this today, in 2019.)The FEPC is widely viewed as one of the political issues anticipating the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, since it directly addressed institutionalized racism as well as Jim Crow.Ford wrote to Bukowski in part:"I have your telegram referring to the proposed FEPC legislation and the basic issue of civil rights legislation generally…Personally, I have lived by and believe in the fundamental principle of equality of opportunity regardless of race, color or creed. I am in favor of such a policy for all citizens and will cooperate to accomplish that objective by the most practical and effective methods.Since my election, on the legislative level I have voted for the anti-poll tax proposal and also supported the anti-discrimination amendment to a Coast Guard auxiliary bill…In the future I expect to favor anti-lynching legislation…"In the letter, Congressman Ford also mentions by name two of the more influential political participants of the debate.1. Sam Rayburn (1882-1961), Democrat, longtime Congressman from Texas, and Speaker of the House (second term, 1949-1953)Ford: "I now hope that Speaker Rayburn will not, for any purpose, - political or otherwise, abuse this wide authority and discretion. I am willing and anxious to be recorded on any and all proposals and I do not want the Committee on Rules or Mr. Rayburn to deny me that opportunity."2. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (1908-1972), Democrat, Congressman from New York, and Baptist ministerFord: "The so-called Powell bill as reported out of committee, goes too far too soon. It is my understanding that certain amendments will be offered to the Powell bill which will modify it to conform to what is a practical approach at the present time."A succinct and persuasive letter composed by the future President, just after he left the wartime U.S. Navy Reserve. The deliberate and clear presentation of Ford's ideas on the subject of civil rights testifies to his Yale Law School credentials.This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!