How we treat others

[Guest guest]

This is slightly off topic, but going back to an old topic, how adults treat

children. Dr. Phil has, on his website, a quote, “We teach people how to

treat us.”

When I was 17, right after Jerry Ford became President, I went to a press

conference for Mr. Ford. I was the ONLY teenager admitted. I was surrounded

by the elite of the 4th Estate. I was also close to 300 lbs. During the

course of the conference, I had a question I just HAD to ask. And I did. Mr.

Ford acknowledged me, and, laughingly, called me the biggest MOUTH in the

southwest. It was a reference to my yelling to get his attention, not my

size. And after the press conference, during the reception, he singled me

out, and complimented me on my professional demeanor. I don’t care how big a

goof that man was as president. At that moment, he won my heart. I don’t

even remember what question I asked, but I do remember that it made all the

networks and wire services. My moment of fame. I’d like Dr. Phil to

criticize that. At 17, he was a jock, and had no direction in his life. I,

on the other hand, was fat, but had studied at the UN, interviewed the

president, was friends with a former first lady and her daughter (Lady Bird

and Luci ), and more celebrities than any one person could hope to

meet in one lifetime. And I knew at least a general direction I was going in

my life. It didn’t include demeaning people for their disabilities.

This came to my mind after watching a new talk show on TV this morning, “Ali

and Jack.” The Jack is Jack Ford, son of Jerry Ford.

Jac

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