I am not ashamed to call Betty Ford, a GOP first lady, a true hero

[dsc]

Betty Ford saved a lot of drunks. For the record, I am not one of them, as I went to a non Betty Ford clinic. But I know, and have been helped by, people who have gone to her clinic. In addition, by coming forward with her addiction, she allowed others to do so. As a gay alcoholic I have actually been in several different closets. People like Harvey Milk released me from one closet, people like Betty Ford released me from another. RIP Betty, drunks all over miss you greatly.

[gateley]

1. She took addiction AND breast cancer out of the shadows and

showed people there was no need to be ashamed (which, unbelievably, was the case back then).

She was a pioneer whose bravery changed our country immeasurably.

Her good deeds go with her. May she rest in peace.

[Warpy]

4. She was also outspoken about abortion rights

and openly backed the Equal Rights Amendment.

She was a great lady. Period.

[Canuckistanian]

9. She really did

She shattered the myth that successful people don't have addiction problems, and especially women.

I remember that people were astounded that a president's wife (gasp) could be an alcoholic and that, even worse, she was TALKING about it.

She knew that the myth had to be shattered, even if it meant baring her soul.

She was a real American hero.

[ChazII]

13. Agree 100%.

Thanks for posting your thoughts.

[maddezmom]

2. well said

K&R

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. She was a wonderful woman

What a terrific legacy!

[Xipe Totec]

5. She still is nt

[Horse with no Name]

6. She passed today. n/t

[Xipe Totec]

8. That does not diminish her greatness in the least

And so long as she lives in our memories, she still IS.

[tavalon]

18. True that!

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Yes, she was a very strong woman and did a lot of good in her life. RIP, Mrs. Ford.

[markpkessinger]

10. RIP, Betty ...

...From even the lowest point in your life, you managed to find a way to help millions. From her battles with addiction, to her breast cancer diagnosis (something women spoke of, if at all, in hushed tones, as if it were something to be ashamed of), to her outspoken support for a woman's right to choose and for the Equal Rights Amendment, you were always out there at the forefront, trying to show others the way forward.

[BlueJazz]

11. As Tom Jones would say: "She's a Lady"

[nevergiveup]

12. A lady of true courage way ahead of her time.

R.I.P.

[cordelia]

14. A courageous and good woman.

[AlabamaLibrul]

15. Watch out, someone might make an OP about your rabid support for the GOP next

K&R.

[JI7]

16. i agree

[tavalon]

17. Yes, she was a good woman

[PDittie]

19. Rest in peace, Mrs. Ford

Your clinic has helped many an exhausted celebrity and commoner. But we will miss you most as a sane, rational, pro-choice feminist advocate.

[WildEyedLiberal]

20. RIP to a true American spirit, a real hero

If only we could have a million more like her. Hell, even a thousand. At this point I'd settle for one.

RIP to a classy, courageous, principled lady I have always had the utmost respect for.