Last week’s Academy Awards ceremony was our annual peek behind the screen at those involved with and excelling in the film industry. Winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor was Robert Downey Jr. He won for Oppenheimer – a film about the atomic bomb – arguably the greatest simultaneous success and disaster in the history of mankind.
For Downey, the recognition might be something of a metaphor for his life. He is one of the most successful and acclaimed actors in Hollywood. Yet, not that long ago, he was, himself, a “disaster.” He suffered from drug and alcohol addictions so severe it resulted in multiple arrests for cocaine, crack, heroin, and handgun possession. He went to rehab several times and even spent a year in prison. He finally overcame his addictions and again climbed to the top. Either way, his was a path unlikely to lead to appearing on a commemorative postage stamp.
Such issues aren’t exclusive to Hollywood. Others in the public eye often succumb – including politicians. It’s no secret Ulysses S. Grant was a heavy drinker. So too were early founding father presidents George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Wine and ale were their beverages of choice. Many more including James Buchanan, Franklin Pierce, Martin Van Buren, Chester Arthur and, more recently Richard Nixon, were said to be “functioning alcoholics.”....
In the background, First Ladies can also occasionally raise an eyebrow. Most presidential wives spearhead social programs for education, civil rights and the environment. Some succeed. Others mean well but don’t get too much done.
A noted exception would be Betty Ford. Her husband, Gerald Ford, was admittedly one of the more boring politicians and a frequent target for lampooning on Saturday Night Live. Jerry was a lightning rod for political lampoons after being elevated to Vice President when Spiro Agnew was ousted. Further scrutiny came when he became president after Richard Nixon resigned. Ford holds the distinction of being the only individual to hold both positions without ever having been elected.
He received considerable public grief after pardoning Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal. Ford also tried unsuccessfully to attain historic status by making Puerto Rico the 51st state.
All that could drive most any spouse to drink. And, Betty Fiord certainly imbibed. Earlier, in 1964, Betty Ford had a pinched nerve in her neck. For that she began taking prescription pain pills. On top of that, in 1974, she underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. More medication followed, combined with alcohol. She had become addicted.
By 1978, just after her husband lost his presidential bid to Jimmy Carter, Betty Ford’s addiction was pronounced enough for her to voluntarily enter rehab at the Naval Regional Medical Hospital. She very bravely and publicly announced her addiction and need for treatment.
Just four years later, in 1982, Betty teamed with former ambassador Leonard Firestone to create a national awareness center for substance abuse. She was so transparent about her issues she agreed to have the center named after her. At that time, women in particular did not readily admit to dependency. Ford changed that stigma. Her fortitude was summed up in her words, “I’m a survivor, not a victim.” The Betty Ford Center has since become the epicenter and beta for healing – its name now synonymous with effective and successful treatment.
While she is most prominently now known for her work toward sobriety, Betty Ford was also an active advocate for women’s rights. She was the juggernaut for the Equal Rights Amendment mandating equality for everyone, no matter the gender. In interviews, she was also one of the most candid, frank and humorous First Ladies.
Her natural attractiveness lit up the White House and many a presidential social event. That will again be evident on April 5, when she is honored on a new “Forever” stamp. The image features the official 1977 White House portrait of her wearing a light blue evening dress. The stamp pays the freight for the current postal rate of 68-cents. In the future, it can be used for one-ounce First Class mail no matter the rate.
No word has been released about a First Day of Issue ceremony. For those interested, check back soon online at www.USPS.gov.
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