Foundation Trustee Donald Rumsfeld visited the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 3, 2013 to discuss his new book “Rumsfeld’s Rules”. Throughout numerous years as a distinguished public servant & successful businessman, Rumsfeld wrote down his thoughts, ideas, mistakes, things that worked out well and advice. President Ford would name the collection of 3×5 cards “Rumsfeld’s Rules”, which presently includes almost 400 rules.
Elaine Didier served as MC of the program and highlighted how it was one of several events throughout Gerald R. Ford’s Centennial year. Peter Secchia, longtime friend of both Gerald R. Ford and Don Rumsfeld, provided introductions which included highlighting Rumsfeld selection heading the Ford transition to the Presidency following Richard Nixon’s resignation. Secchia also noted that Rumsfeld was appointed White House Chief of Staff by President Ford and then later on Secretary of Defense.
The idea for the book began with Rumsfeld’s mother, a schoolteacher, asking him to write down words he didn’t know the meaning to and then going to the dictionary to learn about its meaning. Carrying 3×5 cards to write down the words became a habit, which turned into writing down other points of interests to Rumsfeld, including quotes from other people that he wanted to reflect on. Rumsfeld to this day carries cards in his pocket.
Shortly after beginning his Presidency, Gerald R. Ford heard Don Rumsfeld discuss one of his rules and asked about it. Rumsfeld detailed how they were just things he wrote down and reflected upon from throughout his life. President Ford asked to read them, and afterward wanted Rumsfeld to distribute to the White House Senior Staff so they could also read.
Some of “Rumsfeld’s Rules” included a quote from his father-in-law “If you are coasting, you are going downhill”, a quote from Margaret Thatcher “The problem with socialism is that soon error later you run out of other people’s money” and his thoughts on leadership with Gerald R. Ford being his prime example of what a leader is made of.
