Bonny M. Henderson 
2212 Tunlaw Road, N.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20007 
September 1, 1975 

Mrs. Betty Ford
The White House
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Ford,

I read in the Wall Street Journal that the public relations 
people are worried that your straightforward answers to questions 
will cost the President votes in 1976. I hope you will not become 
silent or worse yet, ''modify" your views. to suit assumed public
opinions. Americans do not have to be fed pablum to be contented. 
Truthfulness, good leadership and good example will go a long way. 
The society is constantly changing and our leaders (and we have so 
few women leaders) should show that we all can adjust to the changes. 

It is refreshing to have a person in the White House whom 
Americans, and especially American women, can respect and learn 
from; who tries to answer questions truthfully, and who is sensitive 
and sensible. You have endowed your children with these admirable 
qualities, as well. 

I am thirty-one years old, married, and have a responsible 
position in international banking. I have voted Democratic in 
the last three elections. However, I intend to vote Republican 
in 1976 because I like President Ford's leadership. If the Presi-
dent permits his advisors to silence you before the election, be-
cause you are an independent thinker, I and many other women in 
my age group will be very disillusioned.

Best wishes to you. 

Sincerely yours,
Ms. Bonny M. Henderson