I was just going over some stuff I read on Ford, and I was amazed (cause I forgot about it) that Ford denied to help NYC when it was on the verge of bankruptcy. I find it ironic that the markets, based in NYC will be closed to honor Ford. While I can understand why to be closed, but I am surprised to see NYC doing this in lieu of Pres. Ford not helping NYC out in its time of need.
Every major city was in financial trouble at that time. If Ford had done anything for New York, he would've had to do the same for every other city too. New York just happened to be the biggest whiner at the time.
In a philosophical sense I find it proper that NY honor President Ford. NY felt it needed a handout, and Ford assessed the situation and determined that NY and the other "ailing" cities needed to buckle down and solve their own problems. History has recorded that Ford was in fact correct, and NY recovered quite nicely! Handouts lead to continued weakness, self sufficiency generates increasing strength...