October 12, 2011

FDR-resized.jpg
FDR - voice still relevant decades later.


A video excerpt of this address has been making the rounds on the Internet the past few days. Considering it's timely importance, I thought it would be a good idea to run the whole (30+ minute) address so you can have it and take it with you - put it on your iPod when you need some reminding there were voices of sanity and relevance around.

If you haven't already heard about the address, here is the text to the Second Bill of Rights portion (about 25 minutes in).

President Roosevelt: "In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all—regardless of station, or race, or creed.

Among these are:

The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;

The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;

The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;

The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;

The right of every family to a decent home;

The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;

The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, and sickness, and accident, and unemployment;

The right to a good education.

All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.

America's own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for all our citizens.

For unless there is security here at home there cannot be lasting peace in the world."

Relevant then - more relevant now.

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