60 years ago today -- Rest In Peace, FDR

CornField

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Tue Apr-12-05 09:13 AM
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60 years ago today -- Rest In Peace, FDR

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945). His 1941 State of the Union address has been immortalized as the "Four Freedoms" speech.

A brief synopsis of the speech.

The above poster was developed as a graphical representation of that speech and in response to Nazi book burnings. (It now resides in the US Halocaust Museum.)

From the speech:

...
In times like these it is immature-- and, incidentally, untrue-- for anybody to brag that an unprepared America, single-handed and with one hand tied behind its back, can hold off the whole world.

No realistic American can expect from a dictator's peace international generosity, or return of true independence, or world disarmament, or freedom of expression, or freedom of religion-- or even good business. Such a peace would bring no security for us or for our neighbors. Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
...
The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:
Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
Jobs for those who can work.
Security for those who need it.
The ending of special privilege for the few.
The preservation of civil liberties for all.
The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.

These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding straight of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.

Many subjects connected with our social economy call for immediate improvement. As examples:
We should bring more citizens under the coverage of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance.
We should widen the opportunities for adequate medical care.
We should plan a better system by which persons deserving or needing gainful employment may obtain it.
...
If the congress maintains these principles the voters, putting patriotism ahead pocketbooks, will give you their applause.
...

Full text of speech: http://www.libertynet.org/~edcivic/fdr.html

You can also hear FDR give an excerpt of the speech and view more artwork inspired by his foreign and domestic policies: http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/powers_of_persuasion/four_freedoms/four_freedoms.html

FDR was born January 30, 1882 at his parent's estate, Springwood, overlooking the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York. He was the only child born to James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt. He endured the Great Depression and WWII during his 12 years as President. On April 12, 1945, only a few weeks since being sworn in as the POTUS for a unprecedented fourth term, FDR was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and died while sitting for a portrait in Warm Springs, Georgia.