Today, April 12, marks the 65th anniversary of the death of our greatest 20th century President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In most polls of scholars and experts, FDR ranks only second to Abraham Lincoln among all 43 Presidents of the United States!
The effects of FDR and his “New Deal”, and his World War II efforts, still reverberate on our lives two thirds of a century after he left the scene!
A lot of the same rhetoric being used against President Barack Obama today was employed against FDR in the 1930s and early 1940s. He was called a “Communist”, “Fascist”, “Socialist”, “radical”, “Nazi”, “Marxist”, and as against capitalism and democracy.
We are hearing ridiculous accusations such as this from talk radio, Fox News Channel, Republican party leaders, and even from people in the entertainment industry, who have shown that sometimes aging makes the mind go awry, and makes these individuals look foolish and nutty!
I am referring to such former luminaries in entertainment as actor Jon Voight, and singers Andy Williams and Pat Boone, who have made former fans alienated by their outrageous statements that make one wonder about their mental stability! š
The fact is that FDR and the New Deal saved capitalism, saved democracy, gave hope and faith and confidence in the future, and became an important lifeline to many millions of desperate Americans. The New Deal created a large national government, became involved in deficit spending out of necessity, and the Presidency grew in authority and responsibility as the only way to sustain the country through difficult times.
FDR also had to deal, not only with extremists on his left and right, many of whom were indeed scary and threatening, but also with a very conservative Supreme Court, which stood often in the way of necessary actions and progress.
So FDR faced very similar circumstances as Barack Obama has to deal with every day!
Let us hope that as we recognize the long range impact of FDR, that we will eventually see the New Deal traditions that he pursued, and that are being followed and updated by the man who, in many ways, represents the modern manifestation of FDR, Barack Obama, be accepted as following the proper instincts!
Also, it is hoped that we will come to appreciate Barack Obama, and not see him as the enemy, the devil, or anti-American, as Michele Bachmann has labeled him! What a disgrace that anyone would call an American President as unpatriotic and unAmerican! Shame on Michele Bachmann and all of Obama’s other critics who employ such character assassination! š