FDR and the Second Bill of Rights.

[icarus]

From peoppenheimer here:

“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, race, or creed.”

• 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 that 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, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
  
• The right to a good education.

(Franklin Delano Roosevelt, January 11, 1944; quoted from Sunstein, 2004, The Second Bill of Rights, New York: Basic Books)

Comments

[everbright]

The more I hear about FDR, the more I like him. *sigh* I wish more people were talking like this in government now.