Nothing to fear
Reading Insect Dreams I came to the famous words of FDR's inaugural address, and was profoundly moved by the sentiment expressed in them, the absolute faith in a better country, a fairer America, an opportunity land again. I was shocked to see that what was urgent then is urgent now, that the major problems from that era continue to be current.
I was elated to read wise words on fear and terror:
This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.
Further on, FDR recognized and confronted the immoral quality of wealth, basically, that the country should not be run by corporations
Recognition of the falsity of material wealth as the standard of success goes hand in hand with the abandonment of the false belief that public office and high political position are to be valued only by the standards of pride of place and personal profit; and there must be an end to a conduct in banking and in business which too often has given to a sacred trust the likeness of callous and selfish wrongdoing. Small wonder that confidence languishes, for it thrives only on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, on unselfish performance; without them it cannot live.
And finally, some words on how to conduct world policy
In the field of world policy I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor - the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others - the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors.
Only a truly elected president could have said this, though.
We do not distrust the future of essential democracy. The people of the United States have not failed. In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action. They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership. They have made me the present instrument of their wishes. In the spirit of the gift I take it.
That is my hope, that in 2004 a new president, a new political line will rescue this country from the ethical morass in which it has been thrown by multiple interests, that it will honor its commitments, and that it will be true to its values and its origins.
Comments
Count on me to help vote this bozo out of office, dude... :0)
Posted by: -=e=- the merciless | April 9, 2003 11:33 PM