In Times Like These

As you recall, he was elected during one of the most challenging times in this nation's history. Hundreds of thousands of people were unemployed; many close to losing their homes, businesses and other financial security they may have amassed. President Roosevelt came in on the heels of a president -- Herbert Hoover -- who didn't appear particularly adept in his attempt to mitigate the effects of a faltering economy, nor did he appear particularly fond of the incoming president. Hoover was a prominent, consistent critic of Mr. Roosevelt's plans to boost the economy. In any event, something had to change, less the country continue its descent into degradation.

And so FDR proposed a bold, new initiative, fondly referred to as the 'New Deal.' It was a series of legislative acts designed to improve the lives of those long-suffering americans who faced nothing but despair, day after day. Congress enthusiastically passed the acts and the american public came on board too.

FDR's actions were typical of, and a reflection of, his philosophy. He was deeply concerned about the quality of life, although he was born into pretty high quality himself. Thomas Greer, in What Roosevelt Thought. gives us the 32nd President's core social ideology: "The Great Teacher said, 'I come that ye may have life and that ye may have it more abundantly.' The object of all our striving should be to realize that abundant life."

Most of you will recognize the first part of the quote as belonging to another greatly admired leader. Which brings me to another point: FDR was also a greatly religious man, and frequently asked for devine guidance in his decision-making. The laws proposed under the New Deal were a manifestation of all that he believed.

Franklin Roosevelt held strongly that government had an obligation to social welfare and social justice. In 1788, Isaac, his great-great-grandfather sat in the county courthouse in Dutchess, in Poughkeepsie, New York (the Roosevelts' beloved home state). He was there as a delegate, to address ratification of the Bill of Rights. Isaac Roosevelt found himself siding with (and casting a vote with) Alex Hamilton, a well-known Federalist and Founding Father. In the end, New York voted to ratify, assuring that the Bill of Rights would become enshrined in the Constitution. So, President Roosevelt associated his family with the Constitution. He felt that he genuinely understood what the Founding Fathers sought for the nation and its people. What Roosevelt Thought. So for him, the government had a nontransferable duty to protect its citizenry and help them to prosper.

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