October 15, 2010

The Milkman’s Son

By Tracy C. Baker

Churning the Butter #142

It’s Time

I have just finished reading a fascinating biography on FDR called "A Traitor To His Class:  The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt" by H.W. Brands.

It served as a reminder that, as far as the Republicans go, everything old is new again.  But it also served as a reminder that the American people will rally around someone who stands for the vast majority, instead of the well-heeled minority.

In FDR’s final State of the Union address in January of 1944, he said, "We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence...People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.  These truths are self- evident...a second bill of rights, under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all regardless of race, station, or creed."

 1 - The right to a useful and remunerative job in industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;

2- The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;

3 - The right of every (individual, not mega-corporate) farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;

4- 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; (This is the concept of Fair Trade, not the so-called “free” trade crapola that we have now.)

5 - The right of every family to a decent home;

6- The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve good health;

7 - The right to adequate protection from economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;

8 - The right to a good education.

 Please pass this list of new bill of rights around.  Maybe we can start something here and now!

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Copyright 2010 The Milkman's Son and Tracy C. Baker