09.24.07
John Carter And FDR?
Rep. John Carter’s latest blog post is at the same time deplorable and hypocritical. He also has the temerity to invoke the name of FDR. Carter, someone who would love no more than to do away with what FDR created, Social Security included, has the gall to quote him in an effort to justify the right wing’s attempts to end earmarks now that they’re in the minority. Here’s the blog post and the quote, The Need for Earmark Reform is Now.
In 1938, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered one of America’s first nation-wide radio addresses. In that historic address he said, “The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.” These words of our past should serve as a reminder to every member of Congress. Our primary goal is to protect the interests of the American people, and keep them informed about where and how their tax dollars are being spent.
Yes, that’s right, now that Carter’s no longer in the majority he’s all against pork. Read about Rep. Carter’s own problems with pork and earmarks in the Pig Book of 2006. It is a classic quote, similar to Jefferson’s regarding ignorance and freedom. FDR’s quote though doesn’t say that Congress should inform the people, but that the people should make sure they are informed, be “..strong enough and well enough informed..” to continue governing themselves. That means citizens having the inner strength to educate themselves so they can make well informed decisions. Not a bunch of uninformed sheep watching Fox News Infotainment, which is what Carter would probably prefer. Because as the Carter’s blog post shows, if we all got our “information” from our member(s) of Congress, we wouldn’t be well enough informed to maintain our sovereignty.
To understand what FDR was talking about we must go back and read the whole speech, from April 14th 1938, On Economic Conditions. It’s a long one but below will be several paragraphs to put the above quote in context. In a speech detailing to the American people the need to continue his economic reforms FDR shows all the tools we need, and are currently lacking, in a president - compassion, tough love, hope, confidence, reaches out to the opposition, and unwavering commitment to do right by the people - to rally ALL the American people to his side and instill in them the confidence and hope needed to finish what was started.
At the point that the quote is taken from in the speech FDR is talking about how his plan must be continued and he’s detailing 5 things that must be expanded in his plan. Psst..it includes government spending and you’ll recognize some of the projects as part of what’s falling apart in America today.
First, to enable the United States Housing Authority to undertake the immediate construction of about three hundred million dollars worth of additional slum clearance projects.
Second, to renew a public works program by starting as quickly as possible about one billion dollars worth of needed permanent public improvements in our states, and their counties and cities.
Third, to add one hundred million dollars to the estimate for Federal aid highways in excess of the amount that I recommended in January.
Fourth, to add thirty-seven million dollars over and above the former estimate of sixty-three million for flood control and reclamation.
Fifth, to add twenty-five million dollars additional for Federal buildings in various parts of the country.
In recommending this program I am thinking not only of the immediate economic needs of the people of the Nation, but also of their personal liberties -the most precious possession of all Americans. I am thinking of our democracy. I am thinking of the recent trend in other parts of the world away from the democratic ideal.
Democracy has disappeared in several other great nations — disappeared not because the people of those nations disliked democracy, but because they had grown tired of unemployment and insecurity, of seeing their children hungry while they sat helpless in the face of government confusion, government weakness, — weakness through lack of leadership in government. Finally, in desperation, they chose to sacrifice liberty in the hope of getting something to eat. We in America know that our own democratic institutions can be preserved and made to work. But in order to preserve them we need to act together, to meet the problems of the Nation boldly, and to prove that the practical operation of democratic government is equal to the task of protecting the security of the people.
Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our Government to give employment to idle men. The people of America are in agreement in defending their liberties at any cost, and the first line of that defense lies in the protection of economic security. Your Government, seeking to protect democracy, must prove that Government is stronger than the forces of business depression.
History proves that dictatorships do not grow out of strong and successful governments but out of weak and helpless governments. If by democratic methods people get a government strong enough to protect them from fear and starvation, their democracy succeeds, but if they do not, they grow impatient. Therefore, the only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over its government.
We are a rich Nation; we can afford to pay for security and prosperity without having to sacrifice our liberties into the bargain.
His discussion of what causes democracy to fail if prescient. Think Katrina, and then think of this, “If by democratic methods people get a government strong enough to protect them from fear and starvation, their democracy succeeds, but if they do not, they grow impatient.” Think of that when you think of people without health care, the increasing wage gap, the working poor, etc.. Right before the quote that Carter steals to justify his pandering, FDR is telling us of the most crucial need of the people for democracy to survive - a strong government that can take care of its people when it needs to. Carter tries to use FDR’s words to justify taking those needs aways. And If those most crucial needs are taken away FDR tells us that the people will grow impatient. Not sure about you, but I’m getting rather impatient.
Well Congressman, FDR, one of America’s greatest presidents, also said this:
A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.
This way Congressman, come on, you can do it.