Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Compendium of Liberal Fiction Message Board

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Politics : Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Compendium of Liberal Fiction

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To: TimF who wrote (63170)	11/12/2007 11:27:17 PM
From: J. C. Dithers	Read Replies (1) of 90947

Tim, I rarely disagree with you, but I do on the subject of FDR. And this is coming from a person who has never voted Democrat! I think you have to remember what a dire time 1930s were, with 30% unemployed, an epidemic of bank failures (with no FDIC), the unprecedented "dust bowl" wiping out agriculture, massive foreclosures on houses and farms, the stock market still in shambles, and on and on. Our country was ripe for revolution, and the Communists (and Socialists and Anarchists) offered alternatives that looked appealing. That some of the intelligensia and movie stars embraced Communism was incidental -- the real threat was that the common citizen might take to the streets (as World War I veterans did in their bonus marches) in all their numbers. Hoover was a good and wise man and in due time his low profile policies may have worked had he been elected in 1932. But there wasn't due time to waste. This is where FDR stepped in, to restore hope to the masses. Most of his economic initiatives failed in the end, but this was not the point. He was bold enough to do SOMETHING (many somethings) and worry later whether they were lawful. Above all FDR was able to speak to all Americans as a friend and neighbor who understood their fears and worries and had the answers to their problems. He had an uncanny ability to instill confidence and faith in those most distressed. We have never seen a politician since who could come close to affecting people like FDR did, unless it might be Ronald Reagan. This is the great intangible that sets FDR apart from all others. It is why he must be considered one of our greatest presidents. And that is not even touching his leadership in the war years to come. I always enjoy and respect your posts, but on the FDR issue we'll have to agree to disagree on his place in history! JC

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