It
was a pure coincidence that I visited the presidential library of perhaps the
greatest president of the 20th century on the same day the first
presidential debate was held for one of the craziest field of Republican
contenders of the 21st century.
Having
been to Jimmy Carter's and Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidential libraries, I was so
excited to hit my third such place when I visited Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s library in Hyde Park, New York. There are 13 such libraries and it’s on my bucket
list to hit all of them. I’m so glad the
first three I came to visit were for Democrats.
FDR’s library is he first of the 13 to be created – and the only one to
open for a sitting president.
FDR
was the only president to hold office with a severe handicap. He was paralyzed from the chest down due to
catching polio at age 39. The former New
York governor is also the only person to serve more than two terms as
president, dying in office while early into his fourth term, just months before
World War II would come to an end and the Untied Nations would be born.
I’m
a student of history but I admittedly felt overwhelmed to see just how much
this man had to overcome and endure, a presidency that challenged him from day
one at the height of the Depression in 1933.
A
month before he was to take office, a man attempted to assassinate him, firing
five shots and killing the mayor of Chicago in the process. Not only did he battle the Great Depression and a recession, he delivered landmark policies, such as Social Security, that
stand today. He also ruled during World
War II, the bloodiest war in the history of the planet. He did all of this with a compromised body.
His
presidency also gave us the greatest First Lady, a woman who became a civil
rights activist and a leader in her own right, Eleanor Roosevelt.
In
addition to touring the museum, one can see the house he was born, raised, and
lived in until he died. It’s nearly 200
years old and in impressive condition.
The
gift shop, though unimpressive, did feature many books, including ones written
by or about the Roosevelts, as well as books about World War II, the Greatest
Generation, politics, and related subjects.
I picked up a bargain – a four-dollar copy of his greatest speeches,
called Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Great Speeches.
I
also bought reprints of newspapers reflecting key moments in history. The headline from The Norfolk Ledge-Dispatch
dated May 7, 1945, read as follows: NAZIS QUIT: V-E DAY OFFICIALLY TOMORROW.
The
other, from The Herald Examiner (in Chicago), dated December 6, 1933, blared
this headline: Prohibition Era Ended!
Loop crowds Hail repeal.
It
was interesting to see how the newspapers looked back then, some 70 years
ago. It was physically bigger. The
width of these broadsheets extended about four feet when opened fully. The photos are in black and white. Some ads use illustrations. Some of the comic strips were familiar, like
Blondie and Mickey Mouse. There was more
emphasis on news than entertainment, features, and sports. It’s cool to go back in time and read about
historical events.
Here
are some select speech passages from the book I’d purchased – you may find them
of value:
Oct.
14, 1936
"But
I know, and you know, and every independent business man who has had to
struggle against the competition of monopolies knows, that this concentration
of economic power in all-embracing corporations does not represent private
enterprise as we Americans cherish it and propose to foster it. On the
contrary, it represents private enterprise which has become a kind of private
government, a power unto itself—a regimentation of other people's money and
other people's lives.
"The
people of America have no quarrel with business. They insist only that the
power of concentrated wealth shall not be abused."
Jan
6, 1941
"The
basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are
simple. They are:
Equality
of opportunity for youth and for others.
Jobs
for those who can work.
Security
for those who need it.
The
ending of special privilege for the few.
The
preservation of civil liberties for all.
The
enjoyment -- The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and
constantly rising standard of living.
These
are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the
turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding
strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to
which they fulfill these expectations."
Dec.
8, 1941
"Yesterday,
December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America
was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of
Japan."
Jan.
20, 1945
"And
so today, in this year of war, 1945, we have learned lessons, at a fearful
cost, and we shall profit by them."
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