new legislation. His battle was not over. In his second inaugural address, he observed, “I see one third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-fed.” Foreshadowing a debate that rages to this day, he argued, “The test of our progress is not whether we add to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.” New Deal reforms were essential and long overdue but did not end the Great Depression. With World War II raging elsewhere and our entry into that conflict looming, manufacturing revived and the manpower needs of industry and military service solved the unemployment crisis.
Some still argue that FDR opened the door to socialism, while others maintain that his reforms preserved a corrupt and inefficient system that required a total overhaul. He would have responded, “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a downtrodden people, initiated long overdue social and economic reforms, and provided unparalleled leadership during a time of crisis and despair.
Lorin Swinehart
Saw you in the Ojo 25