On January 11, 1944, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt promised the country a Second Bill of Rights when World War II was over, but he died before the conflict ended.
America’s future security, he said, demands citizens have a right to good housing, good healthcare, good education, a living wage and more.
POCHO FACTOID: FDR never used the word “bigly” in a speech.
Transcript of his “Fireside Chat”:
Among these are: The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries, or shops or farms or mines of the nation; The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation; The right of (every) farmers to raise and sell their (his) products at a return which will give them (him) and their (his) families (family) a decent living; The right of every business man, large and small , to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad; The right of every family to a decent home; The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, and sickness, and accident and unemployment; And finally, the right to a good education.
All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.
PREVIOUSLY ON FDR:
President Roosevelt describes the difference between Democrats and the GOP.