They called FDR a traitor; the president who overcame the Great Depression caused by bottomless greed and saved the world from fascism’s hatred of someone, anyone who can be blamed for perceived wrongdoing. The radical few called FDR a traitor, a traitor to his class, for the president’s sin of using government to help the average American.
And help he did. The New Deal’s Social Security, FDIC, support of unions, heavier taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, price support for farmers, and new controls over banks and public utilities laid the groundwork for economic recovery and expansion of the American middle class.
Now, almost 100 years later, fascism is raising its ugly head again, sowing fear and hatred of the “other” while our middle class is shrinking due to the excessive greed of a few.
FDR told us we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Together we beat the chaos of fascism and economic depression by having each others’ backs. We can do it again. We can stand together and fight for economic justice for all and basic civil rights for all.
Joanne Garing
North Huntingdon