A Proud New Deal Legacy Spurned?

“afflicted with hear-nothing, see-nothing, do-nothing Government.”

FDR estate - Hyde Park, NY

While I’m on the topic of historical legacies, the recent Obama collapse on the debt limit deal sadly reveals that President Obama and many Congressional corporate Democrats are on the verge of destroying the last vestiges of the Democratic party’s New Deal legacy (Bill Clinton did much dismantling, especially in financial regulation and “ending welfare as we know it”) .

Just after my earlier post today, I coincidentally came across this historical gem over at Crooks and Liars: “Why raising the retirement age is a horrible idea”

That post provides an excerpt from the now-famous FDR Madison Square Garden address of October 31, 1936.

Listen to FDR’s timeless and powerful rhetoric – and then compare it to the anemic response of Obama: (hit link to listen).

For twelve years this Nation was afflicted with hear-nothing, see-nothing, do-nothing Government. The Nation looked to Government but the Government looked away. (huge applause)

Nine mocking years with the golden calf and three long years of the scourge!

Nine crazy years at the ticker and three long years in the breadlines! (huge applause)

Nine mad years of mirage and three long years of despair!

Powerful influences strive today to restore that kind of government with its doctrine that that Government is best which is most indifferent.

For nearly four years you have had an Administration which instead of twirling its thumbs has rolled up its sleeves. We will keep our sleeves rolled up. (huge applause)

We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering.

They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.

Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred. (wild applause)

Amen, Bro.