In 1944 Pres. Roosevelt proposed an Economic Bill of Rights for America. So far we have not lived up to his ideals.
Our Forgotten Bill of Rights
During his State of the Union Address on January 11, 1944, Franklin Roosevelt suggested that the nation had come to recognize, and should now implement, a second bill of rights. Roosevelt's argument was that the political rights guaranteed by the constitution and the Bill of Rights had proved inadequate to assure us equality in the “pursuit of happiness." Roosevelt's remedy was to declare an economic bill of rights which would guarantee:
Employment, with a living wage
Freedom from unfair competition and monopolies
Housing
Medical care
Education
Social security
Roosevelt stated that having these rights would guarantee American security, and that America's place in the world depended upon how far these and similar rights had been carried into practice.
In 1944 we were at war with Germany and Japan. We fought to defeat tyranny, and to continue the fight to achieve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for ourselves. In a twist of irony Germany and Japan have adopted all these economic rights for their citizens. We have secured but one, and it has many opponents. Economic inequality is now our most prominent feature.
Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration examines the significance or relevance of the idea that the U.S. Constitution was, as many believe, divinely inspired. How much did that belief matter to founders of the nation and how much does it matter no
Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration examines the significance or relevance of the idea that the U.S. Constitution was, as many believe, divinely inspired. How much did that belief matter to founders of the nation and how much does it matter no
Chip Bergeron