1. How does Roosevelt define economic freedom? In his speech to the Democratic National Convention, Roosevelt defines freedom as “…freedoms from some restraining power” (Foner 167). From this, one could determine that his definition of economic freedom would be the freedom from restraints preventing one from exercising their economic rights, whether in reference to purchasing products or gaining economic security. In addition to this, Roosevelt defined economic freedom as having a broader reach than being free to buy anything one would enjoy or to earn a salary—it was also about simply having the chance to do so. Those who deprive citizens of their chances are corporations that possess “…control over material things” (Foner 167) inhibit
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This is due to the fact that he considered corporations and banks as freedom’s enemies, for they were the ones with control over material items. These “kingdoms” sought control of the government in their favor and succeeded to a certain extent. For years, corporations and banks had influence over the government, as seen during the Gilded Age, prohibiting the proper distribution of freedoms to its citizens, which is why Roosevelt considered the federal government to be freedom’s enemy. However, he also believed that the government could—and should—be freedom’s ally, as seen when he stated “Against economic tyranny such as this [corporations and banks], the American citizen could appeal only to the organized power of government” (Foner 169). The role of the government is to work for the people and their freedoms, not for corporate mongrels looking to hoard all of the wealth, and take action when the people needed it most. When government intervention began, the corporate tyrants complained, but Roosevelt defended the government’s action, proclaiming that “…freedom is no half-and-half affair” (Foner 169). In a time when government corruption wasn’t entirely unheard of, Roosevelt realized that these corporations were inhibiting the freedoms of American citizens, which is why he believed that the federal government, who was once an enemy, should be freedom’s …show more content…
As I had stated in a previous forum, I am employed by a small, family-owned business, and when FDR states, “There was no place among this royalty for our many thousands of small-businessmen and merchants” (Foner 167), he is not lying. Even in today’s society this quote still applies, as small businesses are still at an extreme disadvantage compared to corporations, and there is no action being taken to change that. In addition to this, I do also feel as if Roosevelt’s economic comments relate to all of us. Can we state that there is absolutely no corporate influence in the government? Is it true that small businesses have as many opportunities as corporations? The answer is no, which is why Roosevelt’s speech is still relatable even today. The economy during this era was terrible, and while it is okay today, I still feel that our economy is fragile. I often fear that we will sink into another depression or even end up like Greece, which is why I believe that our economy is not the strongest. We hit a recession in 2008 and we are still climbing out of it, and some even believe that we are heading for another one. This, coupled with skyrocketing economic problems, with the rise of student debt as an example, all just seems like a recipe for disaster to me, which is why I have little faith in our current economy. While some may argue that there is government intervention taking steps
This is due to the fact that he considered corporations and banks as freedom’s enemies, for they were the ones with control over material items. These “kingdoms” sought control of the government in their favor and succeeded to a certain extent. For years, corporations and banks had influence over the government, as seen during the Gilded Age, prohibiting the proper distribution of freedoms to its citizens, which is why Roosevelt considered the federal government to be freedom’s enemy. However, he also believed that the government could—and should—be freedom’s ally, as seen when he stated “Against economic tyranny such as this [corporations and banks], the American citizen could appeal only to the organized power of government” (Foner 169). The role of the government is to work for the people and their freedoms, not for corporate mongrels looking to hoard all of the wealth, and take action when the people needed it most. When government intervention began, the corporate tyrants complained, but Roosevelt defended the government’s action, proclaiming that “…freedom is no half-and-half affair” (Foner 169). In a time when government corruption wasn’t entirely unheard of, Roosevelt realized that these corporations were inhibiting the freedoms of American citizens, which is why he believed that the federal government, who was once an enemy, should be freedom’s …show more content…
As I had stated in a previous forum, I am employed by a small, family-owned business, and when FDR states, “There was no place among this royalty for our many thousands of small-businessmen and merchants” (Foner 167), he is not lying. Even in today’s society this quote still applies, as small businesses are still at an extreme disadvantage compared to corporations, and there is no action being taken to change that. In addition to this, I do also feel as if Roosevelt’s economic comments relate to all of us. Can we state that there is absolutely no corporate influence in the government? Is it true that small businesses have as many opportunities as corporations? The answer is no, which is why Roosevelt’s speech is still relatable even today. The economy during this era was terrible, and while it is okay today, I still feel that our economy is fragile. I often fear that we will sink into another depression or even end up like Greece, which is why I believe that our economy is not the strongest. We hit a recession in 2008 and we are still climbing out of it, and some even believe that we are heading for another one. This, coupled with skyrocketing economic problems, with the rise of student debt as an example, all just seems like a recipe for disaster to me, which is why I have little faith in our current economy. While some may argue that there is government intervention taking steps