Franklin Roosevelt, a Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes to You

[babsbunny]

http://www.truthout.org/092708Y

Saturday 27 September 2008

by: Michael Winship, t r u t h o u t | Perspective

photo
Franklin Delano Roosevelt. (Photo: macslegalhistory.com)

We thirst for leadership, vision, someone who can speak to us in a way that refuses to avert its eyes from the crisis but shines a light of truth upon the problem, then offers hope and possible solutions.

If this is indeed an economic 9/11, as some have suggested, we need that voice now. Right now. And so far it has yet to be heard. Not from McCain, or Obama, or President Bush.

[NHDEMFORLIFE]

1. FDR, the greatest

Bush isn't ankle-high to this man.
Before negatively comparing Obama to FDR, however, we have to wait for him to be elected and to take power. One of the great criticisms of FDR when he ran against Hoover was that he did not offer enough specifics (sound familiar?). He spoke in generalities and left people guessing as to what he might do once in office because, quite wisely, he didn't want to be boxed in on any issue. His great strength in the election was his ability to exude optimism and inspire people (does that also sound familiar?)

[lynettebro440]

2. Agree, Obama is playing his cards exactly right

He couldn't have gotten where he was to where he is now by playing stupid. He really does know each step of the way. Hopefully people will see that and follow like FDR, if not we are done.

[FirstLight]

3. Wow...that was a beautiful article...

This is true, and what we need...

Obama is SO there at some times, and just barely close at others. (That being said, I also realize he has to temper it because of the constituency, and the need to be "electable" by those who are skittish with a progressive Dem.)
I really love it when he is in that mode of inspiring and tapping into people's hearts and needs
..and what we can be if we are united and not divided. Not just as a country, but I think he honestly beleives he can help change the world to a place of less animosity and care for those who are oppressed and hungry, etc...
FDR also tapped into the theme of community and tribe and helping one another.
That altruism is always greater than survival of the fittest.

That is the major difference between the parties as I see it.

We are done being On Our Own...it is time for us to come together and rebuild our nation.
Hopefully we will get to see what it looks like out of the shadow of the corporate machine and the fascist overlords...