23 min
FDR's First Inaugural Address Thought Leaders... But Lofi
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- History
FDR was one of the best leaders in American history - he was able to lead a nation out of the worst financial crisis it had ever endured. He not only had the plans and ability to do the hard work that such a massive task required, but he knew how to lead the American people through a tough time.
This speech is one of the first examples of this remarkable leadership. I’ve pasted a transcript below if you’d like to follow along.
The music in this episode was provided by Anatomy Park and Len Trexler, a couple of my lofi music projects - check them out wherever you listen to music.
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March 04, 1933
I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.
In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.
FDR was one of the best leaders in American history - he was able to lead a nation out of the worst financial crisis it had ever endured. He not only had the plans and ability to do the hard work that such a massive task required, but he knew how to lead the American people through a tough time.
This speech is one of the first examples of this remarkable leadership. I’ve pasted a transcript below if you’d like to follow along.
The music in this episode was provided by Anatomy Park and Len Trexler, a couple of my lofi music projects - check them out wherever you listen to music.
-
March 04, 1933
I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.
In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.
23 min