"There is nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy."

[DickKessler]

The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:

Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.

Jobs for those who can work.

Security for those who need it.

The ending of special privilege for the few.

The preservation of civil liberties for all.

The enjoyment -- The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.

These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.

https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrthefourfreedoms.htm

Reflecting on FDR today, on the one year anniversary of yet another day that will live in infamy. His bold and visionary leadership helped save our economy from total collapse and our country from fascism, both foreign AND domestic. He understood what was at stake and acted as remarkably and decisively well as anyone could possibly hope to in his situation.

Now, in our own moment of great peril, due to the convergence of widespread economic devastation, an ongoing global pandemic, and the forces of hate and destruction embodied by Donald Trump and the Republican Party in this country and by so many parallel movements and regimes around the globe, the future of things like democracy, liberty, and basic human rights and freedoms are all up for grabs. Nothing is guaranteed.

One thing we must remember, though: those who would seek to destroy democracy for their own benefit are counting on our fear and apathy. But the only thing we have to fear is…well, you know the rest of the words.

[elleng]

1. ' those who would seek to destroy democracy for their own benefit are counting on our fear,'

and they're seen to it's existence.

[BigmanPigman]

2. I just watched Chaplin's The Great Dictator from 1940.

His speech at the end about humanity living peacefully, helping one another sounded like it could be read today and loved by many and ridiculed by the fans of the Big Lie.

[MissMillie]

3. NPR played this speech yesterday

I was reminded (as I often am) that when this country chooses to be governed by the "hands off" GQP, the country goes to hell in a handbasket. People like FDR come to the rescue, but then get labelled "extremist."

How is it that every decade or so, so many people forget about what works and what doesn't?

[Hortensis]

4. Some always see the glass as empty and want to smash it,

predominantly found on the left.

Others don't really believe in either democracy or equality, predominantly found on the right.

While most are unable to imagine that they could actually mean it until they force us to. But so far that's been enough.

[crickets]

5. It's a speech well worth listening to and rereading in these times. Thank you. K&R