A disgruntled subscriber called. (Shocking!) Most subscribers—disgruntled or not—email me. In fact, I usually ignore unknown callers, but now and then I play Russian roulette.
(OOPS. Big mistake.)
Did you accuse our president of being the Antichrist on your blog site?
I did.
Did you know “your boy” FDR was likewise accused by Christian fundamentalists?
I did not.
Did you know FDR was wealthy?
Yes.
Did you know that despite his great wealth and aristocratic air, working people adored him?
Yes, I did. In fact my father, mother, aunts, and uncles—all working-class people—adored him. FDR was the second-greatest president, next to Lincoln, according to one aunt. FDR saved our country!
Did you know he made “Happy Days Are Here Again” his campaign song?
No, I didn’t. But now that you mention it, my aunts jitterbugged to that tune now and then. I didn’t make the connection.
Did you know his candidacy scared much of the nation half to death? Many thought he was a wannabe dictator and would destroy democracy. In fact, he radically and quickly revamped the whole government. He issued many executive orders—three-thousand-seven-hundred-twenty-one, to be exact.
Didn’t know that.
He tried to “stack” the Supreme Court with justices sympathetic to his views. His deficit spending increased the national debt. He used political pressure and investigations against critics of his New Deal, particularly radio stations broadcasting opposing viewpoints.
That, I did not know either.
Did you know he violated the norms of the presidency by running for a third term? That’s as close to a dictator as we’ve ever come!
All presidents have their foibles.
Foibles, you say? Foibles?!!
His administration forced the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were citizens—an act widely condemned as a violation of civil liberties and human rights.
Was FDR a racist?
Perhaps.
Do you consider him evil?
No! Not at all!
He radically revamped the government aiming to help the poor, the jobless, the downtrodden, and the sick—not to frighten or punish people, or enrich himself. He thwarted fascism, defended democracy, and provided social security and hope to millions. He alleviated fears and anxieties.
Did you know that?!
Yes.
Is that what you see happening today?
No. Not really.
But I do see fear-mongering, smug self-righteousness, and willful ignorance in you and your people.
Thanks. I’ll be sure to let them know.
