⚡️In January 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a second Bill of Rights to secure economic rights for the American People.
In his view, hunger and unemployment were “the stuff of which dictatorships are made.”
Roosevelt: “This Republic had its beginning, and grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable political rights.
As our nation has grown in size and stature, however, these political rights proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness.
We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all, regardless of station, race, or creed.
Among these are:
1) The right to a useful and remunerative job,
2) The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation,
3) The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living,
4) The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad,
5) The right of every family to a decent home,
6) The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health,
7) The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment,
8) The right to a good education.
All of these rights spell security.
And after this war is won, we must be prepared to move forward in the implementation of these rights to new goals of human happiness and well-being.
For unless there is security here at home, there cannot be lasting peace in the world.”