FDR and Obama Think the Same

While Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address to Congress, “The Four Freedoms,” and President Obama’s Inauguration speech were written in very different times, their message remains consistent. These speeches were meant to uplift a nation in its darkest times. FDR proceeds to outline four freedoms, which he deems “essential human freedoms.” His first freedom, of speech and expression, is also the first amendment and Obama reinforces its importance when he states, “we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.” The next freedom he discusses is the freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. Many U.S citizens denounce this amendment and freedom because they feel Christianity is pushed on them because its mark is on our currency and judicial system. Obama also mentions God and the scripture in his speech. To them I say what better way to prove we have religious freedom then for the president to be able to speak about God. Just because U.S citizens have the right to worship any God they choose does not make religion taboo and force individuals not to talk about their religion in public. If a Muslim somehow were president he would be able to pray to his God and mention it in public. I do not believe Obama or the U.S government mentioning God or Christianity is crippling to an individuals freedom of religion. The next freedom according to FDR is, the freedom from want. Obama tackles this freedom by demanding that American Citizens have the skills, and rights to rebound from this economic crisis. He believes that a good economy is America’s “rightful place.” Not only does Obama see the large issue of the economy but he specifically mentions the right of Americans to earn a “decent wage [and] a retirement that is dignified.” The last freedom is from fear. Obama strikes the Muslim world and reminds them “your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” While FDR believes freedom from fear entails not being “in a position to commit ac act o physical aggression against any neighbor,” Obama feels that it is our right to arm ourselves for protection but it is better to use compromise instead of war. The two documents were scribed decades apart but their sole message still reverberates around this nation loudly.


Dan!