Four Freedoms

As stated previously, F. D. Roosevelt’s address to Congress and Obama’s inaugural address both took place during a time of crisis. In Obama’s address, I believe all of Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” were, most likely unintentionally, touched upon. I believe both of these men knew that these freedoms are considered essential to any citizen. Obama offers assurance of these freedoms throughout his speech and all the while offers the people of our time that these freedoms will be strengthened and restored through the present time of crisis.
President Obama mentions that our history offers and reinforces the idea that all are equal and free. Also, all people should be given the chance to pursue this freedom. In my opinion, the way Obama used the word free in this statement implies all known aspects of freedom, including freedom of speech, religion, etc. President Obama then moves on to address the economical hardships of our time. He states that these problems are real and ensuing. However, he states that these problems will be acted upon, so the people may suppress their worries about the crumbling economy. I believe his statements emulate Roosevelt’s freedom of want. Later on in his address, President Obama states that members of all religions, and non-believers, all share a common humanity. He believes that even with the Muslim religion, we share mutual interests. The president unites all these religions by saying that the members all have something in common. And this is the fact that religion and culture has shaped us into who we are today. I believe this is related to Roosevelt’s freedom of religion. Obama also discusses the future actions to be taken with the current crisis, saying that those in power of the people will work tirelessly to keep the threat to a minimum and safety to a maximum. While this all may not have any grounds, it is what I picked up on while looking through the inauguration speech.