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January 6, 1941
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivers a speech which is now remembered as The Four Freedoms Speech. His goal? To involve the United States in World War II.
The Four Freedoms
1. Freedom of speech, which is protected by the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, has been a fundamental right of all American citizens since the thirteen colonies broke away from British domination and established a new country: the United States of America.
2. Freedom of worship, which is also protected by the First Amendment, found its precedent in our Puritan forefathers, who left Europe for the New World in search of religious tolerance and liberty of conscience.
3. Freedom from want, which is the most controversial component of his speech, proposes that economic opportunity, employment, social security, and adequate healthcare are fundamental human rights. Although these conditions are not guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, the battle over what constitutes a basic human right rages on, seventy-three years later. Roosevelt proposed these concepts as an incentive to fight against Hitler’s aggression in Europe, arguing that all people across the world are entitled to these basic human needs. President Obama and members of the Democratic Party use these arguments as an excuse to give amnesty to millions of illegal aliens while ignoring the fundamental rights of American-born citizens. Republicans traditionally view the social safety net set up by FDR as government overreach and a burden on taxpayers. Right or wrong depends on personal opinion.
4. Freedom from fear, which is also not guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, embraces the idea that all people are entitled to live in peace, free from the threat of outside aggression. Expanding this concept further, people would be entitled to live in peace without the threat of violence from internal sources, such as criminals, drug lords, terrorists, police, the military, family members, employers, and psychotic individuals.
How well has the United States fulfilled Roosevelt’s dream? Is it even practical? Can we really, as one nation, bring peace, prosperity, and equality to the whole world? Or is this obligation dragging us down as a nation?
Where do you stand in the public debate?
Dawn Pisturino
November 14, 2014
Copyright 2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
Dawn Pisturino's Blog 
I tend to think we need to be careful and take care of our own country, but cannot stand by and ignore hate or bad things, such as when we got involved when Hitler’s regime was trying to take over Europe. Sometimes, we need to take a stand, others we may not make a difference and just need to back off! Thanks for this powerful post which does make you think a lot about FDR and our freedoms… hugs, Robin
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Thanks, Robin, World War II was a special time in our country, and we did what we needed to do with remarkable results. That truly was the Great Generation. I believe Americans need to be reminded of our great heritage, so much has been lost with the younger generations. I appreciate your comments and agree with you.
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Honey, in the world I see, these concepts are really not practical. Yes we all can dream and Hope and live our individual lives as close as possible to FDR’s Dream. I know you have been following Petals and just by viewing my work, you know I really do try to live in Peace and in Love. Thank you for this powerfully written post! Love, Amy
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Amy, the world that you and I grew up in has changed immensely, and much of our American heritage has been lost. Thank you for your wonderful comments, and I agree with you 100%.
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I no longer recognize this world, Dawn. Yet that has not stopped me from making a world of my own, based on quiet, Love, Peace and some (not all) concepts of the era we grew up in. I pray we who are attempting to make a difference do. No need to reply. I’ve been cutting back on comments myself, but this one needed more “icing”. (((HUGS))) Amy
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