A Worthy Speech

In our day certain economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. A second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all regardless of station, or race, or creed. Among these are:

• The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines throughout the nation.


• The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation.


• The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living.


• The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom, freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad.


• The right of every family to a decent home.


• The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health.


• The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident and unemployment.


• The right to a good education.

All of these rights spell security...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.

- Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States from a speech made in 1944.