Ann and I sat with rapt attention as we watched the wonderful Ken Burns’ documentary: The Roosevelts, An Intimate History.
Teddy and his love of action whether it be charging up San Juan Hill with the Rough Riders or getting a grizzly bear in his gun-sight. A person who would talk your leg off if he had the chance. One historian said that in today’s environment he would have been on Ritalin. He believed doing “what was right” was more important than being politically correct. How refreshing!
Franklin, struck down at a young age with polio and forced to wear steel leg braces which allowed him to take only a few steps, always in pain. Coming into office during the Great Depression he buoyed people’s hopes with his optimistic smile and uplifting fireside chats while setting up the New Deal to get people back to work.
With an echo from the present to the past he was called a socialist, a communist, a dictator and was threatened with impeachment by the GOP.
And Eleanor, that great reformer who took on the issues of race and poverty and women’s rights with enthusiasm, courage, and skill. She stood up for the downtrodden, the poor and said “follow me” as the haves looked on with skepticism and even hate.
Three people of great strength and conviction who overcame much in their personal lives. Three people who would be accused of “class warfare” utilizing today’s vernacular. Three people to be admired.
