A President’s Goodwill

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inFranklin Delano Roosevelt, GoodwillTags:,

WashingtonFranklin Delano Roosevelt or FDR was the 32nd President of the United States (1933 -1945) and the only one elected to more than two terms.  His theme song during his 1932 election campaign was “Happy Days Are Here Again,” a sharp contrast to the worldwide economic depression that was currently in full force.

As I look forward to a New Year of unknown outcomes, I think of FDR at the beginning of his first term.  Did he know that he would lead his country through a horrific world war?  Did he see an end to the suffering caused by the Great Depression? History records his accomplishments:  a New Deal Coalition that realigned the political landscape after 1932, domestic policies that introduced a variety of programs designed to produce relief, recovery and reform, international policies that fostered cooperation, and supported the United Nations and Bretton Woods.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the personification of goodwill.  May we remember his legacy as we enter a New Year…

“We are trying to construct a more inclusive society.  We are going to make a country in which no one is left out.”

“If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all people, of all kind, to live together, in the same world at peace.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

14 thoughts on “A President’s Goodwill”

  1. Hi Rebecca

    A timely reminder. Let’s hope that 2013 reflects these sentiments. I guess we can take inspiration from not just the words of FDR, but also the fact that he did preside over a transition from a bleak to a better place during his tenure.

    We can only hope that the same can be true again.
    A happy new year to you, my friend.
    Love Corinne

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    1. Thank you, Corinne – I pray that is can be true again. When I was a little girl, I remember an Irish blessing that was said at special occasions. It still warms my heart and reminds me that we are “held” during difficult and uncertain times. Happy New Year and much love…

      May the road rise to meet you,
      May the wind be always at your back,
      May the sun shine warm upon your face,
      The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
      Until we meet again,
      May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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  3. Good old FDR! I lived through all three of his terms as president. I lived in Nebraska where the dust blew so hard that the sun grew dim enough to make the chickens think it was time to go to roost.. Some very awesome accomplishments were realized during that very difficult time. Even those who didn’t agree with his decisions came to agree with him in the end. He and his wife, Eleanor, were courageous people way ahead of their time.

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    1. You lived through an extraordinary time in the history. I can only imagine what it must have been like to sit around a radio as a family to hear what was happening in the world. I especially like when you said: “Even those who didn’t agree with his decisions came to agree with him in the end.”

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      1. Oh, yes, and then there was the war! And he was disabled-the photos of him that I recall were taken of him sitting, not standing. What courage in such difficult times

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  4. FDR has always been one of my most admired presidents given his accomplishments and the fact that he was crippled with polio during his entire career. Thanks for sharing Rebecca.

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    1. I read somewhere that FDR, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were considered the three most admired presidents. I recently finished reading a biography about George Washington and when I came to the end of his life, I started to cry. My husband and son asked why I was crying! I said that George died. George who, they asked. George Washington, I replied. But you knew that he died, they said. I replied: I know, but I wish he hadn’t! I have biographies lined up for FDR and Abraham Lincoln this year. Happy New Year, Ed. All the very best of 2013 to you and yours!! j

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  5. I’m reading you backwards… another beautiful reminder. Your comments are really touching. I’m really looking forward to read more. You do run a great blog, it’s turning in to one of my favorites . I’m really impressed, I just got to know you recently. Stay with the good spirit! Take care.
    Love Dina

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    1. I am so glad that we connected in 2012 so that we can continue our dialogue into 2013. I have a feeling we have much in common. We have a journey to make – let us see where the wind takes us!!!

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