The Occupy movements and the Economic Bill of Rights

One thing that has been displayed in comic books that parallels history is people taking sides for, or against certain movements. Basic human rights, freedoms and revolts against injustice have been in many a storyline. While I know that the RLSH wish to help people within the status quo, what of those here that wish for things to change, and are willing to stand up, make your voice heard as part of a group, to create a change in how the world or unfair laws or opinions operate?

I haven't heard a great deal about any RLSH operating at any of the Occupy rallies. This surprises me a bit, as I know there are socially conscious members in the community. I'm not saying you have to go in costume, but I haven't heard much about anyone taking the time out to join the many groups and protests around the United States and world. I find this somewhat disturbing.

Recently my roommate and I were watching Capitalism: A Love Story again, with some interesting information near the end of the film. I reprint some of that information for you now.

On January 11, 1944, in the midst of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke forcefully and eloquently about the greater meaning and higher purpose of American security in a post-war America. The principles and ideas conveyed by FDR's words matter as much now as they did over sixty years ago, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt American Heritage Center is the source of this selection of FDR's vision for the security and economic liberty of the American people in war and peace.



“The Economic Bill of Rights”



Excerpt from President Roosevelt's January 11, 1944 message to the Congress of the United States on the State of the Union

It is our duty now to begin to lay the plans and determine the strategy for the winning of a lasting peace and the establishment of an American standard of living higher than ever before known. We cannot be content, no matter how high that general standard of living may be, if some fraction of our people—whether it be one-third or one-fifth or one-tenth—is ill-fed, ill-clothed, ill-housed, and insecure.

This Republic had its beginning, and grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable political rights—among them the right of free speech, free press, free worship, trial by jury, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. They were our rights to life and liberty.

As our nation has grown in size and stature, however—as our industrial economy expanded—these political rights proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness.

We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. “Necessitous men are not free men.” People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.

In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed.

Among these are:

The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of 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 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. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.

America’s own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for our citizens.

An idea over sixty years ago, ringing more than true today, wouldn't you agree? Feel free to discuss this or any participation of yourselves or friends in any of the Occupy protests.