Letter: Let’s enact the Second Bill of Rights
(AP file photo) President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his first radio "fireside chat" in Washington in March 1933.
By Mark Rothacher | The Public Forum
| May 15, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
| Updated: May 14, 2020, 11:37 p.m.
On Jan. 11, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented his "Second Bill of Rights" for all — regardless of station, race or creed.
These rights 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.In this era of COVID-19, it is clear that our society still lacks many of these rights. The irony is that it would cost less for our society to provide these than to deal with the poverty, crime and suffering that the lack of these causes. Addressing these would yield a more stable society, healthier families, and better customers for our businesses.
Mark Rothacher, Salt Lake City
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