2005 Year in Review

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A second Bill of Rights

On the 60th anniversary of the death of President Franklin Roosevelt we look back on his legacy. Is economic equality a basic human right? Roosevelt thought so. Bob Herbert of the NY Times today has an editorial on President Roosevelt's call for a second bill of rights. His point is that human rights include more than the freedoms expressed in the Bill of Rights. It also includes economic equality and rights:

"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 an age when Congress is busy passing tax cuts for the rich, ignoring the needs for universal medical care and economic justice, President Roosevelt's call for economic equality seems particularly urgent today.

When was the last time your congressman expressed these ideals?

by John Legler, Guest Columnist
April 18, 2005