Remember When America Had a President That Could Inspire A Country to Greatness

Having lived through the last seven years of the Bush administration, it is easy to forget that America once elected eloquent men who's command of the English language could inspire and uplift a nation struggling through bleak and trying times. Almost nightly, David Letterman with his Great Moments in Presidential Speeches segments reminds us that the current inhabitant of the White House is to say the least challenged in the inspiration department. His insistence in mispronouncing the important word nuclear, "nucular", is a continuing source of embarrassment for wordsmiths everywhere.

It is comforting to know that these last seven years are generally an aberration in American history. As a nation, we have been blessed with eloquent and inspiring leaders, from the Founding Fathers to Abraham Lincoln to John Kennedy and on occasion Bill Clinton. However, perhaps one of our greatest and most inspiring leaders was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Seventy-five years ago this week, FDR was first inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States. He came into office in the midst of the Great Depression and starting with his inaugural speech, he began to lift a nation from its despair. Unlike todays leaders who have skillfully used fear to manipulate a nation facing a crisis, Roosevelt rejected that very fear and offered the country hope that through common sacrifice, all boats could be lifted.

On Tuesday, the 75th anniversary of FDR's inauguration, The Brattleboro Reformer editorial paid tribute to this inspiring leader and we are reminded that when we elect people to office that truly believe that government can solve problems, great things can be accomplished. FDR's legacy is still with us today, despite the efforts of conservatives to reverse his many achievements. His words can still inspire us to work harder to carry on his legacy. We need it today more than ever!