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Thursday, October 05, 2017

We need something like what Roosevelt proposed in his "State of Union" in 1944. We may need to look to the past for a new liberal Agenda

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We need something like what Roosevelt proposed in his "State of Union" in 1944.  We may need to look to the past for a new liberal Agenda

"...Therefore, in order to concentrate all our energies and resources on winning the war, and to maintain a fair and stable economy at home, I recommend that the Congress adopt:  (1) A realistic tax law—which will tax all unreasonable profits, both individual and corporate, and reduce the ultimate cost of the war to our sons and daughters. The tax bill now under consideration by the Congress does not begin to meet this test.  (2) A continuation of the law for the renegotiation of war contracts—which will prevent exorbitant profits and assure fair prices to the Government. For two long years I have pleaded with the Congress to take undue profits out of war.  (3) A cost of food law—which will enable the Government (a) to place a reasonable floor under the prices the farmer may expect for his production; and (b) to place a ceiling on the prices a consumer will have to pay for the food he buys. This should apply to

necessities only; and will require public funds to carry out. It will cost in appropriations about one percent of the present annual cost of the war.  (4) Early reenactment of. the stabilization statute of October, 1942. This expires June 30, 1944, and if it is not extended well in advance, the country might just as well expect price chaos by summer.  We cannot have stabilization by wishful thinking. We must take positive action to maintain the integrity of the American dollar.  (5) A national service law- which, for the duration of the war, will prevent strikes, and, with certain appropriate exceptions, will make available for war production or for any other essential services every able-bodied adult in this Nation.  These five measures together form a just and equitable whole. I would not recommend a national service law unless the other laws were passed to keep down the cost of living, to share equitably the burdens of taxation, to hold the stabilization line, and to prevent undue profits..."

www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/address_text.html

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