Thomas Daschle: “60 years ago Franklin Roosevelt gave one of the most memorable State of the Union speeches in our history. As he spoke…”

“60 years ago Franklin Roosevelt gave one of the most memorable State of the Union speeches in our history. As he spoke, Germany occupied all of Europe. Americans were dying in battle abroad and sacrificing for the war effort at home. Total victory was uncertain. But that did not diminish President Roosevelt's optimism and vision. In his address, he said the Nation had accepted a Second Bill of Rights that, he said, would create ``a new basis of security'' for all. In this Second Bill of Rights, President Roosevelt cited the right to a decent home, a good education, and dependable health care; the right to fair prices for farmers and free competition for business; and the right to be free of the fears of hardship caused by old age. But first, and most fundamental, he called for the right to work for a fair wage. Our country should be proud of the extraordinary progress we have made in many of these areas. Together we have made our country better, stronger, and more secure. There is, though, more work to be done, and today I want to focus on President Roosevelt's call for a fair wage.”