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In reply to the discussion: NJ-GOV: N.J. governor's race is a dead heat, new poll shows [View all]SSJVegeta
(2,874 posts)21. FDR literally said you have the right to food, housing and a good education
He proposed an entire 2nd bill of rights entirely dedicated to such things. It isnt crazy to think that if given the opportunity (not dying), he would have went much further than a government funded grocery store.
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Economy & Economic Justice / Democracy & Government
FDRs Second Bill Of Rights
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
by Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Source: Franklin Delano Roosevelt / January 11, 1944
single image
Excerpted from Franklin Delano Roosevelts message to Congress on the State of the Union. This was proposed not to amend the Constitution, but rather as a political challenge, encouraging Congress to draft legislation to achieve these aspirations. It is sometimes referred to as the Second Bill of Rights.
It is our duty now to begin to lay the plans and determine the strategy for the winning of a lasting peace and the establishment of an American standard of living higher than ever before known. We cannot be content, no matter how high that general standard of living may be, if some fraction of our people whether it be one-third or one-fifth or one-tenth is ill-fed, ill-clothed, ill-housed, and insecure.
This Republic had its beginning, and grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable political rights among them the right of free speech, free press, free worship, trial by jury, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. They were our rights to life and liberty.
As our nation has grown in size and stature, however as our industrial economy expanded these political rights proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness.
We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. Necessitous men are not free men. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.
In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all regardless of station, race, or creed.
Among these 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.
All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.
Americas own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for our citizens.
Consider also who one of FDRs main allies was: Mayor Fiorello Laguardia. NYC already has a number of city run grocery stores that were founded by the former Mayor. This idea isnt new, Mamdani is just looking to extend it. (And yes, former Governor of NY, FDR, was a supporter of such things).
https://www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/government-is-already-in-the-grocery-business#:~:text=Beginning%20in%20the%201930s%2C%20Mayor,to%20adapt%20to%20current%20needs.
https://jacobin.com/2025/04/fiorello-la-guardia-nyc-mayor
Mamdani, again, is running as an extension to traditional new deal coalition policies that FDR and Laguardia (a republican), spearheaded.
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But people from NJ said it's things like high property taxes that people are upset about
JI7
Nov 2025
#3
His entire rhetoric was aimed at pitting the working class against the wealthy
SSJVegeta
Nov 2025
#15
Democratic socialism isn't socialism, populism isn't populism, it's a secret mix of herbs & spices.
betsuni
Nov 2025
#40
For what it's worth, Atlas Intel polls of Trump's approval rating have consistently
Wiz Imp
Nov 2025
#6
No-name pollsters seem to call it a dead heat, whereas the more reputable ones show a solid (6%'ish) lead for Sherrill.
W_HAMILTON
Nov 2025
#34
What's ticking me off is my state tax return has been under review for 5 months.
TheBlackAdder
Nov 2025
#38