James Roosevelt
The Quote in Other Words
It is truly remarkable that those who advocate for privatization, including the president, consistently reference my grandfather, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the irony of politicians who support privatization invoking the name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a president who championed government intervention and social programs. It suggests that these politicians are either ignorant of FDR’s policies or are deliberately misrepresenting his legacy to further their own agenda.
Privatization, the transfer of government services and assets to private companies, is often touted as a solution to inefficiency and waste in the public sector. However, FDR’s New Deal programs, such as Social Security and the Works Progress Administration, were based on the belief that government has a responsibility to provide for the welfare of its citizens. By invoking FDR’s name, supporters of privatization are attempting to legitimize their policies by associating them with a popular and respected president.
This quote challenges the notion that FDR would have supported privatization, and suggests that his legacy has been co-opted for political gain. It raises important questions about the role of government in society and the responsibility of elected officials to uphold the values and principles of their predecessors.