FDR was a very rich man.

[charlyvi]

He came from "old" money. He had a mansion in Hyde Park, with maids and butlers. He had chauffers who drove him where he wanted to go, even before the polio. He had a house in Warm Springs he would go to "for the waters". He used a cigarette holder when he smoked. He never tried to hide any of this, even during the Depression.

Yet FDR arguably did more for the working men and women of this country than any president before him, probably since him. Rich people are not inherently out of touch with the rest of us just because they have money. Just sayin'.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. My fav president! I don't mean to be rude but, what was the point??

[charlyvi]

2. The Edwards haircut media event. n/t

[deadmessengers]

5. the point is...

The point is that there is this weird belief among some people here that being rich and being evil are the same thing.

[charlyvi]

6. Or that being rich and wanting to ease poverty are mutually exclusive.

That you can't be rich and help the poor without being hypocritical.

[Longhorn]

3. I hear JFK had a few bucks, too. :) nt

[charlyvi]

4. LOL! n/t

[smoogatz]

7. He did hide his disability, though.

Such was the bigotry of the era. We now live in a time in which the millionaire political elite are supposed to pretend to be Ordinary Joes. In fact, nothing is more important--nothing they've said, no legislation they've sponsored, no record of either stellar achievement or gross incompetence. The MOST IMPORTANT THING is that all politicians must now pretend to be just like working, middle-class you and me, with our modest houses and crappy haircuts. How this happened is a mystery--it seems to have changed right around the time of Jimmy Carter, when suddenly politicians (Democrats in particular) were expected to be empathizers instead of leaders. It's maybe the weirdest and dumbest phenomenon of post-modern political life. We all know it's completely fake--they're nothing like us, they're rich and privileged and powerful--but the media tells us (and a great many of us compliantly nod our empty little heads) that what we want is for politicians to pretend, more-or-less convincingly, that they are no richer, no smarter, and certainly no more privileged than "ordinary" Americans. It's a truly bizarre little slice of political kabuki.

[charlyvi]

8. Personally, I want my President to be an extraordinary Joe,

or Joan.

[smoogatz]

13. It'd be nice, wouldn't it?

The RNC and their pet media dumbasses will try to brand any reasonably smart, articulate Democrat as a kook or a sissified poindexter. My hope is that the American people have seen that strategy enough times that they now recognize it for the cheap smear that it is. The last thing the electorate wants, I'm pretty sure, is another petulant bonehead running the country.

[charlyvi]

16. Dare I hope that after 8 years of Shrub

the American electorate will go for the smart guy this time? Fuck the beer.

[Longhorn]

21. I'd love someone to be extraordinary, too -- however, I'm not expecting perfection.

In fact, I'd probably be highly suspicious of someone who seemed perfect. ;)

I'm certainly not perfect, either! :)

[charlyvi]

24. I think the little flaws in people make them interesting, not evil.

Roosevelt was vain about his body. He thought being photographed with his disability made him seem weak. And you can't tell me that cigarette holder wasn't pure theatricality.

[Longhorn]

25. Then I'm a very interesting person!

:hi:

[Boojatta]

51. I think that theater or no theater, a lot of Americans at that time

had enough money to buy a cigarette holder if they really wanted one.

[loyalsister]

49. And thus the bigotry continues

Imagine the value differences we may have in this country if instead of having insurance companies publicly announce that they would insure him to encourage the public he was healthy, he gave them a picture of paralyzed AND capable?

[AikidoSoul]

9. But FDR didn't look like he cared about his hair much

and I like that about him... along with all the other great things he did.

Is there any man in history who was vain, cared a lot about his hair -- and did great things for the world and its people?

Maybe we should try to come up with a few names.

[charlyvi]

14. Elvis? n/t

[smoogatz]

17. Who cares if they're vain?

Who isn't vain, at least a little bit? Why should a harmless, completely normal human trait disqualify Edwards or anyone else for political office. Somebody please explain.

[AikidoSoul]

23. There's something soooo silly about a vain man

[spooky3]

32. Every move of FDR wasn't on TV or YouTube

Don't forget that the Nixon Five O'Clock Shadow occurred many years later.

[JNelson6563]

35. Bingo!

;-)

[leftofthedial]

10. in a very different era

who is today's rich FDR?

I don't see one anywhere.

[charlyvi]

12. I don't know of any new FDR.

But just because someone is rich and, horror of horrors, actually spends their money, doesn't mean they're automatically talking out of their ass if they try to address poverty in America. That's my point.

[Canuckistanian]

18. Bill Gates probably gave more, in dollars

But as a percentage of his HUGE wealth, a pitiful amount.

Warren Buffet comes close.

[charlyvi]

19. Buffet is very Rooseveltian.

I like him.

[leftofthedial]

28. neither of them has done anything to stem the losses

of the middle class and working class in the class war being waged by the wealthy

FDR was wise enough to know that the welfare of the masses was more important than the indulgences of the few.

[MonkeyFunk]

34. gates will end up the

greatest philanthropist in the history of the world. Almost all his wealth will be given away.

[spooky3]

43. WJ Clinton got slammed for his haircuts but I think he managed

to accomplish a great deal for this country.

[deadmessengers]

22. George Soros? n/t

[melody]

11. It's very telling some rich GOP'ers are so quick to accuse other rich folk of heartlessness

They think it's all an act because they are themselves sociopaths.

[Canuckistanian]

15. I knew what you were going to say before you said it

They don't make millionaires (billionaires in today's dollars) like they used to.

There was greed. There was avarice. There were questionable practices.

But in the end, there was always philanthropy, a little regret and a social conscience.

And FDR was the the best example.

[BrklynLiberal]

31. Being rich does not necessarily make you evil. In the case of the Bushites and Neocons,

it is as much a matter of pure, unconscionable GREED combined with a sense of entitlement that cares not for any other person, even one's own descendents..as indicated by thier total lack of concern about the future of this planet.
As long as they have what they want NOW, the rest of the universe can rot.

I am constantly reminded of Sinclair Lewis's quote: "When Fascism comes to America, it will be carrying the cross and wearing the flag."
How prescient of him...describes the Neocons and Christian Conservatives to a "T" . Truly a match made in hell.

[Gregorian]

20. Everyone has differing levels of wealth.

Some are poor. Some are rich.

So what are we to do? Pretend we're rich, when we're poor? Pretend we're poor when we're rich?


I'll tell you how I feel about it. I was poor. I am now not poor. But rich is not my context. I eat well. I am frugal, but I spend on things that mean a lot to me. I just bought a six thousand dollar bike. I try not to drive.

Today I parked next to a group of people who were having a hard time. They had just been kicked out of their rental. Dogs. Baby. Backpacks. They wanted a ride to a town about forty miles away. I have the time. But I didn't feel like helping them get to their destination. Here's the difference. I was kind. I DO care. I stopped and talked. And even though I didn't help them, they shook my hand and thanked me for being cool. They said so few people would even give them the time of day. However, this whole day was shaped with frustration for me by the way that went. I felt like I cheated them. That is the difference. Most wouldn't care. But even though I didn't help, I still care. Is that hypocritical? Is it unimportant because my inaction resulted in the same thing as if I hadn't even cared at all? I was selfish. It doesn't mean I'm careless.

Can we really judge Edwards by the price of his haircut? If so, what does it not tell us? Maybe we really should ask him. He might have a better answer than we can invent.

[ShortnFiery]

26. Financially "filthy rich" people are the bane of civilized existence.

Look at Mexico and Saudi Arabia? Two very apt examples where only a small 1-2 percent of the population are ultra-wealthy. Add in a very small merchant class and you are left with the vast majority of people within both countries living in abject poverty.

We need to re-implement the progressive tax and MAINTAIN the Estate Tax. Let each generation prove themselves. My parents helped me through my undergraduate years with my part time employment. That was more than what I deserved but I'm grateful and blessed to have received their help. However, that was the extent to which I was financially "cared for" and went on to finance my own tuition toward my Masters Degree.

Children of dynastic wealth are not usually as noble as the Kennedy Dynasty OR many DUer's lauded ultra rich hero, FDR. In fact, many of us see "cracks in the armor" of even the Kennedy offspring.

Nope, I despise the ultra-rich because they ALMOST ALWAYS become increasingly greedy while those of us in the Peasant Classes must scrap by on the crumbs. In addition, we have no quality M$M ... during the in-between of programming that insults our intelligence, we also must tolerate investment commercials and listen to how Lockheed Martin, et. al., and other War Profiteering Conglomerates WANT US TO BELIEVE that they are "working for us." :puke:

No, it's getting comparatively closer and closer to the CRASH of 1929. Not even all the whorish media and all their "yes men" can keep this EVIL Occupation of Iraq drag on like Vietnam again. :grr: When the war profiteers are "thrown out" and the stock market wanes, things are going to get real interesting. :scared:

Don't look for FDR type politicans to come to "the people's aid" because they do not exist in Bush-World: Where money and power are deemed GOD ALMIGHTY. If you can't bribe em' or beat 'em, then you blackmail their families or eliminate them. :nuke: :thumbsdown:

It will take generations IF WE CAN EVER recover our democratic republic and any shred of what was once an HUMANE reputation.

My beloved America has morphed into the land of the freaks, home of the crazed. :cry: :grr:

[Celeborn Skywalker]

27. Excellent post!!

[ShortnFiery]

29. Thank you. I must admit that I'm quite LOW since it seems clear that IMPEACHMENT

is truly off the table. All I can to is shake my head in disbelief and ask "WHY?"

I need to dive into another fantasy novel for a week or so in order to recoup a sense of hope.

Sorry for the morbid outlook and I hope that I'm wrong ... but fear that I'm not.

Thanks again, you're very kind. :hi:

[Gregorian]

30. All of those thoughts were running through my mind.

I saw just one example today. There are, and will be, more like them as the economy shifts to other countries.

I often try to move my thinking beyond borders. When I was discouraged at the price of real estate, knowing I'd never have my dream, I think of how Iraqis feel. Simply hot water in the morning is wealth. Food is wealth.

And by my personal philosophy, arrogance is poverty. I suppose that's why Cheney must kill to get that first trillion.

It's time for us to think as one. As I've said so many times here, but usually in regards to global warming, it's time to think in terms of WE. Not ME. Me is only one.

Ultimately I didn't help out today because I honestly didn't think it would help. What happens when they get to that next town? It's going to take more than I can do to make real changes that affect the lives of people.

Damn the conservatives and their bullshit ideas. Trickle down never happened. I can't think of anything they've done that hasn't simply shifted wealth into their own pockets.

I love your post. But I feel that America is still there whenever we want to embrace it. At least until that "piece of paper" is gone.

[femrap]

33. I never realized how much I truly

admired him until I read a quote from him in reference to the Robber Barons: "I welcome your hatred."

With reasonable people, there comes a point where they understand that more $$$ in their pockets isn't going to make any difference in their quality of life. FDR got this. But there are others who see themselves only as what they own....not what they are. Greed consumes them...and that is where the problem begins....imho.

[cleveramerican]

36. he was distrusted because of his wealth....

until he proved his sincerity, a thousand times over while in office.
It absolutely was an issue in the primaries, which he handled expertly.
He was very self-deprecating and genuinely funny which helped him imeasureably.He never took himslf too seriously.Which todays candidates should learn from.

[wyldwolf]

37. I've always been surprised he became such a hero on the left

The master of triangulation, FDR did more to suppress "progressives" than you can imagine.

[Greyhound]

39. Wow, red letter day, I'm marking it on my calendar. I agree with you completely.

I'm not saying anything else, just savoring the moment.

[wyldwolf]

41. hard to disagree on documented historical fact

Even after the Democrats lost 81 seats in the House, 8 seats in the Senate, and 13 governorships in 1936, FDR expressed his appreciation that he'd "eliminated Phil La Follette and the Farmer-Labor people in the Northwest as a standing Third Party Threat.”

All throughout the 30s, FDR co-opted certain progressive ideas while telling progressive leaders he would absorb more though he never did or intended to.

In terms of pure politics, FDR's biggest accomplishment was squashing third party progressive parties, thereby keeping the new deal coalition together.

[loyalsister]

50. Oddly enough especially people with disabilities

He was very self loathing and he loathed the self he saw expressed outside there.
He was willing to set up rehab and charity and I do admit he did some good work. But charity was not what the people themselves were asking for.
Even then disabled people were onto the idea of equality.
There was a protest because job apps for the WPA was being stamped "handicapped."
And, to this day, we are still saddled with the "unable to work" definition in social security law.

[Greyhound]

38. Two things. Back then there was a belief in noblesse oblige that is no longer

prevalent among the ruling class. Perhaps because they were closer to history, there was an understanding among many ruling families that they depended on the working class for their own survival and the better the conditions in the working class' lives, the better their lives were.

Secondly, we should realize that what FDR accomplished was to preserve the capitalist class system that was as good as dead. If you've known anybody that was old enough to have been aware during the depression, they will tell you that after the betrayals of '29 - '32 it was common for people to never put their money in a bank, nor buy insurance, ever again.

[bklyncowgirl]

40. Having visited Hyde Park it was a pretty modest residence given the family's wealth

I often find myself put off when touring mansions which are usually displays of massive wealth and ego. Hyde Park came of as large, but not overly ornate (especially when compared with the Vanderbilt place down the road) residence. It's beautifully situated on the Hudson River and apparently the Roosevelts enjoyed the outdoors. The furnishings were lovely, of course but they looked like pieces that you could actually use as opposed to museum pieces.

As a horse lover I had to see the stable and was surprised to find that it was very modest. The aisle floors were plain concrete, the stalls had plain oak dividers topped with plain heavy duty wire fencing to allow ventilation and the horses to see each other--a nice consideration for the needs of these social animals. There were plenty of windows. The tack and feed rooms were large but by no means ornate. No brass, marble or mahogany on display anywhere. It was a place designed for the comfort and safety of the horses and the people who worked with them--not as a showplace.

I also loved Eleanor's cottage. There are houses that preserve the personality of their owners and after touring this place I couldn't help but think I would love to meet her.

Having money means that you can create a place that reflects your personality. Like it or not, the way people live tells us something about them.

[MasonJar]

42. Statesmanship and integrity are the true tests of the great men/women

who want to serve in government. True class has little to do with money. There are a lot of rich white trash and a lot of poor rednecks; neither should ever be president, as is clearly demonstrated by W and his sychophants in DC.

[roguevalley]

44. FDR was old school rich, like the Kennedys, who was taught their

public obligation from their parents to do good. That is the difference between them and these dipshits today, the celebratards and others who swan around with their hands out. God bless them.

RV, daughter to FDR dems and an FDR dem herself.

[LaPera]

45. I'll bet neither JFK or FDR went to "Supercuts" when they were on the campaign trail...

[Cameron27]

46. I bet that JFK wouldn't be elected today.

I love the Kennedy's, but his womanizing and illness would not be kept secret today, as it was in 1960. If $400 haircuts, a visit to a spa and makeup done in a place called "The Pink Sapphire" showed up on his campaign finance report, you can bet he'd get the same press treatment as Edwards. The same with FDR.

I don't think it's being wealthy that's causing the firestorm, it's the implied vanity attached to it.

[GreenTea]

47. And your missing a very obvious point!

http://www.diatribune.com/lesson-rovian-smear-tactics-m...

A Lesson in Rovian Smear Tactics in the Media
Submitted by pioneer111 on Sat, 04/21/2007 - 20:19.

Here's a DU thread started today by "Babalonsister"

* Rove, Karl

A commenter in another diary wrote about the Edward's $400 haircut story and said:

...but this is the kind of thing that should not
have happened from an anti-poverty candidate

There is truth in this sentiment, but it is not the main issue. Any presidential candidate is not poor, so will be subject to something being found if someone is looking to find something. And obviously the reporters were looking for something. Why were they looking for such detail in expenses in John Edwards' campaign? They didn't do that to the other campaigns.

I would like you to consider this possibility. The Republicans learned new refined campaign tactics from Karl Rove. They used tactics that were totally unexpected by Democrats and, sometimes, we still don't know how to deal with them. This happened all the time to the Democratic candidates in at least the last two election cycles and we still have not developed a good defense. Whining about it doesn't help. You have to understand the strategy.

Rove taught the Republicans and the media to attack a candidate for his/her strengths not weaknesses. This sounds counter-intuitive but it is very effective."

And a more to the point respond...

Republicans want Edwards GONE, This is how the republicans always work it...n the background,slowly and then keep building (like rOVE did with John Shelley in California, IN THE BACKGROUND)...But most believe what the media tells them...they accept with no questions asked... As Obama & Hillary ARE shoved down our throats day after day after day and many believe they are really thinking for themselves...

"ASK ANY WHAT JOHN EDWARDS PLATFORM IS ALL ABOUT AND WHAT HE STANDS FOR AND THEY DON'T KNOW SOME ONLY KNOW & CARE ABOUT A HAIRCUT OR HIS HOUSE.......THEY DON'T BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN ARE BEING MANIPULATED.

The republicans want Edwards gone, the republicans, their corporate media and the DLC are feeding us Obama & Hillary each and every day AND you better take it...and we do...and we do believe they are thinking for themselves...fucking Rove & the republicans, always working to serve us up the weakeakest Dem Candidate...and why not, it makes it easier for the republicans, throw in some electronic voting machines, the weakest candidate, low turnout, find ways to keep people from voting and you have republicans again in total power.

Rove & the republicans are going to do all they can to get Edwards out of the race.

Bill Clinton is a brilliant man, a skilled & seasoned politician, a very charismatic person...John Edwards has all these same attributes & qualities, Hillary Clinton offers NONE of these attributes. John Edwards (thankfully) is much more liberal than either of the Clinton's!

Which is why the republicans and their media (and the DLC) will do anything to pick apart and get Edwards out the race as early as possible...They much prefer a Obama or Hillary which they can easily destroy via the huge moderate & swing voter base...Glad to see so many others are starting to get it."

And a great response from "JDPreistly"

"Edwards is not a socialist. He is a capitalist. He favors economic development here in our country to respond to the problems of our world and our country. He is on the right track.

The conservatives have no solutions -- no ideas. They gambled every cent of political and economic capital they had on ensuring American domination over Iraq and its oil. And their investment is yielding absolutely nothing.

Conservatism is bankrupt. It's time for new ideas. Edwards has them.

I'm not ready to say that no other Democrat has them. I think we have so many talented and intelligent people vying for the Democratic nomination. But, I do like Edwards a lot. He is a problem solver. He is a brilliant man. I also like Obama. Gore and Clark would also make great presidents.

But, Edwards is out there. To get elected, you have to really want to serve. You have to really want to win. I think Gore and Clark want to serve, but I'm not sure they really want to fight to win the presidency. Gore should have fought harder in Florida. What prevented him from organizing Democratic activists to go down and make sure the votes were counted the way Bush sent down the thugs to make sure they weren't? Edwards is a fighter. He's out there even when the media is not paying that much attention to him. He believes in himself even when no one else does. It's those qualities of persistence and determination that mark a winner. Edwards has them."

[Cameron27]

48. The link doesn't work for me GreenTea,

but you're preaching to the choir about Rovian tactics being used against the Democrats. I just don't think John Edwards is being singled out for this treatment.

Everyone knew it would happen & should have been prepared for it. The sad fact is that someone on JE's staff put those expenses on his campaign's tab making them ripe for the picking. He now admits that it was a ridiculous amount of money, is embarrassed about it, and put the money back into the campaign fund.

I don't think this will cause major damage to his campaign, but it was a media mess that was self-inflicted.