The Four Freedoms

Seventy-second anniversary of famous FDR speech

In this famous speech, given as the world was in the second year of another world war, Roosevelt laid out his vision for his vision of fundamental all people of the world should enjoy. These became known as the Four Freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear.

As we go into the debate over the future of one of Roosevelt's greatest legacies, Social Security, here is what Roosevelt said in his speech about what people have a right to expect from their economic and political institutions.

From the Four Freedoms speech by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, January 6, 1941:

"The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:

• Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
• Jobs for those who can work.
• Security for those who need it.
• The ending of special privilege for the few.
• The preservation of civil liberties for all.
• The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.

These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.

Many subjects connected with our social economy call for immediate improvement. As examples: We should bring more citizens under the coverage of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. We should widen the opportunities for adequate medical care. We should plan a better system by which persons deserving or needing gainful employment may obtain it."