If you're feeling stressed these days over the world's financial, moral and intellectual meltdown, you're not alone.As Bro. Paul Harvey liked to say, "In times like these, it always helps to remember there have always been times like these."
If Bro. Harvey's colloquialism doesn't especially comfort you, perhaps words from another famous Freemason, one who steered this country through our previous economic depression and through much of World War II, here's a link to Brother and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Fireside Chats.
His very first fireside chat, given via radio on March 12, 1933, was titled "On the Banking Crisis." If you prefer to listen to the chat instead of read it, click here.
FDR was born in 1882, and died in 1945 while serving as the 32nd president of the United States. He served as president longer than any other person, being elected to four consecutive terms. He died in office, and was succeeded by his vice president, Bro. Harry S Truman.
Bro. Roosevelt was initiated October 11, 1911 in Holland Lodge No. 8, New York City. He participated in the Raising of his son Elliott (1910-1990) on February 17, 1933, in Architect's Lodge No. 519, also in New York City. He was present, but did not participate in the Degrees when two other sons, James (1907-1991) and Franklin D., Jr. (1914-1988) became members of Architect's Lodge on November 7, 1935.
FDR was made the first Honorary Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay on April 13, 1934 at the White House.
He was governor of New York from 1929-1933.
Bro. Roosevelt concluded his first chat, about the banking collapse of 1933, with the following words. They're more inspiring than anything coming out of Washington or New York these days:
...[T]here is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work.
It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail.
Masons | Masonic Presidents | Franklin D. Roosevelt | Freemasonry | Fireside Chats | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com
I have guarded confidence in Statesmen, Leaders, and Citizens who are First-among-Equals who rise to positions of leadership in our Government, but I have NO confidence in greedy, self-dealing, lying, mealy mouthed career politicians.
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