“Nameless, Unreasoning, Unjustified Terror”

DJ Smith / Jul 6th / Comments

FDR took office in an economic condition this country had never seen before. Banks were closing in nearly all the 48 states at the time. Farmers faced a devastating drop in prices. Panic had people pulling their money out of financial institutions so that a heavy weight was placed on the country. But FDR took to the stage and offered what the country was lacking the most – hope. His famous “only thing we have to fear” line is still recited today as a key, historical monologue. However, as a nation, we would do well to read that line in the context that Roosevelt actually placed it. Here’s that context:

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

– Franklin D. Roosevelt, Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933

Now, some 76 years later, that same “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance” again grips our country. There is no sector untouched by this sort of fear. As leaderships of countries, states, cities, companies and homes follow the line of retreat it is all the more important that there be a new hope in leaders to stand and point to the line of advancement. Our government should not have to point the way to recovery. Rather, it should be the leadership at all levels of all organizations big and small to turn to frankness, vigor and honesty to lead this country to the greatness that it once was.

This is a call to remove the paralysis that holds our nation frozen. It is a call to have leaders move forward with one foot in front of the other so to restore our hope and glory that has long defined who we are as a nation. May the “new deal” we form be one with each other and recapture the ground we have lost. Until next time – keep your pulse strong.