FDR's Second Bill of Rights

Toward the end of World War Two, the American President,  Franklin Delano Roosevelt  (FDR) proposed what he called a 'Second Bill of Rights', designed to assure a decent post-war society in which no one was left out.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

 President Roosevelt called for the following 'Rights'  to be part of  his  Second Bill of Rights.  It was a very ambitious vision. Aspects of it are now part of life in America, but most remain elusive.

Here is a summary of FDR's 'Second Bill of Human Rights, which he called "a new basis of security and prosperity for all".'


The right to a job with a wage adequate to provide shelter, food, clothing, and recreation

The right of every farmer to a decent return for his product

The right of every family to a decent home.

The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade freely at home and abroad

The right of every citizen to adequate medical care

The right to adequate protection from fear of old age, sickness, or unemployment

The right to a good education



A high percentage of the politicians in public life these days re little more than craven opportunists.  The only one I see on the current scene that reflects some of Roosevelt's bold vision, courage, and decency is Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren.  She would be my choice to succeed Barak Obama.  

Here is a link to an old film of FDR delivering a radio broadcast telling the American people about his  'Second Bill of Rights'  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EZ5bx9AyI4