Sarah Vowell: I Love the 30s
Last night on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, author and This American Lifer Sarah Vowell made an unusual endorsement. "This morning I got the paper and I was about to read it and I was"—Ms. Vowell let out a pained grown—"and I just went over to the computer and looked up F.D.R.'s 'Fireside Chats' and started reading those."
Ever the helpful host, Mr. Stewart added some context for his younger viewers. "The chats he gave to get people through the Depression."
"Yeah," said Ms. Vowell. "Because people say that really bucked up people during the Depression. And I'm not really getting any of that, so I decided to go back the 30s and be reassured."
Sounds good to us. Check out these Fireside Chats for yourself. Also, it's worth noting that President Roosevelt relies heavily on Senator John McCain's favorite phrase, "my friends."
I think the more appropriate FDR quote is from his Fireside Chat on March 12, 1933:
"After all there 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."
I can see why Sarah Vowell is reading the Fireside Chats. When are today's leaders going to be this inspiring?