Write 500 words on this topic: “Did all four of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms promote liberty?
Roosevelt gave his “Four Freedoms Speech” on January 6, 1941. Roosevelt’s goal with this speech was to, quote, “provide a rationale for why the United States should abandon the isolationist policies that emerged from the First World War.” Actually, after the speech was established, it would become the ideological basis for America’s involvement in WWII. This framed the terms of individual rights and liberties that are the hallmark of American politics.
But what were the Four Freedoms? The first, freedom was the “Freedom of speech and expression.” This freedom most definitely promoted liberty. This freedom was for the right to speak and express ideas freely. This is the heart of liberty. Without this, we as a country would be nowhere.
The second, freedom was the “Freedom of worship.” This freedom is to have the right to practice any religion, or no religion, freely. This freedom also promotes liberty. Without the freedom of choice, this would not promote liberty.
The third, freedom is the “Freedom from want.” This freedom promotes economic security so people can meet basic needs like food, water, shelter, and work. The freedom means that the government should provide for everyone and give all people everything they could need to live a healthy and peaceful life. All so no one ever has to want something they can’t have.
A great example of this is universal healthcare. This provides free access to health care for all. Another one is Social Security, a government system that provides monetary assistance and benefits to retired people or those with inadequate income or no income. These ideas on paper seem beneficial or even important, but they do no support liberty. These programs destroy it instead. Social Security instead requires substantial funding that is made up from taxes and tariffs that citizens must pay. You are stuck paying taxes for a sliver of your Social Security while instead you pay for everyone else’s. There is absolutely no liberty or “freedom” in the government taking our money and paychecks to fund programs that are not promoting the freedom of the citizens.
The fourth, and final freedom is the “Freedom from fear.” This freedom demands protection from war, violence, and aggression through peace and reduced armaments. This in simple terms means a worldwide reduction of armaments to such a point that no nation will ever be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor anywhere. This means a worldwide reduction of weapons and military to eliminate the fear of violence and military conquest in one’s nation, area, or home.
Thinking about this idea, it sounds reasonable. But does it promote liberty? Not at all. The citizens of the United States have the basic right to protect ourselves, our property, and most importantly, our family. The Second Amendment plays a very large role in this, granting us the freedom to bear arms. Also, the U.S. government is legally obligated to maintain an armed force at all times. In the Constitution, Article I, Section 8, it demands Congress to “Provide for the common defense of the United States,” “To raise and support armies,” and “To provide and maintain the Navy.” These are all basic rights of a U.S. citizen. With these in mind, this fourth freedom does not support liberty.
Overall, Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms did not promote liberty. The first two freedoms supported liberty, but the third and fourth freedoms expanded government power way beyond what it was made to do. Roosevelt made the Freedoms look good on paper, but if ever put in place, they would be devastating to the United States.
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