FDR & GWB: More similar than dissimilar?

[OnlyInAmerica]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=127&ncid=748&e=1&u=/ucru/20041229/cm_ucru/gwbampfdrseparatedatbirth

Interesting opinion article here. Of course, GWB is no FDR in my opinion, but there are some strange similarities.

[DireStrike]

1. Well, both were fairly radical

But FDR had huge problems to deal with that called for a radical rethinking of policy.

[OnlyInAmerica]

2. I agree

Can you imagine the clusterf**k that would've ensued had Bush been elected at the height of the Great Depression?

[peacebird]

3. both had their personal fortune$ handed to them at birth - both C students

"Both FDR and Bush viewed power as most effectively wielded with a bludgeon and as a means to transform the economic order, legal system and even the map of the world to suit their visions. They didn't care whether the American people, much those who voted against them, agreed with what they did. Their disdain for the people they served allowed them to achieve their goals."

the key difference is the FDR wielded his power for GOOD and * wields his for evil. They are from the same mint but opposite sides of the coin, as it were.

[OnlyInAmerica]

4. Well, not all for good

But substantially more good than Bush, that's for sure

[HamdenRice]

8. Ted Rall is not very bright

I like him as a cartoonist, but every time he tries to write an analyitical editorial, he says something pretty stupid. His description of FDR, "when he discussed current events he came off like a self-entitled dimwit propelled by unjustified intellectual assurance. Remind you of anyone?" could be answered: Yeah, Ted Rall.

FDR did not weild political power like a bludgeon. He balanced an astounding number of political interest groups -- advanced corporate interests that actually favored the regulatory structure proposed by the New Deal and unions; southern Democrats and the nascent civil rights movement, the old mostly republican progressives and the left wing Democrats.

FDR often is criticized for the court packing scheme, but by the time he proposed his plan, progressives had been attacking the conservatives on the court for three decades. Even members of the Supreme Court itself were sick of the old men who had been striking down state and federal legislation to protect workers for over 30 years. He wasn't going off on his own, but reflecting a widespread political consensus and mandate.

Most of all, FDR was an experienced populist and pragmatist who, remember, had already successfully experimented with New Deal type programs in New York State, and sincerely was concerned about the conditions faced by working class Americans.

Has Ted Rall read any of FDR's speeches?

[many a good man]

5. One big difference

FDR ends Depressions and ** starts them...

[Demit]

6. and they both had/have a Scottish Terrier for a pet. Minor point, and

I don't know what it means, but... since that's my breed of pet it pisses me off no end that Bush has one too. Poor Barney. They even clip him wrong.

[Turbineguy]

7. Yeah

and having a mustache makes one similar to Hitler

[scarletlib]

9. FDR had a conscience and actually did give a hoot about

people in this country who didn't come from his elevated and wealthy social class. Much of this he owed to Eleanor who opened his eyes to the other reality of America. He was a man who could learn and could feel for others. He was not a sociopath. He actually did go out and do some work before he was stricken with polio.

As humans we can all find similarities with one another. However, I just don't think you can equate Bush with FDR in any way. FDR saved this nation and he destroyed his fragile health and died for this country. You can not say the same thing about Bush.

[ET Awful]

10. Well, both based their policies on thinly veiled economic purposes

but FDR did it for the good of the entire nation to bring us out of the Depression and to put people back to work while not catering to the super rich. Bush is doing exactly the opposite, catering to the super rich, destroying the poor and working class, and creating the same situations that led the the first depression.

[Moderator]

11. Locking

Original poster has been banned!