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History ... American and Mine

September 19th, 2014 at 12:17 am

The last few evenings we have been viewing PBS' program on the Roosevelts by Ken Burns. Both of us enjoy history so it has been something to look forward to as well as enjoy.

We always knew Teddy was quite the character and this biographical flick validated and expanded on this.

Intermixed were stories of FDR and Eleanor the first couple of nights since they were still pretty young when Teddy was up and coming.

FDR has always been my favorite president and I think it stems from my father talking about growing up in the Depression and how FDR took some pretty strong action to try and help people work. I know I was devastated to learn years ago that he wasn't loyal to Eleanor and it still bothers me how such a smart person can make such stupid mistakes and have an affair. Nevertheless, I think FDR is someone who battled a lot to even become president.

The historian who wrote the series as well as one who is interviewed almost broke down in tears last night talking about how much FDR struggled with polio and how much pain he was in the rest of his life trying to appear "lame" instead of crippled so he could realize his dream of being president.

Yet I still believe seeing FDR and seeing history has become more real because of my dad's stories and his history. Often times things in the past are just things in the past, but my dad told about listening to FDR on the radio and how my uncle was a member of the CCC which had a project nearby -- refurbishing New Salem, IL.

The Depression was brought about by a number of things, but some of it was unsecured debt...sound familiar? People borrowing more than they could repay...Can we see in our own not to distant history our recession?

There's a quote about those who don't learn from history will repeat it (I'm paraphrasing) and this is so true. I know the economy goes in cycles and is unpredictable. But, folks who continue to make the same mistakes certainly aren't learning from them.

As I climb down from my soapbox, I look forward to another installment tonight of the Roosevelts.

8 Responses to “History ... American and Mine”

  1. Buendia Says:
    1411082626

    I really want to see this! We don't have tv; so I'm hoping that this comes out on hulu or netflix or something. As an architect in the Western US, I'm really interested in the CCC (we studied a lot of CCC buildings).

    I agree with you also about finances! Good lessons from the past; we should have learned from them!

  2. Carol Says:
    1411082717

    We are enjoying the series too. We happened to visit Hyde Park and Val Kill this summer, making it all more real.

  3. rob62521 Says:
    1411083361

    Wow, I'd like to visit Hyde Park. A few years ago we saw the FDR memorial in Washington and the monument had him in a wheelchair...DH and I turned to each and said he would have been disappointed because he never wanted anyone to see him in a wheelchair.

    Buendia, Amazon is currently selling the DVD of the series as well as the book. I ordered the book for DH for his upcoming birthday and they offered the DVD.

  4. creditcardfree Says:
    1411087449

    I think I will be tuning in to PBS tonight. Smile

  5. Buendia Says:
    1411089719

    Good to know! I'm going to check if they have it to rent!

  6. Ima saver Says:
    1411130873

    FDR was president when I was born. My parents visited the White House with me in their arms. (Of couse I don't remember) He was a good president.

  7. CB in the City Says:
    1411136223

    Thanks for alerting me to this! Since I don't want to start in the middle, I'll try to find it on Netflix or Xfinity on Demand.

  8. Kiki Says:
    1411183111

    I am recording it to listen to on a cold, wet winter day.

    Of course California is going through a drought so it may be a sunny but cool winter day. :-)

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