FDR: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”; Barack Obama: “I am not a Dictator” (+video)

Back when being an American meant believing in America, FDR rallied the nation in his first inaugural speech in 1933 with his famous admonition that

“the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

Fast forward to today when an economic malaise grips our nation, and the words choked out by our current president are: “I am not a dictator.” Translation: “I am not a leader.”

In the nadir of the Depression, FDR spoke solemnly to the nation:

This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.

In Obama’s world, his message to the nation is “I am not a leader dictator”. Here’s the text of this portion of his lecture to discussion with the press:

“Uh, ye ye ye you know . . . the uh . . . ih ah I mean Jessica, I . I . . I am not . . uh . . ah ah a dictator. I’m the President. So, ultimately if Mitch McConnell or John Boehner say, uh, we need to go to catch a plane, uh, I can’t have Secret Service block the doorway, right?”

FDR continues to elevate the nation’s morale despite what seemed like a hopeless situation:

In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

Meanwhile, President Obama invokes Star Trek Star Wars:

“Most people agree that I’m being reasonable, that most people agree that I’m presenting a fair deal. The fact that they don’t take it means that I should somehow, uh, you know, do a Jedi mind-meld with these folks and convince them to do what’s right.”

.

If only Barack Obama had studied FDR’s speeches, or possibly JFK, who in his inauguration uttered his famous challenge:

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.

FDR’s “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance” now has a name – Barack Hussein Obama.

God help us.