Franklin Delano Roosevelt: "Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation"

“December 7^th, 1941—a day which will live in infamy” (FDR).  These words are from the introduction of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Pearl Harbor Adress to the Nation” which was delivered on December 8, 1941.  This speech was given before the Vice President, members of the Senate, and the House of Representatives.  In this address FDR explains that the United States has been in negotiations with the Japanese government in the hopes of reaching a state of peace. 

Throughout this speech, FDR has a very strong opinion about what is going through the minds of the Japanese in light of these attacks.  In fact, he almost seems to speak for them.  He continues to use the word “deliberately” when discussing the actions that the Japanese have taken.  For example, he says:

--“It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago.”

--“During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.”

          The second quote uses the words “deceive” and “false” in order to emphasize FDR’s opinion that the Japanese government is dishonest and conniving.  Granted, they did attack our land—however, did FDR have proof or sources telling him that the Japanese never wanted peace with the United States?  Also, he says that it is “obvious” that these attacks were planned far in advance—but again, he has no proof or sources confirming that statement.  He does say, “Yesterday’s actions speak for themselves” which may have been all the proof he needed. 

          Not only does FDR speak for the Japanese government, he speaks for the American people.  Throughout his speech, he states what the American people feel and want—he does not say, “I believe that the American people want . . .” but rather he states his opinions as facts:

“The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.”

FDR lists all four of the December 7 attacks in order—beginning each statement with the phrase “Last night”.  My question is, considering how quickly he is taking action in response to these attacks, how is it that he can speak so confidently and unanimously for the American people?  As I stated before, to say, “I believe that the American people would want us to go to war” is one thing.  But to make the bold statement that every citizen of the American nation wants the same thing goes a little far. 

Obama's Address for American Worker

This past Labor day, President Obama gave an address honoring the American worker.  With our country’s economy struggling, and people fighting to keep their jobs, it is important to keep citizen’s morale up and thriving.  Everyone knows that since his election, President Obama has said that our country needs change.  That is how many people see him—as a “warrior” for change, and this speech does not let down that perception.  In this address he states that we need to fight to change our economy—and that the main soldiers in this fight are the working middle class.  This speech is given to the American nation in hopes of encouraging struggling citizens to hope for more job opportunities. 

                President Obama does not sugar-coat the issues going on in our country today.  He begins his speech with a number of examples of how our economy has been struggling.  He talks about how companies have been offering job opportunities overseas in order to receive tax-breaks.  Wall Street firms have been cutting corners, at the expense of the American worker.  He tells citizens that in order to improve our economy, we cannot stand by and hope for a healthy stock market.  Action must be taken. 

                Obama assures Americans that steps have already been taken in hopes of creating more job opportunities—such as efforts to prevent layoffs for teachers, firefighters, and police officers.  Tax cuts have also been given to small business owners.  The government has put an end to “the wasteful subsidies to big banks that provide student loans”.  Obama states that this money will instead go towards making college more affordable for students.  He is working to see that Social Security is around for years to come and also to make sure that women receive “equal pay for equal work” in America. 

                Obama was clearly prepared for this speech.  He wants to make sure that people who are struggling in the work force know that he is taking steps to try to help.  He reassures the elderly and the sick that their Social Security and insurance will stay in effect.  He encourages the female population to hope for equality in the workplace, and recognizes small business owners for their hard work in creating job opportunities—which is so important in today’s economy. 

Obama ends his speech with a glimmer of hope for our country’s economic situation.  This speech inspired working and out-of-work citizens to not be downtrodden and without hope.  It let people know that their government is working hard to ensure that their economic security for the future.