Choose government that works for the people

Born into a life of wealth and privilege, cousins Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt chose lives of public service, recognizing government has an important role in quality of life.

Republican Theodore came of age during the 'gilded age” of robber barons, sweatshops, child labor and growing inequality. Seeing deplorable conditions, he became a progressive and used the power of government to break up trusts, end seven-day workweeks, pass child labor laws, regulate conditions and safety and pass a progressive income tax along with other changes, which improved lives.

Then came a 12-year conservative period with tax cuts for the wealthy, a lack of regulation of financial markets and control of government by big business. This ended with crashed markets, failed banks, foreclosed farms and increased unemployment to 25 percent.

In 1932 voters turned to Democrat Franklin Roosevelt. He took action to reopen banks, pass financial regulation and use government to put people back to work through programs like the CCC and the WPA, restoring confidence and hope.

The Progressive Era saw rapid growth and strength of the middle class.

In 1980 conservatives regained control reduced taxes for the wealthy, eliminated regulations and put business back in charge of government. Within three years unemployment was at 10.8 percent, farms were lost and banks, including one in Tipton, were closed.

By 1992, after two conservative administrations, our national debt stood at more than $4 trillion, a 400 percent increase in 12 years.

That year, Bill Clinton was elected, taxes were restored and policies instituted for the middle class. By 2000, there was a budget surplus.

The rest is recent and familiar history.

Abraham Lincoln said this is a 'government of the people, by the people and for the people.” Shouldn't we expect a government that works for the people?

' Larry Hodgden, of Tipton, is chairman of the Cedar County Democratic Central Committee. Comments: lh030545@hotmail.com.