Our politics are so broken, petty, tedious, predictable. It didn’t used to be like that. America’s politicians have always been imperfect people, yet two of them stand apart — one in each century — as America’s decisive leaders: Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They were geniuses. Franklin Roosevelt wasn’t a saint, nor was he a perfect president. None are, including Lincoln. Lincoln is FDR’s only true presidential peer.
HiIarious speech by FDR! But he was likely using "poetic license" here, for his doggie Fala was most likely not actually ticked off. Consider the following:
HOW ENLIGHTENED ARE YOU?
IF....
If you can live without caffeine,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him or her,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion, gender preference, or politics,
--Then you have almost reached the same level of spiritual development as your dog!
FDR exemplified the characteristics of a real leader. He incorporated integrity, strength, honesty and character in his leadership style! With these characteristics he mixed a little effective humor for the betterment of American citizens. His style is a model for anyone who desires to lead. Personally, I know of no one else who could have done the job he did during a real period of turbulence in the United States and the rest of the world!!! And, he most most certainly didn’t present himself as a mob boss like 45 does.
Apr 1, 2023·edited Apr 1, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt
Humor, properly used, is a great tool. We saw it with the Ancient Greek playwrights (Aristophanes Lysistrata anyone--and if you do not know the play, spend a moment to read its story), we saw it in the writings of Jonathan Swift, and of course Mark Twain. Even Mark Russell, who died this week, was a centerpiece of political satire for ever and ever in DC.
How brilliant of FDR to state the obvious about himself, Eleanor and his sons (whom I think at that time were all serving in WWII), but to allow Fala to call out R's lies. By using humor, FDR de-fanged the R's. I am sure if the R's of today went after Commander, Pres. Biden could pursue this path.
I never thought about it, but there is no humor, mirth or jollity in the MAGA crowd. It's all anger, fear and hatred. No mirth, no ability to either take or receive humor. What is lacking in their souls is the ability to see the world through the eyes of a full life. They do not realize that a secure person can accept, even welcome, humor and skewering as natural.
Yes, FDR brought together the coalition that saved the free world and stopped the Nazi threat We have the opportunity to do so now, and Pres. Biden is trying his utmost to hold and build a coalition to do the same. If humor will help, go for it.
TFG appears, to me, to be on the verge of physically imploding or exploding and it is going to be gorgeously gory! I thought I was on a spiritual path... guess not:)
Thank you for including the Fala speech for I needed a laugh. Republicans have not changed in almost 80 years. They try to revise the history of an insurrection and obstruct a lawful State prosecution of an average citizen who broke the law. They shirk their duties to keep Americans safe by not banning weapons of war. If Republicans were sincere about oversight then they would release their version of a budget so debate and compromise are possible. However, since they have no solutions for the problems of the day so they will continue to make foolish decisions and interfere where they have no standing and try to revise history that is recorded with video and audio.
"Not a saint" or "not perfect" is putting it a bit mildly for the person who ordered innocent Americans into concentration camps because of their ethnic heritage.
Don't get me wrong - FDR is a historical giant who literally saved the world from Nazism. But at the same time, I strongly believe that the internment of Japanese Americans must always be brought up in ANY discussion of his accomplishments.
This was a much needed boost for me. In my older age I have learned to use humor in response to nasty and mean comments and I’ve learned it stems that topic in its tracks. It keeps me centered and calm too. But lately it’s been a bit more challenging.
By reading so many smart Substack writers I’ve also learned smarter ways to approach difficult topics the latest being ‘It’s unprecedented to arraign a president.” Well the president is a politician and we, the people, have arrested and jailed politicians many times and life goes on.
I will continue to grow by reading some very smart writers on Substack. This old dog is grateful to learn new tricks.
Biden’s effectiveness in this political climate has been exemplary, and he belongs in these conversations about effective leadership. This Constitution allergic Congress swivels our heads away from what has actually been an impressive presidency. All of Steve’s worries about Biddn’s age and the need for a new generation of leaders are valid. Exceptionally valid. And I hope we can thread the eye of that needle that this Congress and this age-challenged next election will bring. In the meantime, it is good to remember Fala and the preservation of our world to that point.
Spot on! Biden has accomplished more in his first two years than any president in a generation. And you hold that up against the insane moment we live in and it’s quite extraordinary.  having an 86 year old president isn’t something we would prefer but at some point we have to acknowledge his success.
Steve you make me long for an American leader like FDR. If you have not already, if you are ever able you must visit FDR's Little White House Historic Site in Warm Springs, Georgia. His beloved retreat where he tragically died just before WWII ended as he was sitting for the artist painting him, the house is kept exactly as it was that day, the painting unfinished as it was also. The documentary they show when you enter the site is narrated by Walter Cronkite. You would love it
Thank you for reminding us how powerful, uplifting and triumphant can be a humorous deflection, and how altogether maddening a defense steeped in laughter to an attacker, facies deformed by rancid anger.
Humor is not only the best medicine, but a wonderful weapon.
You can tell a lot about a person by the pets they love and care for.
In the course of everyone’s life reading this today, there weren’t any US presidents who didn’t have pets. Except one.
Take a guess.
.
For the record, I have four dogs 😊
Steve
Me? 270 pounds of ‘em.
But just two.
FDR has sainthood status in my family. He saved America from the Depression, he saved the world from Fascists.
Sainthood in my family as well. Even my Republican mother practically genuflected when his name was mentioned. Maybe we're related, Martha.
Same here!
HiIarious speech by FDR! But he was likely using "poetic license" here, for his doggie Fala was most likely not actually ticked off. Consider the following:
HOW ENLIGHTENED ARE YOU?
IF....
If you can live without caffeine,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him or her,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion, gender preference, or politics,
--Then you have almost reached the same level of spiritual development as your dog!
(from https://www.enlightened-spirituality.org/Spiritual_Humor.html)
Timothy Conway ….perfection
Thank you, Marsha :)
Lisa Beardsley your comments bring
Heartfelt soulful warmth to my life..
Blessings 💕 Marsha
Bravo!
FDR exemplified the characteristics of a real leader. He incorporated integrity, strength, honesty and character in his leadership style! With these characteristics he mixed a little effective humor for the betterment of American citizens. His style is a model for anyone who desires to lead. Personally, I know of no one else who could have done the job he did during a real period of turbulence in the United States and the rest of the world!!! And, he most most certainly didn’t present himself as a mob boss like 45 does.
"Style", indeed!
Humor, properly used, is a great tool. We saw it with the Ancient Greek playwrights (Aristophanes Lysistrata anyone--and if you do not know the play, spend a moment to read its story), we saw it in the writings of Jonathan Swift, and of course Mark Twain. Even Mark Russell, who died this week, was a centerpiece of political satire for ever and ever in DC.
How brilliant of FDR to state the obvious about himself, Eleanor and his sons (whom I think at that time were all serving in WWII), but to allow Fala to call out R's lies. By using humor, FDR de-fanged the R's. I am sure if the R's of today went after Commander, Pres. Biden could pursue this path.
I never thought about it, but there is no humor, mirth or jollity in the MAGA crowd. It's all anger, fear and hatred. No mirth, no ability to either take or receive humor. What is lacking in their souls is the ability to see the world through the eyes of a full life. They do not realize that a secure person can accept, even welcome, humor and skewering as natural.
Yes, FDR brought together the coalition that saved the free world and stopped the Nazi threat We have the opportunity to do so now, and Pres. Biden is trying his utmost to hold and build a coalition to do the same. If humor will help, go for it.
Yes!!! Go for it, Joe!!
This sweet reminder of FDR and his dog Fala should also remind us that Donald Trump can’t even love a dog...sad
"Love"? He apparently detests dogs, and sees them only as "germy".
It is likely that most dogs (or cats) wouldn't go near the TFG -they're way too intelligent!
LOL!
TFG appears, to me, to be on the verge of physically imploding or exploding and it is going to be gorgeously gory! I thought I was on a spiritual path... guess not:)
Lisa, LOL!! Don't worry, you just took a brief detour. Come on and join the gang!
True.
Yes, if you dig deep enough, this seems to be the case. Compassion? Not yet!!
Compassion: EVER?!
I have to think about that.
Thank you for including the Fala speech for I needed a laugh. Republicans have not changed in almost 80 years. They try to revise the history of an insurrection and obstruct a lawful State prosecution of an average citizen who broke the law. They shirk their duties to keep Americans safe by not banning weapons of war. If Republicans were sincere about oversight then they would release their version of a budget so debate and compromise are possible. However, since they have no solutions for the problems of the day so they will continue to make foolish decisions and interfere where they have no standing and try to revise history that is recorded with video and audio.
"Not a saint" or "not perfect" is putting it a bit mildly for the person who ordered innocent Americans into concentration camps because of their ethnic heritage.
Don't get me wrong - FDR is a historical giant who literally saved the world from Nazism. But at the same time, I strongly believe that the internment of Japanese Americans must always be brought up in ANY discussion of his accomplishments.
This was a much needed boost for me. In my older age I have learned to use humor in response to nasty and mean comments and I’ve learned it stems that topic in its tracks. It keeps me centered and calm too. But lately it’s been a bit more challenging.
By reading so many smart Substack writers I’ve also learned smarter ways to approach difficult topics the latest being ‘It’s unprecedented to arraign a president.” Well the president is a politician and we, the people, have arrested and jailed politicians many times and life goes on.
I will continue to grow by reading some very smart writers on Substack. This old dog is grateful to learn new tricks.
Biden’s effectiveness in this political climate has been exemplary, and he belongs in these conversations about effective leadership. This Constitution allergic Congress swivels our heads away from what has actually been an impressive presidency. All of Steve’s worries about Biddn’s age and the need for a new generation of leaders are valid. Exceptionally valid. And I hope we can thread the eye of that needle that this Congress and this age-challenged next election will bring. In the meantime, it is good to remember Fala and the preservation of our world to that point.
Spot on! Biden has accomplished more in his first two years than any president in a generation. And you hold that up against the insane moment we live in and it’s quite extraordinary.  having an 86 year old president isn’t something we would prefer but at some point we have to acknowledge his success.
Biden Deserves Our Gratitude
Biden has given Dignity & Trust
America deserves to Respect Our Justice Department Let them do
Their work TRUST & SUPPORT
I would like to collect Biden super-hero cards! He is a HERO -he's saving the U.S.A.!
Lovely!!
Long live the spirit of FDR's beloved companion, Fala!
Brilliant how he used humor to set his detractors on their heels as opposed to the humorless former guy
Steve you make me long for an American leader like FDR. If you have not already, if you are ever able you must visit FDR's Little White House Historic Site in Warm Springs, Georgia. His beloved retreat where he tragically died just before WWII ended as he was sitting for the artist painting him, the house is kept exactly as it was that day, the painting unfinished as it was also. The documentary they show when you enter the site is narrated by Walter Cronkite. You would love it
I’ve been!
There are (were) few people in the world who could speak as beautifully as FDR. Thx Steve.
Patricia thank you…think people
Listening as families gathered by their
Radios GAVE 100% attention..your comments have given me reflections
Of how important truly thoughtfully
Listening and respectfully being able
It is to work for democracy 🌹Marsha
Sunshine you brought a smile to my heart..blessings, Marsha:)
Wow Marsha. Thank you.
Andrea AZ …your responses are so
Considerate and thoughtful you truly
Touched my heart with your sensitive
Kindness. Thank you, Marsha ❤️
Wonderful reminder of the power of words well delivered.
... and of ideas well thought out!
Thank you for this.
Thank you for reminding us how powerful, uplifting and triumphant can be a humorous deflection, and how altogether maddening a defense steeped in laughter to an attacker, facies deformed by rancid anger.
Humor is not only the best medicine, but a wonderful weapon.