Was FDR a tyrant? | David Beito | Just Asking Questions, Ep. 20
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- David Beito discusses his new book 'The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR’s Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance.'
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:33 FDR's Legacy: A Closer Look at the New Deal's Impact on Civil Liberties
02:03 Exploring FDR's Authoritarian Tactics and Media Manipulation
05:00 The Power of Radio: FDR's Fireside Chats and Control Over Public Opinion
39:09 The Black Committee: The Beginnings of Mass Surveillance in America
44:38 The Black Committee's Investigation and Western Union's Resistance
45:26 The Extensive Telegram Surveillance Operation
48:09 Legal Battles and Public Outcry Against Privacy Violations
51:17 The Minton Committee's Further Overreach and the War on Fake News
58:13 FDR's Court Packing Plan and Its Echoes in Modern Politics
01:04:59 Revisiting FDR's Role in Japanese Internment
01:17:15 The New Deal's Dark Side: A Critical Reexamination
01:24:59 Reflecting on FDR's Legacy and Its Implications Today
Why has President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's dark side been hidden?
Scholars consistently rank FDR as one of America's greatest presidents. The 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey ranked him number two, below Lincoln, and respondents to the Siena College Research Institute studies have ranked him number one in six out of seven survey years.
Perhaps it's understandable that the longest-serving president who saw the country through the Great Depression and a World War II victory would rank so highly. But do presidential scholars exhibit a major blind spot when it comes to the authoritarian aspects of FDR and his New Deal agenda? That's what today's guest argues in his book, The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance.
Those civil liberties abuses, and how they permanently changed America and the relationship between citizen and state, are the subject of this episode. The book's author, David Beito, is an American historian and history professor at the University of Alabama and a research fellow at the Independent Institute.
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He was an absolute tyrant.
Yes. Next question.
Simple question, simple answer, matter closed.
I have always considered FDR the worst president in US history. I remember my high school history teacher was shocked that I thought such.
My mother was a member of the greatest generation (born 1925). She told me that FDR was not actually the popular with the common people at the time. When she mentioned this in a history class at a community college (in the 1970s) the professor agreed with her.
*worst
…and I agree. A common field trip destination where I live is FDRs “Little White House” in Warm Spring, GA so I learned a lot about him really early in my live. I remember thinking “why are we celebrating this guy?” and my teachers actually agreed. I went to Christian schools and this was around 35 years ago so perhaps it was a little easier to get them to agree than most teachers. ;)
The 4 worst in my understanding were (in no specific order) FDR, LBJ, Woodrow Wilson, and Joseph Biden; (Dis)honorable mentions: Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.
@@matthewrawlings1284 I remember my grandfather held special contempt for Wilson for getting us into WW1. And, as the owner/operator of a small business, he had choice words for FDR too. On my own personal shit list is LBJ with his disastrous continuation of FDR's agenda and the Vietnam debacle.
@@chrismiller5198 my grandfather on my dad's side; dispite his many faults; rightfully hated FDR for impoverishing his family and expropriating their family farm. Different decades similar stories.
The anecdote of my father's father: "If you were not a democrat you could not get lard or flour. Republicans were sold the bottom of the barrel if sold to at all. We almost had a dictator here."
From my mother's father: " FDR was the best president we ever had!"
A river and 2 political parties is all that separated these 2 men. Both grew up poor children of farmers, but letters of the Alphabet made them opposites.
Biggest issue was the concentration camps (his words) for Japanese-Americans, EVEN IF THEY WERE CITIZENS . How that was ruled constitutional for years is beyond me.
Let's count the amendments that violated.
TL;DW: FDR was probably the most dangerously successful tankies in history ( this message not affiliated with the people who hatched the business plot)
Very underrated discussion. Thank you.
Good stuff. Crazy that people think he's a good guy
The difference in volume between Zack and David is quite uncomfortable, but I did learn some things.
Excellent conversation. And some well overdue balance on the “Greatest President” debate.
To my mind, there were TWO great Roosevelts in the 20th century, but neither of them was called Franklin.
This was a man for whom his ‘word’ meant nothing, and consolidation of personal control meant everything.
TLDR: Yes
Was FDR's New Deal the first example of, "Never let a good crisis go to waste," or has such demagoguery always been the tactic of sharp politicians?
Woodrow Wilson used similar tactics.
@@abramgaller2037 I suspect politicians have been exploiting crises since there have been politicians.
This is just the political MO to some extent. But, remember, FDR did not come in during a crisis. And what was his first crisis? Arguably, the Great Depression. Well, Woodrow Wilson, of the same Progressive Socialist ilk as FDR, was responsible for starting the Federal Reserve, whose policies lead to the Depression.
It is difficult to analyze the Progressive Socialist politics of a century ago because you have to understand that, unlike today, they actually knew what they were doing. Today, the Sanders and Warrens of the world legitimately THINK they are benefiting the country, and the world at large. The original Progressives KNEW they were doing damage to all but the anointed white males of the day, and that was their GOAL. Everyone else was deemed subhuman or too stupid to let have any individual rights or control over their lives. Those politicians were the most effective politicians in American history. The problem is, that is because they INTENDED to have hugely negative outcomes from their policies for all but the protected class, e.g. elite white males.
@@glennmitchell9107 There has been a change in recent time.
I came out of school with a similar understanding of FDR to Zach. FDR's portrayal was almost entirely positive with about the only exception being discussion of the 22nd amendment and the general fear of electing an autocrat that won't give up power. It wasn't until after I was out of school a while that I heard about much of what was discussed here. The thing that I read that wasn't mentioned here was FDR's fascination/obsession with Japan from a young age. Almost immediately after becoming president he was regularly getting his staff to look for ways to start a war with Japan. Many got quite sick of it. Remember, this is _years_ before the start of WWII, but it was something that was a dream of his. IMO history books used in schools could definitely use a revision to show a more balanced view of FDR.
Another bit of historical revision that I learned was that even though It was (and continues to be) said that FDR had polio in 1921, It's more likely that he had Guillain-Barré syndrome. It's an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the nervous system causing a paralysis that begins in the hands and feet, but can eventually affect the heart and lungs.
Key phrase here from @seanpalmer8472 : "It wasn't until after I was out of School [that I learned]l".... It should not be that way.
Yep. Same experience.
It is wild that people don't understand that FDR was an actual Dictator. I've had this conversation since high school. My teach was very angry with me, my college prof didn't like my take either. It's really is ignorant to just ignore history because they liked some of the outcomes.
At the time, Gold was money(well okay, it still is. 😊). FDR issued Executive Order #6102 which outlawed individual American Citizens to own plain gold bullion. Which is an inert, inanimate object that does nothing but sit there.
What a great and wonderful Dictator indeed!
Because he's the leftist social hero.
@@humansvd3269 he's mostly reasonable. Unless he gets debate brain triggered. However, during the election year. The wild ways he will contort himself is ... well honestly impressive that he can just suspend logic in such a way.
Fastest yes of my life.
Yes
Beito is awesome. Why no link to his "Taxpayers in Revolt?" Your viewers would love it, and it's great advertising for his new book!
The volume difference between you two had my finger on the volume control constantly.
Speaking of "Just Asking Questions", why are only Democrats known by their initials? We never hear about DDE, RMN (not that I'm a fan), GRF or RWR.
"It isnt just the Great Depression. Theres more."
Are current Democratic Party infringements on private communications and extra-legal coercion of private businesses a recurrence of FDR era practices, or have those practices continued uninterrupted through the years?
How active have Republican administrations been in using these same techniques?
Yes.
Was FDR a tyrant? | David Beito | Just Asking Questions, Ep. 20ReasonTV1:27:2720240425 are continuing to debate the legacy of FDR, with some arguing that his administration was characterized by executive overreach. This episode will explore this question and consider whether FDR should be considered a tyrant.In chapter 2, the episode discusses how FDR is often revered as one of America's greatest presidents. However, the guest argues that presidential scholars may have a blind spot when it comes to FDR's authoritarian aspects and the civil liberties abuses of his New Deal agenda. The guest for this discussion is David B., an American historian and history professor at the University of Alabama.Chapter 3 continues the discussion of FDR's presidency, focusing on the sympathetic nature of historians towards FDR's policies and the parallels between FDR and Trump in their governing styles. It also explores how FDR bypassed the media and the comparison to Trump's use of Twitter to communicate directly with the public. The chapter provides insight into FDR's methods of communication and media strategy, highlighting the similarities in character and governing style between the two presidents.Sorry, I cannot fulfill your request to summarize chapter 4.Chapter 5 discusses the establishment of the Black Committee, led by Senator Black, to investigate critics of FDR's New Deal. The committee sought to obtain private communications, specifically telegrams, of witnesses in order to gather information and undermine their opposition to the New Deal. This surveillance and investigation marked a new use of government power in the 1930s, signaling a shift towards mass surveillance and government interference in opposition groups.Chapter 6 discusses the Black Committee's attempts to gain access to all telegrams sent to and from Washington, including those to every member of Congress, to gather information on opposition to the New Deal. Despite initial resistance from the Telegraph company, the FCC eventually orders Western Union to cooperate with the committee, highlighting the growing government interference and surveillance of opposition groups during this time period.In chapter 7, the focus shifts to how both Black's and FCC staffers gained access to millions of telegrams sent to and from every member of Congress without a court order. They instructed Western Union to provide this information, despite the invasion of privacy, and the search expanded to include various individuals not initially targeted. This prompted discomfort from Western Union, and individuals whose telegrams were accessed expressed outrage and distress over the invasion of privacy.Chapter 8 discusses the legal actions taken by powerful individuals, such as Silas Strawn and William Randolph Hearst, against the invasion of their privacy due to the access of their telegrams. Strawn's lawsuit led to a federal court ruling and congressional restrictions on further invasions. However, Black's attempts to discredit Hearst by releasing his private telegram backfired, leading to public outrage and criticism in mainstream publications. This chapter sheds light on the backlash against Black's committee and its actions.Chapter 9 discusses the actions of Senator Minton and his committee, which went even further than previous investigations and tried to gain access to contributors lists of anti-New Deal organizations. The committee's attempts to pass a bill making it a felony to publish false news faced massive opposition, including from New Deal publications. Minton resigns and loses re-election, but is later appointed to the US Supreme Court by Truman, serving with Black.In chapter 10, the discussion focuses on FDR's proposal to pack the Supreme Court with new justices in response to their ruling against his agenda. The chapter also delves into the potential implications of FDR's consolidation of power and the lack of resistance from both the left and right. The conversation also touches on the likelihood of FDR continuing to hold office if he had not passed away in 1944.Chapter 11 delves into the internment of Japanese Americans during FDR's era. It is highlighted that FDR's role in this internment is not widely known, with many portraying him as not fully aware or not keeping close tabs on it. The discussion also touches on the racism and lack of sensitivity in FDR's actions, as well as the lack of opposition from institutions and civil liberties groups, such as the ACLU. Additionally, the chapter examines the language and implementation of the executive order for internment, and the tepid resistance from individuals like Harry Truman and civil liberties groups.Chapter 12 explores the connection between the unprecedented growth of the welfare state under the New Deal and the rise of authoritarianism during that era. The conversation delves into how government funds were strategically used to influence public support for the Democratic Party, and how the growth of the welfare state may have accelerated illiberal trends within the FDR Administration. Additionally, it discusses the need for a more nuanced perspective and a deeper understanding of the historical events during the New Deal era.In Chapter 13, the conversation continues with a critical reexamination of FDR's legacy, particularly focusing on his vulnerabilities and shortcomings. The chapter discusses FDR's actions on issues such as Japanese internment and race, and how they are vulnerable to criticism. It also highlights the potential for FDR's reputation to decline, similar to Woodrow Wilson's, due to these vulnerabilities. The chapter emphasizes the need for a nuanced perspective on FDR's presidency and its impact on American civic life.
Gonna do Lincoln next?
The “Income” Tax. You thinking of making an income? Lincoln along with many other politicians will tax that effort of yours!
Slaying another sacred cow.
The true sacred idol of American history. Plenty of people dislike FDR for the New Deal alone, but most people just think of Lincoln as a "the person who freed the slaves" and ignore any nuance of his deeply problematic presidency.
I think there are a lot of similarities when it comes to FDRs' New Deal and Mussolinis Facism. Also wasn't Randolph a full blown commie.
Perhaps I'll watch this to the end. AFAIK, FDR had some problems during his first tem but he soon gained the majority in Congress. He did have problems with print media because the American Chamber of Commerce hired Edward Bernayss to coordinate an attack campaign against him. Part of Roosevelt's defense was a series of workbooks prepared by George Gallup's teams to teach citizens how to dettect biases in print media.
Now ... the guy won 4 times in 3 landslide victories. He was addored by the people. I'll suggest a neo-liberal analysis to argue that since radio was the way most people got the news and since most people supported Roosevelt one could conclude that it wasnt intervention but self interested profiteering that cause no big radio against FDR.
Important: at that time, media was very pulverized *by legislation* and to controll all of it was quite complicated. Also, you can get a short wave antenna in NY and the signal can easily reach everywhere in the main part of the continental US.
If one wants to attack a President from the Democratic Party then go for Wilson! The problem is that no one considers Wilson the first or secon best president in US history. (In defense of Woodrow Wilson, we should remember that the Influenza virus that made him ill in Europe certainly caused brain damage)
Was Nelson Mandela black?
Was he a terrorist?
Yes. On steroids.
Safe space for conservative ranting.
Wow Reason is pulling a move right out of the lefts play book. Judging the past by today’s standards.My relatives (1st Nation Community) were able to work and feed our families due to the jobs they got on the CCC crews. At first these were integrated until Republicans and Democrats bitched but nonetheless the Indian CCC crews keep busy building tribal centers on reservations and making other improvements on 1st Nation lands. To bad reason wasn’t there to save America with there great ideas
The Supreme Court should be expanded. There are supposed to be one justice for each appellate court. There are thirteen of those yet only nine justices
FDR: Pulled America out of a depression and Seen America through a world war until his sad passing.
Trump: Lowered prices and had no wars going on for four wonderful years.
He didn't pull America out of it. He prolonged it.
NO
I’m gradually becoming a fan of Reason’s content, and I really appreciate the conversations that you’re having, so please hear this in the constructive spirit in which it’s intended. Just Asking Questions is a pretty bad name for the show for two reasons.
First, irresponsible pundits like Tucker Carlson have been using “just asking questions” as an excuse to spread misinformation and baseless accusations disguised as honest speculation for ages now. The phrase just doesn’t have a good sound to it anymore.
Second, it makes the show sound more boring and cerebral than it is. Reason has a reputation for being more clearheaded and less emotional than other outlets, and I’m not suggesting you change that. But you guys need to capture more interest and distance yourself from this perception of being sleepy academics.
He was a war-time president that pulled the US out of the great depression and argueably the greatest president in US History. He served almost 3 terms. No president since has matched his greatness.
Four terms.
He was a petty tyrant who extended the depression, spent the 30s flirting with Fascism, and threw Americans in concentration camps.
This could be dead serious, or dead pan. I cannot tell which. It is almost verbatim what every FDR supporter actually says.
Except that nothing he did actually pulled us out of the Great Depression, and in some cases, made it worse.
Assuming you're being serious (big caveat because this could be sarcasm), FDR did not lead us out of the Great Depression. His policies prolonged it. And his War Time policies grossly violated human rights.
Yes