First Fireside Chat: Patriotism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Sentence number)

Quote #1

The second step, last Thursday, was the legislation promptly and patriotically passed by the Congress confirming my proclamation and broadening my powers […]. (19)

Do you see the hidden danger in this line? Roosevelt is admitting that he has given himself more power as a president. Knowing what we know from history, this is a dangerous game.

You may have learned about powerful leaders in world history, changing their country's rules in increase their power and become absolute dictators. (Side note: FDR is not remembered as a despotic dictator, but he did have his critics who said he wielded his power in ways other presidents never had.) Roosevelt's reference to Congress' patriotism is his way of convincing the American people that it's all good…and that his increase in power is meant to help, not harm.

Quote #2

And I want to tell our citizens in every part of the Nation that the national Congress—Republicans and Democrats alike—showed by this action a devotion to public welfare and a realization of the emergency and the necessity for speed that it is difficult to match in all our history. (21)

When Republicans and Democrats work together it's called being bipartisan (today it's simply called "rare"—zing!). By notifying the public of Congress' bipartisan agreements, he's saying that we're all in this together with a common goal and purpose. The average American might think, "Well, if Congress is working together and behind this, I guess I should be too." Patriotism shines in this quote through the political party reference, and the reference to history.

Quote #3

The success of our whole national program depends, of course, on the cooperation of the public—on its intelligent support and its use of a reliable system. (49)

If you want your people to be patriotic, it's probably wise to compliment them. By calling Americans "intelligent" and reminding them that the government's system is "reliable," FDR is increasing the patriotic feelings of the public. He is unifying everyone under the umbrella of America's "national program," and by saying that success depends on the people, he is giving them power and choice. He's guiding them towards the choice he wants, of course, but such encouragement is part of crafty speech writing.

Quote #4

I hope you can see, my friends, from this essential recital of what your Government is doing that there is nothing complex, nothing radical in the process. (57)

Transparency is the name of the game here. Roosevelt is saying that he's not up to anything shady, and he's not trying to trick the American people. He's not trying to change the entire system (that'd be the "radical" part). He is saying that people need to be patriotic by believing that their government has their best interests in mind.

Quote #5

I can never be sufficiently grateful to the people for the loyal support that they have given me in their acceptance of the judgment that has dictated our course, even though all our processes may not have seemed clear to them. (67)

A great way to encourage loyalty and patriotism is to thank people for it. What's funny here is that whether or not Roosevelt actually has the support of his people, by thanking them for it everyone will assume that the nation does support him, so they'll go along with it.