PBS is Airing a Special on “The Roosevelts” | Eastern North Carolina Now

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    I trust many of you have discovered the Roosevelt series running this week on PBS at 8:00. It is Proof Positive that history repeats itself and positions change drastically so don't assume what neither Democrat nor Republican stands for.

    Thus far it has dealt mostly with Teddy Roosevelt who was a Republican. His 5th Cousin, Franklin, is coming into the picture last night and he was our Democratic god as much as Reagan is the Republican god.


    The turn of the 1900's had mega rich industrialists and bankers running the show at the expense of their workers. Teddy went against them with Trust Busting. They accused him of violating the Constitution by such strong use of the President's Office. He responded, "I don't care. The Constitution stands for the rights of all men created equal! I will do as is best for all citizens and not just the rich ones."

    Teddy started the Panama Canal with a war against the Spanish and declaration of a Zone for the Canal. The main purpose was to allow easy access to the Pacific and Far East for our battleships, mostly stationed on the East Coast. Teddy was a "no holds barred" Imperialist believing we could bully any other nations on earth into our ways. It didn't sit well with those nations who wanted their own powers and ways to prevail.

    In other words, Teddy was a mixed political message the rich would fight today. They are enjoying the favoritism of Reagan Tax philosophy of "trickle down." He was the first President to get out of Washington and go far and wide across the entire country --- especially the West. Because of his accessibility and public hand shaking he became beloved by the average citizens. They were slaving in mines and assembly lines for meager wages while the owners got filthy rich.

    If you want to gain wisdom essential to good politics and policy, this is a "must see" series from Ken Burns. Both Roosevelts came from wealth, but had a heart for their house servants and the workers in their personal holdings. They were giants in their day and have a strong place in history.

    The basic issues of national and international relationships are the same as today. The parties are vastly different from today.

    It is most interesting and insightful. I commend the series to one and all who want to know what the history of the US was during volatile times of yore.

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