While Roosevelt was alive and after he contracted polio in 1921, he was active on behalf of disability issues in his private life including founding the March of Dimes and the rehabilitation center in Warm Springs, Georgia. At the same time, Roosevelt selected, because the public essentially demanded that the perception be a President who was able bodied, to never appear in his wheel chair. He went to elaborate lengths and physical pain to meet these societal demands. As advocates for change, diversity and truth in government there are lots of lessons for today in both the history and the current response. On another note, the memorial has one quote after another relevant to our times.
Demoralization caused by vast unemployment is our greatest extravagance.
Morally, it is the greatest menace to our social order. The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith. The House of Representatives continues its debate and voting on H.R. 2, the housing overhaul bill. The full House is expected to finish voting on H.R. 2 by May 14.