“Those newspapers of the nation which most loudly cried dictatorship against me would have been the first to justify the beginnings of dictatorship by somebody else.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“Those newspapers of the nation which most loudly cried dictatorship against me would have been the first to justify the beginnings of dictatorship by somebody else.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Franklin D. Roosevelt’s frustrations with the criticism he received from certain sectors of the press during his presidency. Roosevelt, who took office during the Great Depression, implemented sweeping reforms under the New Deal, which were seen by some as radical or even dictatorial. Critics, particularly from conservative media outlets, feared that his policies concentrated too much power in the hands of the federal government. Roosevelt’s words acknowledge this criticism, but he points out the irony that the same voices which condemned him would likely support similar actions if they came from a political opponent with different views.
Roosevelt’s statement also speaks to a historical context where the concept of dictatorship was particularly sensitive. In the 1930s, the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe, like Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, made many Americans wary of authoritarianism. Roosevelt’s leadership during the Depression, with its unprecedented government intervention in the economy, raised concerns that the U.S. might be heading in a similar direction. Roosevelt’s quote highlights a political hypocrisy, pointing out that certain groups who decried his strong government measures would likely justify similar measures if they were aligned with their own political goals.
In modern times, this quote can still resonate in political discourse. It reflects the partisanship and double standards that often arise in debates about government power and authority. Critics of political leaders in times of crisis, especially when invoking strong actions, can quickly shift their stance depending on who is in power. For example, during times of political upheaval or national emergencies, some may criticize executive overreach, only to later support similar actions when their preferred party or leader is in charge. Roosevelt’s words remind us to be mindful of the consistency and fairness with which we approach the balance between freedom and government authority.
