Economic Bill Of Rights

There is something fundamentally wrong with an economy based on consumer spending. A society where we measure well-being on the quantity and quality of our possessions. A life of deep and broad relationships where we share beyond ourselves -that would be a different measure.

President Franklin Roosevelt wrote the following Economic Bill of Rights in 1944. It is based on the realization that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence.


We have to come to a clear realization of that fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. We have accepted a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all — regardless of station, race or creed. Among these are:

• The right to a useful and remunerative job.
  
• The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation.
  
• The right of every family to a decent home.
  
• The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health.
  
• The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident and unemployment.
  
• The right to a good education.
  

adapted from here