I am listening to the podcast HOPE THROUGH HISTORY on my walks, in order to remind myself of the America I love and which is worth fighting for, but more for the reminder that there have been and will continue to be presidents worthy of the title.

The first episode is about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and in it historian Jon Meacham quotes from one of my favorites of FDR‘s speeches: The commencement address at Oglethorpe University. The main reason it’s my favorite: Remember what 1932 was like in the United States of America? (If you don’t remember, egads: Look it up!)

FDR said the following, and so much more:

The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all try something. … We need enthusiasm, imagination and the ability to face facts, even unpleasant ones, bravely. We need to correct, by drastic means if necessary, the faults in our economic system from which we now suffer. We need the courage of the young.

Listen, remember, take heart and hope, and for love of country, VOTE.