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“Why economics?” I echoed gamely. “Because many people in America believe poverty is a moral problem having to do with sloth or some other sin we can blame on individuals. But I believe poverty in America is an economic problem that can be solved…and I intend to solve it.”
“Despise not the day of small things,”
“My dear girl, making a few enemies is how you know you’re doing things right.”
Because to be loved, really loved, one must be known, and I find that terrifying. In truth, I think it takes courage—real spiritual daring—to allow oneself to be known.”
This was such a tremendous show of faith that I forgave him everything that came before. And as we watched the parade of naval ships pass by into the harbor to the cheers of the onlookers onshore, for the first time since I’d sworn my oath, I felt the salty sea-spray fizzle of confidence in my veins.
“Don’t worry. It won’t be that kind of book. I’m thinking of writing a novel about the rise of American fascism. I want it to be a real kick in the pants for all those complacent fools who keep bleating, It can’t happen here.”
“I never meant to become a lightning rod.” “The hell you didn’t. You’ve been a lightning rod since the day we met.
Social Security—which was expanded again and again to cover more Americans of every race and creed—is now so much a part of American psychology that I truly believe no politician, political party, or political group can possibly destroy it and maintain a democratic system. I suppose I should also be grateful that the reforms I fought for are bricks so firmly embedded in the edifice of our national life that Americans now take them for granted.
I often say that as secretary of labor, I came to Washington to work for God, FDR, and my country. Now maybe I can rest easy in the knowledge that a new generation has taken up the cause. So I hope it shall always be. For we are only day laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, to lay our course of bricks in shoring up the republic. I did my part. The American experiment goes on, and our democracy isn’t done. In fact, the battle for democracy is never done. And ours is worth fighting for.
