It is inevitable that in these times much of the legislation proposed to
the Congress and many of the recommendations of the Executive must be
designed to meet emergencies. In reaching solutions we must not jeopardize
those principles which we have found to be the basis of the growth of the
Nation. The Federal Government must not encroach upon nor permit local
communities to abandon that precious possession of local initiative and
responsibility. Again, just as the largest measure of responsibility in the
government of the Nation rests upon local self-government, so does the
largest measure of social responsibility in our country rest upon the
individual. If the individual surrenders his own initiative and
responsibilities, he is surrendering his own freedom and his own liberty.
It is the duty of the National Government to insist that both the local
governments and the individual shall assume and bear these responsibilities
as a fundamental of preserving the very basis of our freedom.
Many vital changes and movements of vast proportions are taking place in
the economic world. The effect of these changes upon the future can not be
seen clearly as yet. Of this, however, we are sure: Our system, based upon
the ideals of individual initiative and of equality of opportunity, is not
an artificial thing. Rather it is the outgrowth of the experience of
America, and expresses the faith and spirit of our people. It has carried
us in a century and a half to leadership of the economic world. If our
economic system does not match our highest expectations at all times, it
does not require revolutionary action to bring it into accord with any
necessity that experience may prove. It has successfully adjusted itself to
changing conditions in the past. It will do so again. The mobility of our
institutions, the richness of our resources, and the abilities of our
people enable us to meet them unafraid. It is a distressful time for many
of our people, but they have shown qualities as high in fortitude, courage,
and resourcefulness as ever in our history. With that spirit, I have faith
that out of it will come a sounder life, a truer standard of values, a
greater recognition of the results of honest effort, and a healthier
atmosphere in which to rear our children. Ours must be a country of such
stability and security as can not fail to carry forward and enlarge among
all the people that abundant life of material and spiritual opportunity
which it has represented among all nations since its beginning.
The White House,