(Originally posted at The American Catholic, but I thought the political history mavens of Almost Chosen People might enjoy it.)
One of my personal political heroes has always been Al Smith. Four term Governor of New York and a devout Catholic, he ran a courageous campaign for President in 1928, speaking out against the racists and bigots in his party, knowing that it would cost him the election. He earned the title: The Happy Warrior. After the election of FDR in 1932, Smith became an outspoken critic of the New Deal. Here is a speech that he gave on January 25, 1936. Most of it could be delivered word for word today. Most of the problems we have in this country regarding the attacks on liberty stem from the creation of a vast Federal government that increasingly resembles what the Founding Fathers revolted against: (more…)
Donald R. McClarey
Paul Zummo
Almost Chosen People 