Podcast Summary: Letters from an American – December 16, 2024
Hosted by Heather Cox Richardson
Introduction
In the December 16, 2024 episode of Letters from an American, Heather Cox Richardson delves into a significant contemporary event that honors historical legacy while reflecting on the enduring impact of past policies on today's political landscape. The episode centers around President Joe Biden's designation of a new national monument in honor of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet secretary in U.S. history and a pivotal figure in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.
Frances Perkins and Her Legacy
Heather opens the discussion by highlighting Frances Perkins' groundbreaking role as Secretary of Labor under FDR. Perkins was instrumental in shaping several key policies that transformed American society:
"Perkins recognized that the central purpose of government was not to protect property. It was to protect the communities of people who lived in the nation." (00:07)
Perkins championed initiatives such as unemployment insurance, health insurance, old age insurance, a 40-hour workweek, a minimum wage, and the abolition of child labor. Her efforts culminated in the Social Security Act of 1935 and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, laying the foundation for the modern American welfare state.
The Transformation of Government Policy
Before Perkins, the U.S. government's primary function was managing economic relationships based on property rights—a legacy from colonial times. Perkins shifted this focus towards safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of all citizens, including marginalized groups. Her vision emphasized that:
"The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life." (00:07)
This paradigm shift from property to people underscored the expansion of federal responsibilities in ensuring social and economic security.
Opposition and Political Shifts
Despite widespread public support, Perkins and the New Deal faced staunch opposition from various factions. A coalition comprising Republican businessmen, racists, and religious traditionalists sought to dismantle the burgeoning social safety net. Their resistance intensified post-1954 following the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, which mandated school desegregation:
"They warned American voters that a government that protected everyone would mean a government that used tax dollars paid by white Americans to benefit black Americans." (00:07)
This strategic alignment between racial biases and opposition to government intervention laid the groundwork for future political realignments, particularly within the Republican Party.
Contemporary Developments and Challenges
The legacy of this opposition manifested strongly in the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century. By the 1970s, religious traditionalists had become a formidable force against women's rights, aligning with Republican efforts to undermine the New Deal's inclusive vision. This alliance culminated in the rise of the Republican Party's white evangelical base in the 1990s, advocating for a patriarchal societal structure.
In recent years, this movement has intensified, with attacks on women's rights becoming central to Republican strategies:
"In 2024, attacks on women have become central to the destruction of the kind of government Frances Perkins helped to establish during the New Deal." (00:07)
Notably, the exclusion of women from leadership roles within the House Republicans' committee structure symbolized a broader rollback of women's societal roles.
Biden's Efforts to Reclaim Perkins' Vision
In response to these challenges, President Joe Biden has undertaken significant steps to restore and advance Frances Perkins' legacy. Upon taking office, Biden committed to a diverse cabinet, reflecting America's multifaceted society. His administration has emphasized women's equality, with notable actions including:
"In March 2024, he signed an executive order noting that since women's roles in American history have often been overlooked, it is imperative that we recognize the women and girls who have shaped the nation." (00:07)
Biden's policies have focused on protecting workers, defending unions, and creating good jobs, aligning closely with Perkins' original vision of a government that serves all its citizens.
Establishment of New National Historic Landmarks
A highlight of the episode is the announcement of five new National Historic Landmarks instituted to honor women's contributions across various sectors and eras:
- Charleston Cigar Factory, South Carolina – Site of a pivotal 1945-1946 strike led by black women.
- Furies Collective, Washington, D.C. – A hub for lesbian feminist publishing in the early 1970s.
- Slow Burl House, Washington, D.C. – Home of black lesbian educators Lucy Diggs Slow and Mary Berle.
- Yous Rest, Petersburg, Virginia – Residence and studio of early 20th-century black architect Amaza Lee Meredith.
- Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth House and Studios, San Patricio, New Mexico – Artistic haven of the renowned painters.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument on her family farm in New Castle, Maine, serves as a tribute to her enduring impact.
Conclusion
The December 16, 2024 episode of Letters from an American intricately weaves the historical contributions of Frances Perkins with the ongoing political struggles surrounding women's rights and government roles. Heather Cox Richardson underscores the significance of recognizing and sustaining Perkins' vision in the face of contemporary challenges. By honoring Perkins through national monuments and continuing her legacy through policy, President Biden aims to reinforce a government dedicated to serving all its people equitably.
Produced at Soundscape Productions, Dedham, Massachusetts. Music composed by Michael Moss.