I was born in 1937, and the first news event I can remember was Pearl Harbor. I do remember that FDR was almost worshiped.

The people felt that he was on their side, and he was on their side. Even from a wheel chair, this man could lead. He lead us out of a depression and through most of World War II. He knew how to pick his subordinates, and delegate authority.

He wasn't perfect, but, perfect or not, there has never been a better President. We should have such imperfection now!

Pervis J. Casey

Riverside, CA

Not only did FDR not run on a platform anything close to the New Deal, he was regarded by knowledgable pundits as a lightweight and unserious person, see for example the comments of Walter Lippmann. Roosevelt surprised everyone. Obama and McCain also might. Not a chance with Hillary. We already know too much about her and what she would be likely to do.

Norman Ravitch

Savannah, GA

I hope for the same future as Howard Zinn, so I can't believe I'm about to write this... I disagree that a candidate with this platform is the missing link. This is actually the platform that Dennis Kucinich has run on--twice. Come on, you know, the candidate that never got called on in the debates because of his platform. That nerdy, alien looking little vegan from Cleveland with the "it's gotta be a "Weird Science experiment" hot wife. The guy that voted against the Iraq invasion and occupation from the beginning and offered up the only actual national healthcare plan.

The problem the Dennis Kuciniches face today that FDR did not have to contend with is television and its zombie minions who care more about American Idol than American policy. Most recently, one only has to look at how the media used a couple of very choice sound bites from very long sermons to demonize Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright (and Barack Obama) to see how easily a man dedicated to peace and understanding can be distorted into a radical, hate-mongering bigot--in a single day. If you don't know what I mean, my point could not be better made.

I'm afraid the American experiment is failing and it would be in our best interest to figure out what we have to do next before it continues getting done to us. I suggest we reclaim our airwaves and demand that the FCC re-regulate the communications industry. Too few control every aspect of the modern way we interact with one another and the world. In most cases, those few do not have our best interest in mind, let alone at heart.

John Stifler

Dallas, TX

I could not agree more that we need a new New Deal. But I would not necessarily argue that the Democratic presidential candidates should promise one before the election. You will recall that during his campaign against Hoover, FDR promised to balance the federal budget!

Robert P. Forbes

New Haven, CT

Thank you, Mr. Zinn. I'm not old enough to remember FDR, but I was raised by people who certainly did. All were grateful. I am, however, old enough to have been reading Zinn pieces for about forty years. Keep 'em coming, please.

I had an uncle who lost a leg to a landmine in the Battle of the Bulge as a combat photographer with Patton's army. He spoke German & Hungarian and his first job after high school in Manhattan was with the CCC--down South.

I learned to love books in a WPA building, the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza. A beauty (except for the lobby, desecrated in the Nixonian early '70s).

The FDR administration made a better life possible for almost every American I know & knew. I have, however, come to know some other Americans who, to this day, consider FDR & his wife "Commie Jews" in thin disguise, traitors to their class. And I'm not exaggerating. These detractors still parrot their parents & grandparents. And they are all--surprise surprise--G.W. Bush supporters.

If President Obama's administration can accomplish what the New Deal did, there will be much for the vast majority of Americans to look forward to. May he be protected.

R.H. Weber

Geneva, Switzerland

Thank you, Howard Zinn, for an inspirational article. I am old enough to remember how the era of FDR brought forth amazing things out of chaos and despair. I was thinking along those lines especially when Barack Obama spoke so passionately about his community work and how to put young energy into constructive projects.

I feel there is great possibility in what you wrote and that Senator Obama offers us positive leadership for the future. I hope it happens soon as I want to have a few final years of living in a more hopeful and healthy country. Near my home in Florida is a park with a beautiful wooden suspension bridge over a river built by the CCC. It always brings back memories of what can be accomplished with proper organization, will and true leadership.

Your article echoed my deepest hopes for our country's future.

Pearl Volkov
South Shore Democratic Club

Sun City Center , FL

I have the utmost respect for Howard Zinn and his People's History (which graces my bookshelf) is a particularly valuable book because it speaks from the under-utilized perspective of the oppressed. Mr. Zinn, however, seems to have overlooked the campaign of presidential democratic candidate John Edwards, who ran on the platform of representing the "common" person (the poor and disaffected) and challenging the moneyed corporate interests in the US. Unfortunately, Mr. Edwards was not wildly successful at the polls. Perhaps his message came too early or maybe the corporate-controlled media effectively minimized his message and therefore his campaign.

If only John Edwards had been victorious at the polls, the future Mr. Zinn and I wish to see would be closer to fruition!

Tamara Crouch

Key West, FL