Well, it definitely would be an understatement to say that a few things have happened since I last wrote. My, where do I begin? America ceases to surprise me: the economy has taken a fall like none that we've ever seen in US history. Unemployment rates are up to almost 25% this year (1); New York turns even more brown and sickly with every passing day. On my morning walks to the democratic offices, I watch the lines for the soup kitchens wrap around entire blocks. I've decided to throw out all my old things, reducing my wardrobe to simple, grey suits and skirts. I couldn't bear walking down the city streets in my pink and blue cashmere whilst the citizens, Franklin's citizens, shiver in rags. Cutting down seemed like the right thing to do. Even the Roosevelts have to keep up with the times, especially because of cut government salaries. I've decided to become not a symbol of elegance, but only a plain, ordinary Mrs. Roosevelt (2). Additionally, Franklin has put quite a lot of our personal money into the campaign.
Oh, speaking of which, Franklin has began his first, official run for Office. I've become so proud of him. I mean, the people love him, the electoral colleges love him, and I truly believe that he can really make a difference in this country. Hoover is trying, but he keeps digging his grave deeper and deeper. The people of America are clearly fed up with him, and Franklin's plan to restore the States is more than tempting. It's kept me busy as well, I'm writing many of his biographies, and I even voted for him myself in Chicago (3). The newspapers really loved that. I must be honest, though, as a diary seems to be the only place for honesty these days. Though I'm happy for my husband, I'm worried about my future. I've had many opportunities in my political life when Franklin was comfortable in his governor position, but now that I may become First Lady, I fear that my independence will fade. I can just imagine the last Mrs. Roosevelt, sitting quietly at the dinner table and smiling in the pictures like a piece of furniture. I hope that that woman will never be me, even though I still participate largely in the political radio talks and Women's Democratic Campaigns (4).
I truly believe that with me at my husband's side, he will succeed in this campaign and really turn this country around. It may be messy at first, but I know we'll see some progress.
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics , “Graph of U.S. Unemployment Rate, 1930-1945,” HERB: Resources for Teachers, accessed February 16, 2015, http://herb.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/1510.
2. George Washington University, "Eleanor Roosevelt: 1921-1932," Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, accessed Feb 16, 2015, http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/abouteleanor/timeline/tl2.cfm.
3. "Eleanor Roosevelt votes in Hyde Park," Nov 3, 1936, (ARC 196125), FDR Presidential Library, http://usnatarchives.tumblr.com/post/35122278246/eleanor-roosevelt-casts-her-ballot-in-hyde-park.
4. "First Lady Biography: Eleanor Roosevelt," National First Ladies' Library, accessed Feb 17, 2015, http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=33.
Oh, speaking of which, Franklin has began his first, official run for Office. I've become so proud of him. I mean, the people love him, the electoral colleges love him, and I truly believe that he can really make a difference in this country. Hoover is trying, but he keeps digging his grave deeper and deeper. The people of America are clearly fed up with him, and Franklin's plan to restore the States is more than tempting. It's kept me busy as well, I'm writing many of his biographies, and I even voted for him myself in Chicago (3). The newspapers really loved that. I must be honest, though, as a diary seems to be the only place for honesty these days. Though I'm happy for my husband, I'm worried about my future. I've had many opportunities in my political life when Franklin was comfortable in his governor position, but now that I may become First Lady, I fear that my independence will fade. I can just imagine the last Mrs. Roosevelt, sitting quietly at the dinner table and smiling in the pictures like a piece of furniture. I hope that that woman will never be me, even though I still participate largely in the political radio talks and Women's Democratic Campaigns (4).
I truly believe that with me at my husband's side, he will succeed in this campaign and really turn this country around. It may be messy at first, but I know we'll see some progress.
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics , “Graph of U.S. Unemployment Rate, 1930-1945,” HERB: Resources for Teachers, accessed February 16, 2015, http://herb.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/1510.
2. George Washington University, "Eleanor Roosevelt: 1921-1932," Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, accessed Feb 16, 2015, http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/abouteleanor/timeline/tl2.cfm.
3. "Eleanor Roosevelt votes in Hyde Park," Nov 3, 1936, (ARC 196125), FDR Presidential Library, http://usnatarchives.tumblr.com/post/35122278246/eleanor-roosevelt-casts-her-ballot-in-hyde-park.
4. "First Lady Biography: Eleanor Roosevelt," National First Ladies' Library, accessed Feb 17, 2015, http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=33.