December 24

"We can afford all that we need; but we cannot afford all that we want."

Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President, 1933-1945-Veto of the Bonus Bill. May 22, 1935-At this time, the United States (and the world) was still trying to climb out of the Great Depression. Roosevelt was implementing the Works Progress Administration to create public work jobs. At its highest point, three million Americans were employed, including World War I veterans. The Bonus Bill was passed by Congress to allow able-bodied Veterans to cash their war benefits ten years early. Roosevelt vetoed the bill and gave his detailed explanation-"...The people and the Government of the United States have shown a proper and generous regard for the sacrifices and patriotism of all of the four and three-quarter million men who were in uniform no matter where they served. At the outbreak of the war, the President and the Congress sought and established an entirely new policy in order to guide the granting of financial aid to soldiers and sailors. Remembering the unfortunate results that came from the lack of a veterans' policy after the Civil War, they determined that a prudent and sound principle of insurance should supplant the uncertainties and unfairness of direct bounties...and generous provision has been made for hospitalization, vocational training and rehabilitation of veterans. You are familiar with this excellent care given to the sick and disabled...(However)The bill before me provides for the immediate payment of the 1945 value of the certificates. It means paying $1,600,000,000 more than the present value of the certificates. It requires an expenditure of more than $2,200,000,000 in cash for this purpose...The herculean task of the United States Government today is to take care that its citizens have the necessities of life. We are seeking honestly and honorably to do this, irrespective of class or group. Rightly, we give preferential treatment to those men who were wounded, disabled, or who became ill as a result of war service. Rightly, we give care to those who subsequently have become ill. The others—and they represent the great majority—are today in the prime of life, are today in full bodily vigor. They are American citizens who should be accorded equal privileges and equal rights to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—no less and no more...We can afford all that we need; but we cannot afford all that we want.