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University Daily Kansan Friday, Dec. 11, 1959
Professors Arque FDR Era
Four University professors argue last night whether Franklin D. Roosevelt was a "bar and a fraud" or "the first president in history to attempt to fulfill his entire political program."
They disagreed at the history club meeting.
Clifford S. Griffin, assistant professor of history, said Roosevelt was a liar and a fraud.
John G. Grumm, assistant professor of political science, said he was a great leader.
Donald R. McCoy, director of correspondence study, argued he wasn't a leader, but a "heel" dragger."
J. Eldon Fields, professor of political science, said he was a great and complex personality.
Griffin Calls FDR a Liar
Taking the rostrum, Prof Griffin said;
"The only way that one can criticize a man is to compare him with one's own standard.
"Roosevelt was a liar and a cheat. He appeared to be something he was not. This led him to lie."
In 1932, FDR stated he would attempt to balance the budget, but he forgot about it.
"Between 1939 and 1941, Roosevelt claimed his policy was that of keeping the United States out of the war when it is now obvious that he intended to get the United States into the war.
Did He Really Know?
"During the depression, Roosevelt said he knew what he was doing, but observer after observer has
Retired Faculty Watch Budget
KU staff members who retired before 1951 will have to struggle along on their original $30-$150 per month retirement pay unless $8,779 is restored to the budget, Raymond Nichols, executive secretary of the University, said yesterday.
Editor's note: This is the first in a series on the effects of proposed decreases in taxes, and the new being reviewed by Gov. Ducking and will be sent to the legislature next month.
The governor's budget committee did not recommend to the governor the money which was proposed by the KU administration and screened by the Board of Regents.
Mr. Nichols exolained that 17 faculty members and eight classified (civil service) employees retired before they were eligible for the social security started by the State of Kansas in 1951.
"All they get is what the University pays them on the original regent formula. They get nothing to cover the increased cost of living," he said.
The Board of Regents wants to bring faculty members' retirement pay up to at least $150 a month. At present, some retired faculty members are receiving only $100 a month.
Classified employees are receiving from $75 a month, for a skilled mechanic with 21 years of service, to less than $30 a month, for a laborer with 19 years of service. The Regent's plan is to get these "payments up to $100 a month, varying, of course, with the payment formula.
The regent formula computes retirement payments according to previous salary and years of service at KU.
"These people have had no increase in pay since they retired, and they will not get an increase unless the $8,799 is restored to the budget." Mr. Nichols said.
KU staff members, who retired after 1951 are served, in addition to the University payment. by social security that started at an $85 maximum and increased as living costs rose. At present the maximum is $105.
"We want to protect our retired people and give them somewhere near the same purchasing power as our other retired staff members." Mr. Nichols said.
He explained that every college in Kansas has the same problem—trying to match retired staff members' purchasing power with increased living costs.
pointed out F.D.R.'s mind innocent of economic matter.
"He took the credit for what those under him did, I think it is obvious that Roosevelt's part in shaping the New Deal was small."
Referring to World War II, Prof. Griffin said Roosevelt almost became a barbarian. He said:
F.D.R., a Barbarian
"Roosevelt maintained that he was fighting for the American way God and humanity—but he behaved cruelly. He sanctioned the bombing of civilians and promoted the development of the atomic bomb, both of which were immoral acts."
Prof. Fields argued that Roosevelt was not to blame for immoral acts during war. He stated that Prof Griffin's argument was not too logical. Prof. Fields said:
"I personally doubt that a man who couldn't make up his mind about domestic problems could have been the man who made all the decisions on foreign problems.
"Also, it is difficult to say that a man in uniform is a moral target while a man out of uniform is an immoral target."
Defense of F.D.R.
Prof. Grumm defended Roosevelt.
Prof. Grumm defended Roosevelt. "He was the first president in the history of the United States who tried to carry out his entire political platform," he said.
"Roosevelt tried to balance the budget, but it didn't work so he gave up," Prof. Grumm said.
F.D.R. Took Responsibility
Prof, Grumm said it was true that Roosevelt did take credit for what
those under him did, but that he did this to shoulder the responsibility.
"Whatever we say about Roosevelt," Prof. Grumm said, "we must admit he had the ability to lead and did so."
Prof. McCov said:
"The fact that Foosevelt was an experimenter condemns him, for it is most unfortunate that one would use trial and error when there were facts.
Faith in Unknown System
"During the depression many people did gain confidence from Roosevelt, but apparently they were people who knew no more about the situation than he did.
"People had great faith in Roosevelt's system, but no one knew what it was."
Christmas Vespers Will Be Sunday
The music and arts department will present KU's 34th annual Christmas Vespers at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Hoch Auditorium.
The University Concert Choir and Symphony Orchestra will supply the choral and instrumental Yuletide music.
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