“ When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread, the community approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the health of the community against the spread of the disease. ”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Quarantine Speech (5 October 1937 ). copy citation
| Author | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
|---|---|
| Source | Quarantine Speech |
| Topic | disease epidemic quarantine |
| Date | 5 October 1937 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://sites.temple.edu/immerman/franklin-d-roosevelts-quarantine-speec... |
Context
“It is true that the moral consciousness of the world must recognize the importance of removing injustices and well-founded grievances; but at the same time it must be aroused to the cardinal necessity of honoring sanctity of treaties, of respecting the rights and liberties of others and of putting an end to acts of international aggression. It seems to be unfortunately true that the epidemic of world lawlessness is spreading. And mark this well: When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread, the community approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the health of the community against the spread of the disease. It is my determination to pursue a policy of peace and to adopt every practicable measure to avoid involvement in war. It ought to be inconceivable that in this modern era, and in the face of experience, any nation could be so foolish and ruthless as to run the risk of plunging the whole world into war by invading and violating, in contravention of solemn treaties, the territory of other nations that have done them no real harm and are too weak to protect themselves adequately.”
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Meaning and analysis
