Just the Facts: Book Discussion Recap from May 22

Ten people braved a nasty night to attend the book discussion group. The distant thunder in the background provided a nice touch. Their presence, as always, was much appreciated.

Our book last night was The Woman Behind the New Deal: the life of Frances Perkins, F.D.R.’s secretary of labor and his moral conscience by Kirstin Downey. Frances Perkins was born into a well to do family New England family, was well-educated, and eventually became interested in education and social work. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory tragedy, where 146 young immigrants died in an industrial fire, transformed her. The fire escapes in the factory were inadequate, there was no sprinkler system, and doors were locked to keep people from sneaking out for a break. Frances became involved in fighting for the rights of workers. Under New York governors Al Smith and then Franklin Roosevelt, she campaigned for adequate safeguards in factories, a minimum wage, a limit on the hours, especially children, could work, and many other aspects of working conditions we take for granted today. When F.D.R. appointed her secretary of labor, she took her efforts to a national scale and also helped to create social security, a minimum wage, health insurance, and much more. Our conversation covered the pluses and minuses of a social safety net, Roosevelt’s decision making and management process, Pearl Harbor, 9/11, immigration, Eleanor Roosevelt, and other topics.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 7:00 pm. The book to be discussed, The Monuments Men: Allies heroes, Nazi thieves, and the greatest treasure hunt in history by Robert M. Edsel, is available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome.