Staff Reports
Biden’s latest endeavor to establish a national monument in honor of Frances Perkins reflects a rather classic move from the left’s playbook, aimed at rewriting history to align with contemporary political agendas. Perkins, the first woman in a presidential Cabinet and a key figure during FDR’s New Deal, is being resurrected as a labor saint by the current administration. While it’s all well and good to celebrate accomplishments, one can’t help but wonder what’s next: a monument for every historical figure referenced in a leftist speech?
Set to take place in New Castle, Maine—a picturesque town that likely doesn’t mind the extra publicity—Biden’s proclamation will further solidify his self-perceived status as the champion of labor rights. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su’s dramatic remark about hard-fought victories feels a bit theatrical; after all, celebrating Perkins now serves as a convenient distraction from the current administration’s own struggles with inflation and job growth. Just how many of Perkins’ so-called victories still resonate with hardworking American families today?
WATCH LIVE: Biden creates national monument honoring Frances Perkins, 1st woman to serve in Cabinet https://t.co/MRAKMbogrP
— PBS News (@NewsHour) December 16, 2024
During her tenure, Perkins championed various New Deal policies, making her the poster child for government intervention in the economy. Her legacy includes programs like Social Security, minimum wage, and unemployment insurance, which are now often criticized for their unforeseen consequences. It’s amusing that Biden seems eager to overlook the fact that Perkins’ policies are arguably a significant contributor to today’s economic woes. There’s no shortage of irony in honoring a legacy that still stirs the pot of heated debates among economists.
The monument’s centerpiece will be the Perkins Family Home—formerly known as the “Brick House,” which sounds fitting considering the bricks laid on the foundations of today’s complex, often troublesome welfare state. The property is adorned with all the natural beauty of Maine, turning it into a serene vacation spot while perhaps brushing aside the controversial impacts of Perkins’ policies. Visitors might meander through their scenic walking trails, pondering the trials and tribulations brought on by a century-old New Deal.
As Biden wraps up his term, he now appears fixated on ingraining his legacy into history as some sort of labor warrior. A curious strategy indeed, especially when the actual numbers show that far too many Americans are struggling to make ends meet in a country that should be thriving. With the signing of this proclamation, it’s abundantly clear—Biden is not just building a monument; he’s reconstructing a narrative that may leave more questions than answers as the nation moves forward.
