Topic: The New Deal

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Inauguration 2013: 10 highlights from previous second-term addresses

Barack Obama will be the 17th American president to deliver two inaugural addresses. Here are 10 highlights from such speeches by previous two-term presidents, including the shortest one ever.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: 8 great quotes on his birthday

January 30th marks the 130th birthday of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Here are eight great quotes from the eloquent president.
Six things you probably didn't know about Ayn Rand

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The Monitor's View: History as Obama's imperfect guide

Comparisons are made to the Depression and other events, but history has its limits.
Congress returns to an 'intense' opening

There’s impetus to move quickly on the economy though some seats are empty.
Obama weighs a supersized stimulus plan

His team looks ready to spend at least $675 billion on projects to jolt the US economy.
Opinion: A silver lining to the recession

In these tough times, we're finding strength in pulling together.
Last of the Old Guard

Louis Auchincloss’s 65th novel finds relevance in Wall Street attorneys of a bygone era.
Was the New Deal too small?

A lesson from Great Depression, historians say, is that Roosevelt didn't spend enough to jolt economy into recovery.
Obama: Economy is "going to get worse"
Would another Depression make us more creative?
Opinion: FDR saved capitalism – now it's Obama's turn

We have to learn how to curb capitalism's excesses.
New lawmakers vow to renounce partisanship

Party leaders are likely to find congressional freshmen more independent than usual.
'Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt'

H.W. Brands’s new biography on FDR is detailed, insightful, and reads like a novel.
Obama's turnout historical in numbers, diversity

The estimated 136 million Americans who voted are part of a radical transformation of American politics – and not just in terms of ideology and party identification.
Obama’s new political era

Democratic control of Washington brings unity but also new demands.
Obama victory signals new push for unity

Americans elect their first black president and deal a blow to an era of Republican ascendancy.
Which candidate’s plan would best ease the mortgage crisis?

McCain and Obama differ on solutions, which could echo FDR’s during the Great Depression.
Credit crisis overturns free-market ideology

The next president will decide whether the shift away from laissez faire is permanent.
The Monitor's View: Americans turn to Uncle Sam

The US is entering an era of more active government. Can Washington deliver?
Paulson crafts his new role

In essence, Congress is telling him to create his own financial recovery plan.
Congress prepared to work quickly on administration financial rescue plan

Key members call for bipartisan effort after meeting with administration officials.
Democrats’ quest for the ‘big idea’

The party is full of optimism but is still refining its vision.
Despite Alaska's challenges, new farmers take root

The demise of Matanuska Maid Dairy reflects agriculture's decline here. But some niche farms are prospering.
Despite Alaska's challenges, new farmers take root

The demise of Matanuska Maid Dairy reflects agriculture's decline here. But some niche farms are prospering.
"America Eats: On the Road with the WPA"

A writer takes her own journey to update the WPA's guide to America's eating habits.