THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 4, 1996 TAG: 9606040011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 51 lines
I am astonished by columnist Maureen Dowd's ``FDR's splendid deception. . Roosevelt was a cripple.
His handicap was public knowledge from the time he contracted polio while on holiday at the Roosevelt summer home at Portobello, Thousand Islands. His struggles, emotional and physical, his political comeback from the disaster to his health - all these were watched.
It was, I suppose, a source of embarrassment and frustration to him that caused him to do all he could to avoid appearing before the general public other than seated in the ordinary way or well-supported by holding a lectern or being supported by strong aides when standing on his useless legs. When he seemed to be shuffling along he was, so I was told, having his heels kicked alternatively by an aide behind him.
At any rate, this brave man put up a brave front as best he could. But there was at least one photograph published, after his death, showing him pushing himself along in his wheelchair on a walk beside the building.
Consider: The March of Dimes was inaugurated by and associated with Mr. Roosevelt's birthday to finance research into and treatment for polio. I recall Mrs. Roosevelt speaking on a newsreel in support of one of the annual campaigns. She had words of praise for what was being done at Warm Springs, Ga., where the president enjoyed the waters and swam and occupied his cottage, but cautioned us not to suppose the campaign was only to support Warm Springs, fine as it was, but generally in support of the battle against polio.
I remember FDR slowly moving into his box at the National Theater in Washington for a performance of ``Life With Father,'' supported on both sides and being very careful of himself. Once seated, he appeared normal.
But to speak of ``normal'' regarding his strength above the waist is a gross underestimate. He was an immensely powerful man, a strong swimmer. There is a story of him enjoying rough-housing with two of his sons (all of the Roosevelts were very big men), seated on his White House bed, and actually hoisting them up above his shoulders with his powerful arms.
Finally, this should put an end to any idea that we knew little if anything on his affliction. When Mr. Roosevelt returned from the Yalta Conference, he addressed the Congress to report on it - March 1945, shortly before his death April 12. The newsreels showed the president seated at a table in the House chamber. He opened his remarks by saying something to the effect that he preferred speaking in that seated position rather then standing with ``10 pounds of steel on my legs.'' The remark drew affectionate and friendly applause.
Where is the deception?
MILTON N. ADAMS
Virginia Beach, May 10, 1996 by CNB