Along with the emergence of government by the people, there has developed a middle class, a common denominator to society. With that, a social myth has become a reality, that of the common man.

Indeed, that which is impossible under many forms of government—an average citizen who bears both the brunt and responsibility for social order, becomes the backbone of a democracy.

Perhaps, this average citizen, this common man—is also the forgotten man, forgotten by those who are the recipients of his diligence and constancy, who receive daily aid, instruction, and social services.

Gratitude is not servitude; and it is not demeaning for all of us to express both thanks and praise to this majority, to these wage earners, these taxpayers, these producers.

True, there is nothing glamorous or particularly noteworthy about the common man. The common man usually eats pancakes and eggs for breakfast, leaves for work late, worries about car repairs, house payments, dental work, and children’s report cards. The common man pays taxes, often attends church, goes to parades and movies, raises two to four children and dies at the age of 75.

Much in the life of the common man is commonplace.

All of this is true; but there are other truths, truths which lift the common man from the quaintness of his daily life to the pinnacle of social history and human progress.

For this man and this woman are not only necessary but also sufficient to the success of the greatest and most noble human experiment in the recorded history of mankind: the founding of a republic, a sharing republic, a society where health, education and welfare are guaranteed for all.

It is, after all, the common man who is the end for which all governments and institutions are the means. The greatest good for the greatest number is a social axiom which can only reach fruition when the great numbers of men and women are contributing members of society.

It is to this common man that we owe our praise and our gratitude. Let his be the knowledge that America’s greatness is a product of common people, doing common things, in common ways—but with uncommon faith and consistency.
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April 10, 1983
Broadcast Number 2,799