In the context of this anemic recovery, President Obama raised the issues of economic inequality and mobility. These are real issues. Indeed, the JEC Republican staff has conducted extensive research on economic inequality and mobility that is available on the JEC’s website. We are not all blessed with equal desires and talents. Therefore, we should not expect equal outcomes. In America, however, everyone should have an equal chance to climb the ladder of success—driven upward by his or her initiative—and to achieve his or her American dream. What role should Washington play in addressing economic inequality and mobility? President Abraham Lincoln—perhaps the greatest “equalizer” to inhabit the White House—provided the answer.

In his message to Congress on July 4, 1861, he made clear that the proper role of government in promoting economic opportunity is “to elevate the condition of men - to lift artificial weights from all shoulders - to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all - to afford all, an unfettered start and a fair chance, in the race of life."

 

See Chairman Brady's full speech attached below in pdf format: